What makes the Jagdterrier Unique?
A typical appearance of a Jagdterrier is black and tan, with the tan being more of a rust colour on the muzzle and undercarriage. It can also be chocolate or liver brown with white markings although the white markings and the chocolate colouring should be avoided in breeding programs along with a brown nose.
Due to their intelligence and adaptability, Jagdterriers can make good pets, but it should be remembered that they are primarily a hunting dog with a strong prey drive.
Breed Groups
Page Contents
SnapShot
Is the Jagdterrier Right For You?
Jagdterriers were developed to be all round hunting dogs. Though often used for quarry that dens underground, especially badger, fox, and raccoon dog, Jagdterriers are also used to drive wild boar and rabbits out of thickets, and to blood track wounded animals, such as deer. Due to their intelligence and adaptability, Jagdterriers can make good pets, but it should be remembered that they are primarily a hunting dog with a strong prey drive.
Jagdterriers are friendly to people in general, with enough wariness toward strangers to make them capable, sharp watch dogs. These dogs are affectionate and playful with children. As with any dog breed, young children should not be left alone with them and older children should be taught to respect their dog’s boundaries. Jagdterriers may be dog aggressive and, like most Terriers, are not to be trusted with small pets.
In 5 Words
- Reliable
- Adaptable
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Sociable
Characteristics
Learn About the Jagdterrier
Description
General Description
The Deutscher Jagdterrier is a smallish sized dog, compact and well-proportioned, with an almost square shape. These athletic dogs have a lively demeanor; when at rest they display a regal bearing. The Jagdterrier’s height, measured from ground to withers, should be no less than 13 inches and no more than 16 inches. The ideal weight for these working dogs is 20 to 22 pounds for the males and 16.5 to 18.7 pounds for Jagdterrier females. Several proportions are important in the standard for this breed. The circumference of the dog’s chest should be 4 o 8 inches more than the dog’s height. The depth of the chest is 55 to 60% of the height of the Jagdterrier. The dog’s body is just barely longer than the height. Deutscher Jagdterriers’ thick skin is tight, without folds. They have thick coats that protect them from briars, cold, and dampness. Their dense hair should be hard and rough or coarse and smooth. Coat colors may be black, dark brown, grayish black, with clearly defined yellow-red (fawn) markings on their eyebrows, muzzle, chest, legs, and base of the tail. A light or dark mask is acceptable. Small, white markings on their toes and chest are allowed.
Short History of the Jagdterrier
The German Hunt Terrier (German Jagdterrier, Deutscher Jagdterrier, Jagdterrier) is a comparatively young breed, having been developed only since the turn of the 20th century. The breed was developed in Germany as a functional hunting dog, and is used there on a wide variety of game, including wild boar, badger, fox and weasel. Imports into the United States and Canada have also been used by sportsmen as tree dogs, primarily for raccoon and squirrel.
Temperament
Jagdterriers were developed to be all round hunting dogs. Though often used for quarry that dens underground, especially badger, fox, and raccoon dog, Jagdterriers are also used to drive wild boar and rabbits out of thickets, and to blood track wounded animals, such as deer. Due to their intelligence and adaptability, Jagdterriers can make good pets, but it should be remembered that they are primarily a hunting dog with a strong prey drive.
Caring for Your Jagdterrier
General Health
Jagdterriers are hardy and robust dogs, who have a lifespan of between thirteen and fifteen years, approximately. They may be prone to a genetic breed disorder known as Primary Lens Luxation, or PLL. Symptoms usually appear when the dog is between three and eight years of age. PLL is a painful hereditary condition that leads to blindness.
Grooming & Bathing
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Exercise & Training
This breed needs a great deal of exercise. When not out on the hunt it needs to be taken on a daily long walk or jog where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. These dogs were bred to be hardworking hunting and sporting dogs and need a job to do. Not for the laid-back person.