In Germany, the Wachtelhund is classified as a versatile forest dog bred for finding sparse game over harsh conditions such as mountains, ice and snow. They are basically flushers and will sometimes flash point, but are noted for going in for the kill. They make excellent bird dogs, but will also work fur game. They hunt with a high nose, scenting air scents as a pointer when game is far away, and will put their nose to the ground to follow foot scent, as a hound when game is close. Unlike hounds they can be called off a trail and will return to their master. They naturally hunt in an arc pattern before the hunter bringing the game back before the hunter. They excel at water work, retrieving, and trailing game; they are aggressive in the hunt, but they are also a loyal and great family dog, and friendly with people. They do best living in the home.
Wachtelhunds originated in Germany where they are still owned and sold almost exclusively to foresters and professional hunters. The average German citizen does not even know the Wachtelhund exists. The Germans classify the Wachtelhund as a Stoberhund, hund meaning -- dog. In English stober translates to -- rummage about (if you think about it most dogs started hunting in this manner.) The Germans classify all other flushers as Spaniels and separate from the Stober dog category.
The Stober dog goes back hundreds of years in German history and was used to create the Wachtelhund and various other pointer breeds coming out of Germany. Prior to the German revolution in the 1600s, Royalty and Lords owned all the game and could afford kennels and dog handlers. They developed from hounds and Stobers other specialists, pointers, flushers, and hounds; much like we have done today with most hunting breeds. After the revolution the German commoner could hunt, but could not afford to maintain a kennel of specialist dogs. So the Germans developed versatile hunting dogs. Today the Wachtelhund is called a versatile forest dog and is the only dog remaining in the Stober category.
* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The Deutscher Wachtelhund of America, and is gratefully used here with permission.
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