Let's talk Jagdterriers
If their very cool name doesn’t draw you in, the well-balanced temperament of the Jagdterrier will. This compact German hunting breed is a super enthusiastic dog, with a robust body and a brave outlook, both of which they carry forth into everything they do. The Jagdterrier is known to be cooperative when it comes to taking commands, both in puppyhood and into their later years, too. They enjoy being around their humans and will readily settle into life on the homefront, whether in a rural or urban setting.
Official name: Jagdterrier
Other names: German Jagdterrier, German Hunt Terrier, German Hunting Terrier
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies: |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: | |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets: |  |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
33 - 40 cm
Height
9 - 10 kg
Weight
Female
33 - 40 cm
Height
7.5 - 8.5 kg
Weight
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 10 months |
| Adult age: | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age: | 8 to 12 years |
| Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Get to know the Jagdterrier
All you need to know about the breed
Vivacious and lively, the Jagdterrier dog has a zest for life, and then some. This is a breed that’s known for their smarts as well as their bravery—a great combination when it comes to a working dog that doesn’t always know when to quit.
The Jagdterrier was bred in Germany as a hunter (their name literally translates from the German as “hunt terrier”) used to flush out smaller game underground. It was their grit and determination – typical to terriers – that made the Jagdterrier good at it, and kept the breed a favourite over the years.
That rough-and-ready manner is a welcome trait when it comes to their ability to roll with it, too. The Jagdterrier can adapt to living in a city apartment or in the country, just as long as they’re by their owner’s side. This is an exceedingly loyal dog who bonds closely to their people.
Sociable and reliable are words often used to describe the breed, as are the three “a’s”: Alert, athletic, and active—and maybe even a fourth, a super affable manner. The Jagdterrier also boasts a get-down-to-canine-business approach, with feistiness, above all, as their winning attribute.
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2 facts about Jagdterriers
1. Drive and determination
The Jagdterrier has so many great qualities but one that should be top of mind is their high prey drive. This is a dog that’s used to chasing—and likes to. Take caution with other furry friends at home, and watch interactions to keep everyone safe.
2. Let me count the ways
As a very high-energy and lively dog, the Jagdterrier requires a good dose of exercise—and enjoys doing it. There’s almost no activity they don’t take to, from chasing a ball inside to swimming, hiking, or catching flying discs to formal competitions of rally or agility—if it involves running and leaping, please, bring it on.
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History of the breed
Germany has produced strong and stalwart dog breeds over the years and the Jagdterrier is one. Although not as celebrated as a few of their compatriots, the small but mighty Jagdterrier was bred just after World War II by a group of men who wished to develop a spirited breed who was tenacious, versatile, obedient, and loved water, the kind of dog who would work well when out in the field, no matter the conditions.
They selected black and tan Fox Terriers obtained from a local zoo director to fashion an entirely new breed. The Jagdterrier was born, and the resulting dog’s scrappy manner proved perfect for the task they were originally bred for.
In just over a century, the Jagdterrier breed has become quite popular in their home country as well as worldwide. The German Hunting Terrier Club was started in 1926 and the breed was then recognised by the United Kennel Club in 1993.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Jagdterriers
1. Ears
Somewhat small, triangular ears, resting at side of head.
2. Body
Compact and firm body, all muscle.
3. Coat
Coat is either short and hard, or coarse and wiry, nearly always black and chestnut with grey, red, or yellow markings.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Jagdterrier
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Caring for your Jagdterrier
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Jagdterrier has either a hard and sleek, close-lying coat or a short-haired, coarse one. Grooming both is a fairly straightforward task, with a weekly brushing being sufficient. Bathe them only when necessary. Brush their teeth regularly—daily if you can get away with it. Nails should be trimmed and ears cleaned routinely.
Exercise for your Jagdterrier is high on the list of routine tasks as well. This is a high-energy breed so they will need at least three hours of walks or playtime each day. An enclosed garden is best for the Jagdterrier – with a fence that’s buried deep – since the dog, in typical terrier fashion, can also dig deep and may do so to take off in pursuit of a smaller furry friend.
Train your Jagdterrier from an early age to get a jump on that gritty temperament. Their rustic roots make the Jagdterrier a very adaptable dog, with high intelligence which helps them to learn quickly. The terrier in them always needs an energetic outlet, which is just more Jagdterrier to enjoy.
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All about Jagdterriers
This highly active dog is a superb companion for an equally active owner. They have energy to burn, but can adapt to both urban and rural environments, as long as there’s room to run their compact bodies. The Jagdterrier is also great around children, once trained. They tend to be assertive around other pets so train them early for the best behaviour possible.
Terriers embody a determination and independence unique to this type of dog. Small and very muscled, they have been bred over the years to dig. Years of conditioning mean terriers will dig, and want to roam, but they’ll also benefit from training on the rules of the homefront as they apply.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/