Deutscher Wachtelhund Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is moderately broad, and flat on top. The occiput is not prominent. The head exhibits good bone and substance, with well-developed masseter and temporalis muscles, giving the head breadth and depth. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to lemon-shaped, amber, or brown to dark brown (preferred) in color. They are set slightly obliquely. The eye rims are well fitted and well pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Moderate in size and set fairly high on the head, slightly above the level of the eyes. The tips of the leathers extend approximately or almost to the nose. They are drop with rounded tips and hang close to the head.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad throughout, tapering just slightly towards a somewhat rounded end. The muzzle is never pointed. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. Upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak. The muzzle is powerful enough to sufficiently retrieve game all day long.

Nose: The nose is broad and well pigmented liver or flesh-toned, according to the coat. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage, it is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Somewhat compact, deep, and of sufficient substance to allow for stamina, endurance, and agility. The body is never racy, refined, heavy, or cloddy. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Well-webbed for swimming.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup, but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, typically at approximately the level of the topline or slightly upwards, but never tucked or carried up over the back. Tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short. Natural tails are of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails are customarily surgically cut to 1/3 of the original length.

Movement: Effortless, energetic, efficient, active, and merry, the characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: A true working dog, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is defined by his “boundless enthusiasm,” friendly and docile nature, seemingly endless energy reserve, and strong desire to hunt. These dogs are very people-oriented, being friendly, intelligent, and sociable with other dogs and people. They are also highly intelligent, taking on most training tasks with enthusiasm. Because of their high degree of energy and drive, daily exercise is a requirement to curb behavioral issues that may crop up. They are happiest in a home that allows them ample room for running and plenty of mental and sensory exercise. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.