Judy Taylor
One thing should be clear from the start. A German Jagdterrier is not a lap dog. It was originally bred as a hunting dog and is still used as such today.
Overview of the German Jagdterrier
Nothing is more important to the German Jagdterrier than having a real job, a job. Nevertheless, the hard-working and athletic four-legged friend can also become a wonderful family dog if you train it carefully and with a lot of patience. Dealing with small children, in particular, must be practiced extensively.
In order to satisfy their inbred instincts, the German Jagdterrier needs a lot of exercise and attention. He needs to feel useful and should therefore be given some work to do every day. Long walks are a must so he can hunt and track prey, if only figuratively. He loves to swim and is therefore very happy when he is allowed to fish something out of the water. But he is also happy when he gets something to fetch or carry. He is almost blissful when you give him the impression that only he can solve this task. If you want to give your German Jagdterrier a very special treat, set tracks for him because he has an extremely fine nose and is perfectly equipped for scent work.
Although neutral towards strangers, the feisty Jagdterrier is a good watchdog because he is essentially always on the alert. However, you should not leave him in the garden unsupervised, as his hunting instincts can awaken at any time. Consistent training is particularly important for this breed.
Optical Impression
The German Jagdterrier is 33 to 40 centimeters tall and weighs a maximum of 9 kilograms. Its fur is usually short and smooth. The coat color is black, gray, or tan with tan, reddish, or white markings.
The Care of the German Jagdterrier
The short coat of the German Jagdterrier is very easy to care for. An occasional brushing is sufficient.
History and Development
The German Jagdterrier was not bred until after the First World War and is therefore considered a modern breed of dog. Focused solely on performance (and not on visual characteristics), the dogs were bred as hunters of wild boar, fox, badger, and weasel as well as waterfowl. Even today, this breed is very often used for hunting.
