Alaskan Husky vs German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund)

Alaskan Husky vs German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund): full comparison

Size and living space

The Alaskan Husky is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Alaskan Husky is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Alaskan Husky needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Alaskan Husky trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and gets on with children when raised around them. The German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Alaskan Husky is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, Alaskan Husky has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
• For families with young children, Alaskan Husky has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
• For first-time dog owners, German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• For being left alone during the workday, Alaskan Husky has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
• For allergy sufferers, German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Alaskan Husky if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want less shedding around the home.

Related guides