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German Spaniel

Loved by 80% of pet parents

Energetic, loyal, and eager to please, this breed thrives on companionship and outdoor adventures. Their keen nose and friendly nature make them excellent family and hunting partners.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

48–54 cm (male)

45–52 cm (female)

WEIGHT

18–25 kg (male)

16–22 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–14 years

German Spaniel: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A German Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding German Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The German Spaniel is typically even-tempered, loyal, and friendly, forming strong bonds with family members and displaying a cooperative, social nature. This breed is also known for its adaptability.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Generally sociable and gentle with people and pets

Intelligence

Quick to learn and eager to please

Energy Level

Very active, needs lots of exercise

Playfulness

Enjoys interactive play and activities

Adaptability

Adjusts moderately to new environments

Strengths

Excellent scenting ability for tracking game
Highly trainable and eager to please
Loyal and affectionate with family members
Good stamina for long outdoor activities
Adaptable to various hunting environments

Challenges

Needs ample daily exercise to prevent restlessness
Can be reserved with strangers without early socialization
Strong prey drive may challenge small pets
Requires regular grooming due to dense coat
May bark excessively if under-stimulated

Protect your German Spaniel

German Spaniel are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

German Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

German Spaniels are intelligent and quick learners, often responding well to positive, consistent training. They require firm, patient guidance and may excel in hunting, tracking, and advanced obedience tasks.

Trainable Tasks:

Retrieving game from water

Flushing birds from cover

Tracking wounded game

Scent discrimination training

Recall under distraction

Heelwork on and off leash

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has high energy and requires daily vigorous exercise, such as long walks, fieldwork, or play. Mental stimulation is also important to prevent boredom and maintain well-being.

Recommended Activities:

Field trials participation

Upland game hunting

Swimming and water play

Nosework scent games

Long walks in nature

Agility course sessions

Is this breed right for you?

German Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a German Spaniel would fit well in your home.