At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 18-25 kg for males; females slightly lighter.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wavy, dense with undercoat
A strong, medium-sized flushing dog with a close, mostly wavy coat (sometimes curly or flat), a thick undercoat and good feathering on the legs and tail.12
Personality what they are like
A lively, passionate hunter that is friendly, self-assured and very biddable. It adapts well and is neither nervous nor aggressive.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred for woodland hunting in thick cover and water, so it needs a lot of daily exercise and nose work.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly and check the feathering and ears after outings in brush or water.1
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with hunters or very active outdoor owners who can give it field and water work.12
Company who they like around
A cooperative, people-focused dog that works closely with its handler.1
The story where it all began
It descends from the old German Stöberer, a flushing dog used for centuries. Around 1890 Frederick Roberth began crossing Stöberer dogs with water dogs and spaniels, and the breed club was founded when the breed was recognised in 1903.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 104, Group 8, Section 2 (Flushing Dogs), with working trial; standard published 24 Jul 19961
- UKC
- Recognised 1996, Gun Dog Group2
- VDH
- National breed standard2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my German Spaniel, and at what times?
Feeding frequency depends on your dog's age. Adult German Spaniels should have at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a German Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw dough. Always keep these out of reach.4
How often should I bathe a German Spaniel?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a German Spaniel need brushing?
Brush your German Spaniel weekly to keep its wavy coat and feathering in good condition. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 2 days for extra care, especially after outdoor adventures.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a German Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a German Spaniel need?
This breed needs a lot of daily exercise and nose work, as it was bred for woodland hunting. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and playtime, plus opportunities to use its natural hunting instincts.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a German Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them after swimming or baths, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.15 Furry Diary plan
How long does a German Spaniel live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care. For a reliable estimate, ask your breeder or vet, as this information isn't specified in our sources.
Is a German Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, the German Spaniel is friendly, self-assured, and not aggressive, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It's a cooperative, people-focused dog that enjoys family life.1
Can a German Spaniel be left alone?
This breed is very people-focused and works closely with its handler, so it may struggle with long periods alone. It adapts well, but it's happiest with active owners who can give it plenty of company and outdoor time.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 104 Deutscher Wachtelhund fci.beused for classification, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- German Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, UKC recognition, facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.