The German Hunting Terrier, also known as Jagd Terrier, is considered as one of the most clever and industrious breeds of terriers. This young breed, having been developed just in the early 20th century, has been named such because of its great hunting abilities, compared with other dog breeds.

The development of this breed was purposive such that a functional dog breed would be available as companion for those who are into hunting trips. Although a regal breed in terms of hunting, this breed can also be used as a pet but be sure to involve your pet in activities where it could combust and make use of its energy and strength. However, with its intelligence in marauding and seeking for preys, it is widely used as hunting dogs not as pets.

A fairly small dog breed, the German Hunting Terrier stands at about 16 inches and weighs more or less 20 pounds. Though small in its size, the entire physique of this breed is strong and powerful. This well-built torso and legs of the German Hunting Terrier makes it a good hunting dog. Its being a versatile breed makes it able to perform hunting even in shallow waters. Its coat, which resembles that of a Dobermann, may range from black to dark brown with a touch of tan color.

The Jagd Terrier is a tough and energetic breed and is always up to some hunting experience such as chasing for wild boars, badgers and foxes. Its flair on hunting, however, does not make it a hostile breed. In fact, it is a generally friendly to people. The German Hunting Terrier is generally devoted to only one master, which makes it loyal and dedicated to his owner.

Appearance

The Jagd Terrier is a relatively small dog breed standing at about 16 inches and weighing about 20-25 pounds. Although small in size, its hunting skills in undeniably great and incomparably versatile. Its prominent characteristic is its round and medium length muzzle and small ears which are folded above the head. The small, vigilant and intelligent eyes clearly show their expressions and feelings which make them easily understood.

The dog’s narrow chest and sunken tummy makes it smaller compared with other dog breeds but adds up to its perkiness and agility. This breed also has a well-arched ribs and long and straight back. Aside from that, it has muscular loin and croup which supports its hind quarters’ perfect angulation. Its muscular and rigid legs are also pronounced and important in its hunting dexterity. The dog’s tail is usually docked and relatively long which makes it easy for the owners to pull them out of dens.

Its thin but strong legs similar to the shape of that of a rabbit’s is helpful most especially in hunting. Most German Hunting Terriers have sleek black coat with a slight tan in it makes it similar to that of a Doberman. The coat’s thickness and volume, which may either be harsh or smooth is important in hunting because it lessens the possible wounds and scars they might acquire from thorny bushes and plants.

Markings may be found on several parts of the terrier’s body such as the eyebrows, muzzles, chest, legs and base of tail.

Personality

A German Hunting Terrier is bred to be used for hunting and sporty activities, not as pets inside the house. Although the dog is generally people-friendly, the dog’s full functionality can be utilized when in hunting and in outdoor activities rather than inside the house of their masters. Its intelligence in hunting and determination should be utilized in activities where it could burn its energy and make use of its strength.

A German Hunting Terrier is also devoted to only one master which does not make it good as a family pet because it only keeps its loyalty to a single person. This breed’s emotions and temperament are easily understood because of its deep set, intelligent and expressive eyes.

Care

Caring for a German Hunting Terrier is not that intricate. Because of its not so voluminous coat, grooming the dog is easy. The dog’s coat should be brushed once a week to keep it free from dead hairs and keep their hair shiny. Aside from simple grooming, what this breed needs is constant exercise. If possible, you should allow it almost a few hours each day to run around unleashed because of its combustible energy.

Jagd terriers, when kept inside the house for quite long become anxious and restless because they need to be engaged in strenuous activities such as hunting or running freely in the yard. This is the reason why owners of this breed should have a relatively large yard to accommodate the need of their pets. Aside from engaging in energetic activities, this breed also has social needs and in fact needs love and attention, too.

History

This German Hunting Terrier, also known as Jagd terrier (German or Deutscher) has been developed into a new single breed only in the early 20th century. The dog has been developed in Germany, its country of origin, as a breed for many functions and one of which is to accompany hunters and masters in hunting trips. This development of this very intelligent and determined dog has not been that easy and in fact took several years of hardwork and patience of several dog breeders.

It was in the early 20th century when a dog breeding enthusiast Lutz Heck, a German curator of the Berlin Zoo and his brother Heinz Heck convinced the powers of Germany to pursue on their quest to make a breed of the German Hunting Terrier. This was sparked by the ever rising technology in genetic engineering the Germany, and the height of terriers’ popularity in US and Europe in terms of fashion. More than that, the proponents were also in the quest for creating a breed which would compete with other terriers in the dog shows, such as the British and American Fox Terriers.

Because of their fascination with terriers, the Heck brothers presented their proposal to Carl Gruenewald and Walter Zangenbert, famous cynologist and terrier aficionado respectively. Welsh Terriers and Old English Wirehead Terriers were decided to be used as donor of the genes which contain the appearance of terriers. On the other hand, the Black and Tan Hunting dog, from where the Jagd terrier got its natural hunting instinct was from Germany. After several years of hardwork and experimentation, they were able to make what they wanted- a breed which resembles a Patterdale-like appearance but armored with great hunting skills.

Soon after, the German Hunting Terrier Club was founded on 1926 and the new dog breed was welcomed warmly in Germany. In the United States, however, the German Hunting Terrier wasn’t given that much attention compared with Germany because first, Americans have their own dog breeds which are better than the Jagd Terriers, and more than that, they found it hard to give up previous breeds which they make use of.

Nevertheless, the breed of German Hunting Terrier was also brought to America after World War II and in fact, the Jagd Terrier Club of America was made with the purpose of having their breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. The latter did not recognize the said breed and eventually died out due to the aforementioned problems.

As time passed, Jagd Terriers are again starting to spread in the US lands as new breeds are again being imported. However, due to the size of these terriers, they cannot be allowed to do underground works, so they are commonly used in barns.