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Home > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Jagdterrier Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Jagdterrier Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Jagdterrier_Oksamutnaya_Shutterstock

If you can’t tell by its name, the Jagdterrier was first bred in the early 20th century in Germany. These dogs were made for hunting and sport, so they thrive when they have something to do. As very active dogs, they will make wonderful pets for active owners who love to go out on daily walks or runs.

Breed Overview

Height

13-16 inches

Weight

17-22 pounds

Lifespan

10-12 years

Colors

Brown, black, gray

Suitable for

Single-dog households, active families, homes with a backyard

Temperament

Intelligent, courageous, social, reliable

However, these dogs are not for everyone. Keep reading our guide to learn more about the Jagdterrier and whether or not this breed is right for you and your family!

Jagdterrier Characteristics

Energy:
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability:
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health:
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan:
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Sociability:
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Jagdterrier Puppies

jagdterrier puppy in males hand
Image By: Ksenia Merenkova, Shutterstock

If you are hoping to buy a Jagdterrier puppy, you should be prepared to pay a fairly high price. When looking for a breeder that breeds Jagdterriers, make sure to do your research to find a reputable seller. Unfortunately, puppy mills, so-called backyard breeders, and even pet stores often value profit over the health and well-being of their animals. Don’t be afraid to ask your breeder questions. You can also ask to visit the breeding facility and meet your future dog’s parents. If the breeder refuses, that may be a red flag.

When you bring a Jagdterrier home, be ready to have a loyal dog by your side. They’re quite energetic and will need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. They need lots of open space to be able to run around which might not make them the best fit for people living in apartments or without a backyard. Keep reading their full care guide to know what type of care they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs.

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Jagdterrier

Jagdterriers are generally known for being sociable, intelligent, and playful animals. They bond very closely with their owners and tend to be eager to please, making training fairly easy. However, they aren’t always so kind to strangers. Their wariness toward strangers makes them excellent watchdogs, but it can be tiresome for owners who don’t know how to control their dogs. The Jagdterrier is a big barker, so if you want to make sure your dog stays quiet when guests come to visit, you will need to work on this behavior in training.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

In general, the Jagdterrier is a good choice for families with children. These high-energy dogs love to play and can make wonderful companions for older kids. It’s important to note that while these dogs are fairly small, they are very high-strung creatures. They may not be the best match for small children, as they could accidentally knock over or otherwise harm your children in excitement. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your children and pets when they are playing together.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

While the Jagdterrier is fairly good with older children, it is not necessarily a good dog to bring home if you have other pets—especially other dogs. Jagdterriers tend to be territorial and sometimes aggressive with other dogs, especially if they have not been properly socialized. As always, it is important to socialize your pets from a young age. Your Jagdterrier is more likely to get along with your other pets if they have grown up together, but there is no guarantee that its territorial nature won’t still come out.

Additionally, as a hunting dog, the Jagdterrier has a fairly high prey drive and is likely to be tempted to chase any small animals you may have, whether they are rodents, rabbits, or cats. Overall, it’s not impossible to get your Jagdterrier to get along with your other animals, but you may be better off with a single-pet household if you decide to bring home one of these dogs.

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Things to Know When Owning a Jagdterrier:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Make sure to choose high-quality food made with whole ingredients for your Jagdterrier. Always check the ingredients list and make sure the first five ingredients consist of foods you have heard of, not fillers or preservatives. You should also make sure to take your Jagdterrier’s age and activity level into account when purchasing dog food. You can use charts such as this one to estimate how much food your dog needs to eat on a daily basis, but if you want to discuss your dog’s specific needs, talk to your veterinarian.

Exercise 🐕

If you were hoping for a dog that will sit next to you on the couch all day, the Jagdterrier is not the breed for you. Jagdterriers are very high energy dogs that require a large amount of exercise on a daily basis. Aim to take your dog on several walks a day. You can also supplement your Jagdterrier’s walks by letting them run around in a fenced-in yard or taking them to a dog park. However, as discussed, these dogs don’t always get along well with other dogs, so if you choose the latter option, you should keep a close eye on your pup. Because of their high energy levels, apartment living is not recommended for this breed.

Training 🎾

Jagdterriers are very intelligent animals that usually respond very positively to training. When training your Jagdterrier, it’s important to keep sessions short and exciting while offering plenty of positive reinforcement. You should make sure to socialize your Jagdterrier with other dogs from an early age, as these pups have a tendency to behave aggressively with others. If you are a new dog owner and feel uncomfortable or unknowledgeable about training your dog, it could be worth the extra money to bring your Jagdterrier to a professional trainer.

Grooming ✂️

Jagdterriers should be brushed about once per week to keep its coat looking healthy and shiny and prevent too much shedding. In addition to brushing, you should bathe your dog every so often, but avoid making it a regular habit as it can strip your Jagdterrier’s coat of important oils. Don’t forget to trim its nails, brush its teeth, and check its ears regularly for wax buildup, which can lead to infection if left unchecked.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Most Jagdterriers are very healthy dogs. However, like most breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that you should be aware of. Below, we have outlined both serious and minor health conditions that your Jagdterrier may be prone to.

Serious Conditions
  • Primary lens luxation
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Minor Conditions
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma

Male vs Female

Regardless of sex or breed, there is no way to know whether a particular dog will be a good fit for you and your family without spending some time with it first. However, there are some notable behavioral and physical differences between male and female Jagdterriers that you should know about before making your final decision.

It’s important to note that all Jagdterriers are very active dogs, but males will be more active than females. Males also tend to be more cuddly and playful pets, but they can be more territorial and are less likely to get along with other dogs than their female counterparts. On the other hand, females are often more independent and intelligent than males.

Males and females each have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important for you to think about the traits that are most important to you in a dog before you decide which sex is right for your family.

divider-paw3 Little-Known Facts About the Jagdterrier

1. The Jagdterrier was first bred in Germany following World War I.

The breed was started by mixing Black and Tan Hunting Terriers with Old English Fox Terriers.


2. The Jagdterrier is not eligible for registration by the American Kennel Club, but in 2014 it was accepted to its Foundation Stock Service.

The purpose of the Foundation Stock Service is to allow purebred breeds like the Jagdterrier to continue developing with the help of a reputable organization in which to keep their breeding records.


3. Though it begins with a “j,” the word Jagdterrier is pronounced “Yackterrier.”

In German, the letter “j” is usually pronounced like the English letter “y.”

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Final Thoughts

Overall, Jagdterriers can make excellent pets, but they are not for everyone. Seniors are likely to find that the Jagdterrier’s energy level is too much for them to keep up with. They are also not great dogs for those living in an apartment or those without access to a fenced-in yard, as they need to run around quite a bit on a daily basis. However, Jagdterriers are perfect for anyone looking for a watchdog or a dog that can compete in dog shows and competitions. They are also very well suited for active families and even families with older children. At the end of the day, only you can decide if this breed is right for you!


Featured Image Credit: Oksamutnaya, Shutterstock

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