Jagdterrier

The jagdterrier, also known as the Deutscher (meaning German) jagdterrier, is a German hunting dog that loves its job. A high-energy, courageous, and highly trainable pup, this dog’s name literally translates to hunting terrier. 

After World War I, a group of hunters separated from the Fox-Terrier Club to create a breed focused purely on hunting performance, especially for underground prey and felled birds. They cross-bred Old English wirehaired terriers, Welsh terriers, and other breeds to create the jagdterrier. 

Compact, small, and well-proportioned, jagdterriers feature dense coats with black, tan, or dark grayish colorings and markings. These clever dogs are highly social and intelligent, eager to please their masters, and never back away from a challenge. Read on to learn more about the jadgterrier and everything you need to consider before purchasing this breed.

Jagdterrier is pronounced “yack terrier” and means “hunting dog” in Germany, its country of origin.

The Best Dog Food For Jagdterrier

Due to their high-energy natures and exercise requirements, jagdterriers require high-quality dog food with clean, human-grade ingredients. Any diet should be formulated to fit your pup’s age, whether they’re puppies, adults, or senior dogs. Some jagdterriers are prone to gaining weight, so it’s essential to monitor your dog’s consumption habits and insure your pet has frequent opportunities to exercise. Treats can be a valuable tool during training and obedience work, but be stingy: over-treating can lead to your dog becoming overweight. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations for the proper amount of food to to fit your dog’s age, weight, habits, and health conditions.

Of utmost importance, your jagdterrier deserves a diet of clean ingredients formulated to contain high levels of meat-based protein to fit his active lifestyle and meet his nutritional requirements. That’s why the team at A-Z Animals recommends ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Food for your jagdterrier. Their formulation contains 85% premium animal ingredients and features whole-prey components that fit your dog’s hunting needs, all freeze-dried for optimal flavor.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Jagdterrier

Jagdterrier Size and Weight

Female jagdterriers have an average height range of 13 to 15 inches, and males are capable of growing up to 16 inches. Males weigh as much as 22 pounds when fully grown, and female weight average about 20 lbs.

Jagdterrier Common Health Issues

Most jagdterriers are healthy with no serious health concerns. A responsible breeder will be watchful for any genetic disorders and can provide owners with the education they need to take good care of their dogs. One of the most common health issues jagdterriers face is primary lens luxation, which can lead to blindness if not treated. Other health concerns include:

• Cataracts
• Hypothyroidism
• Glaucoma
• Hearing loss

Jagdterrier Temperament

Jagdterriers are exceedingly intelligent dogs that thrive on being employed with a task. They are loyal and affectionate companions whose lively attitudes outsize their small proportions. They love to play with others, whether it’s a game fetch, chase, or agility training, making them ideal playtime partners.

How To Take Care of Jagdterrier 

German hunting dogs are relatively low-maintenance companions for whom regular light grooming and dedicated training will significantly benefit. They are intelligent and eager to please, and as long as they’re properly exercised, jagdterriers make for an ideal family pet.

Maintenance And Grooming

A weekly brushing of his coat along with an occasional bath will keep your jagdterrier looking his best. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth will delay the buildup of plaque and prevent gingivitis. You should periodically check your jagdterrier’s ears for excessive wax or debris, and remove accordingly. Owners should regularly trim these dogs’ fast-growing nails with a nail clipper to avoid overgrowth and allow them to run about carefree, absent the concern of a snagged or broken nail.

Training

Though jagdterries typically prefer to be the sole canine companion, with proper training and socialization, they can learn to get along with fellow dogs and other pets. With short, diverse, and positive training sessions, jagdterriers can learn a whole library of tricks. Fast learners, they can quickly learn house rules and boundaries and love it when their owners provide them with a consistent structure within which to operate.

Due to their hunting instincts, jagdterriers have a powerful prey drive that may lead them to chase and potentially hurt smaller dogs or other pets. Their alert nature and watchfulness make jagdterriers effective guard dogs.

Exercise

Exercise for your jagdterrier can take many forms, from a rousing round of outdoor fetch to a good indoor game of hide-n-seek. Jagdterriers love swimming and hiking with their owners, making them excellent outdoor adventure companions. Jagdterriers also thrive in competitive sports like agility, rally, and obedience training.

Puppies

Jagdterrier puppies require several meals a day and will require regular, consistent outside potty training after every meal and play session. Early socialization and training will go a long way with your pup and encourage them to explore within set boundaries. 

Jagdterrier And Children

Jagdterriers are friendly and energetic and happy to play and interact with children. Older dogs are patient and gentle and can become protective of their children if raised together. Jagdterriers are generally are friendly with new children, but it’s best to supervise playtime with new people and to teach them how to interact with new dogs properly.

Dogs similar to Jagdterrier

The jagdterrier is closely related to several terrier species, including the Australian terrier, the Border terrier, and the dachshund.

• Australian terrier: These terriers are also bred to be working dogs, chasing after predators and mice for their owners.
• Border terrier: Like jagdterriers, these dogs are hunting companions and trained to stalk and retrieve game.
• Dachshund: Their long shape and small legs make these burrowers excellent at following prey underground, just like the Jagdterrier.

Popular Names for Jagdterrier

Popular names for Jagdterrier dogs include:

• Stella
• Luna
• Charlie
• Toby
• Bella
• Max

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