Jagdterrier Dog Breed Info – The Little Powerhouse

The Jagdterrier is a small-sized dog that was originally bred for working purposes in Germany. Also known as a Deutscher Jagdterrier, it is a German dog breed that is also used for hunting quarries.

Fun fact: The Jagdterrier is pronounced as Yack Terrier

As they are working dogs, they prefer to stay and enjoy the outdoors. They belong to the Terrier group and are small in size. But amazingly, they are talented enough to hunt foxes, bobcats, and cougars.

In short, the Jagdterriers are courageous and highly trainable dogs that have an exceptional temperament. When it comes to choosing a dog for under-the-ground hunting, this breed can easily make it into the list of top 10 dogs.

In this article, the Jagdterrier or Deutscher Jagdterrier will be discussed in detail. So, if you are planning to get this intelligent and smart breed, this article is most likely for you.

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Jagdterrier Quick Facts:

Name: Jagdterrier
Other Names: German Gagdterrier, Deutscher Jagdterrier, German Hunt Terrier, German Hunting Terrier
Origin: Germany
Weight: 17 to 22 Pounds
Average Height: 33 to 41 cm
Colors: Black, Dark Brown, Black-and-Grey, Black-and-Tan, Yellow.
Coat: Short and smooth, wiry
Temperament: Active and intelligent
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Best for: Underground hunting
Puppy Price: A purebred puppy will cost you between $300 to $500.

Now, let’s have a detailed overview of the Gagdterrier Dog Breed.

History and Origin of Jagdterrier:

After the first World War, the German hunters decided to develop a local small-sized breed dedicated to hunting. They planned to get rid of the foreign species, so, the first Gagdterrier was developed by mixing Hunting Terriers (related to the Fox Terrier lines) in Germany which was black-and-tan in color along with Old English Wirehaired Terrier and Welsh Terrier.

Being a cross between multiple intelligent breeds, the Gagdterrier is an all-rounder and multi-talented dog breed that is easy to train and loves water. Soon after its successful development and maturity in 1926, the Deuchster Terrier Club or the German Hunting Terrier Club was founded. Also, at that time, this breed gained popularity in Germany because nationalism was rising in the country after World War I.

Temperament and behavior:

As we have already said that the Jagdterrier is an all-rounder dog that was originally developed for hunting purposes.

Because of its intelligence, it can become a good pet but it will need a lot of training and socialization for that. Also, Jagdterriers love to be outdoors most of the time and their exercise needs are very high due to their energy.

Mentioned as courageous and enduring by AKC, a strong check should be kept on them if you are getting them as a pet. They love the company of children, still, you need to take care of them.

The Deutscher Jagdterriers are mostly used to drive raccoon dogs, wild boars, rabbits, foxes, and badgers. They are excellent trackers and are good at tracking wounded animals by their blood. If you are a first-time owner, you are recommended to get some other dog instead of the Jagdterrier.

What’s good and what’s bad about Jagdterriers?

Listed below are the common pros and cons of Jagdterriers.

Pros:

Excellent temperament:

Despite its energy and fearlessness, the Jagdterrier has an exceptional temperament which makes it a graceful breed.

Good overall health:

We can say that the Jagdterriers are among the healthiest breeds on the planet because they have almost no specific health issues. They are still prone to some common dog-related health issues but regular visits to the vet may lower these issues.

Great with Kids:

It does well with kids that is why it is sometimes considered a good pet dog. But as it is known for its prey drive, it is recommended not to have this dog if you already have an infant home.

Less barking dog:

The Jagdterrier won’t bark unless it is hardly needed. In fact, it will only bark during the hunting and prey drive.

Affectionate:

It is highly affectionate and makes a good bond with its owner. If trained well since its puppyhood, it can become an ideal family dog.

Hard-working dog:

The Jagdterrier will never say no to the designated tasks and will always be ready to fulfill its responsibility. It loves to get tasks and do them efficiently.

Cons:

Non-hypoallergenic coat:

They have a moderate shedding coat so they are not the right breed for people with allergies.

Aggressive towards other dogs and animals:

As they are hunting dogs, they won’t do well with other dogs and animals. So, not recommended to have one as a pet if you already have other pets. Also, they’ll prefer to hunt non-canine pets if gets a chance to do so.

Lots of exercises needed:

The Jagdterriers are like a small powerhouse because of their unlimited energy and stamina; therefore, they need lots of exercise and walks daily. For a first-time, inexperienced, or busy owner, they are not an ideal breed to keep.

Health-related issues:

They don’t have many health-related issues but they are prone to a single disease; Primary Lens Luxation, that too because of a genetic disorder.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is a disorder in which the lens in the eye may be dislocated. It is a very painful condition for a dog and the dog may go blind for a lifetime. As the Jagdterriers are prone to this terrible disease, it is recommended to see the vet once every six months to avoid any severe condition.

Also, because of their high energy and activities, they are prone to injuries, so, you need to keep an eye on that too.

Grooming and Maintenance:

The Jadgterriers are moderate shedders and they keep shedding all around the year. As their coats are self-cleaning, it’s very easy to groom them. Luckily you won’t be needing a professional groomer for your pups, instead, a weekly brush would be enough for them.

jagdterrier grooming and bathing

Image credit: espi_ via Flickr

Along with that, their eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly to reduce the chances of an infection. They are self-cleaning dogs and need bathing only when they get into a dirty situation.

Exercise Needs:

They have lots of energy and it is recommended to exercise and walk them for 60 to 90 minutes daily. Daily walks are necessary to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Try to exercise them outdoor in an open area where they can kill their energy. Also, they love sniffing, so a sniffing drive will add some extra joy to their life.

Make sure you don’t exercise them in an area where other pets or animals may have a face-off with your Jagdterrier as it may turn out to be a disaster.

Training and socialization:

They need training and socialization at an early age. They are highly intelligent so they won’t give you a tough time during the training sessions as they pick commands instantly. Sometimes, they may be a bit stubborn but consistency is the key while training them.

Also, make sure that the training sessions are short, exciting, and rewarding. And yes, they love digging, so after getting a Jagdterrier, forget your well-maintained yard.

Jagdterrier Puppies:

A reputable breeder won’t breed them more than once a year because excessive breeding is harmful to them. They normally have 3 to 8 adorable puppies in each litter.

Puppy Price:

A Jagdterrier may cost you between $300 and $500. Try to get a puppy from a well-reputed breeder and ask for health certificates of the puppy, as well as, the parents. Following lab tests are recommended before you get the puppy:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hearing Test
  • Hip X-rays
  • Thyroid test

Reputable Jagdterrier Breeders:

Given below are some of the reputable breeders of this energetic dog.

Pax Mariae located in Örsundsbro, Sweden

Mule Creek Outfitting is located in IOWA, USA

G&KA Jagdterrier is located in Colorado, USA

Top 10 Jagdterrier Names for 2022:

  • Hackles
  • Revolver
  • Hunter
  • Phantom
  • Mini-Hulk
  • Jaggy
  • Sniffer
  • Cruise
  • Stinger
  • Chinook

Final words:

So, friends, it was Jagdterrier, the little powerhouse and one of the most effective hunting dogs. If you are looking to get this dog, first try to find one in a shelter, and if you don’t have any specifications about the breed, then go for any dog which you find from a shelter and think that he should be given a chance to live a happy and healthy life.

Recommended read – Yorkshire Terrier

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