Jagdterrier
The Jagdterrier, a name meaning "hunting terrier" in German, is a compact and purposeful working dog developed in early twentieth-century Germany.
Breeders crossed the old English Fox Terrier with black and tan hunting terriers to create a versatile working dog capable of both going to ground after fox and badger and hunting above ground.
8-10kg
Weight
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Jagdterrier
Today, the breed remains primarily a working dog across continental Europe. Standing 33–40 cm tall and weighing 8–10 kg, the Jagdterrier is muscular and well-proportioned, with a harsh, dense coat that can be smooth or wire-haired. Most commonly black and tan or dark brown and tan, their compact build belies their considerable drive and determination. The breed's temperament reflects its working origins: Jagdterriers are bold, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to their handlers, but they possess a strong prey drive and high energy levels that demand experienced ownership. They thrive on substantial physical and mental stimulation and require consistent, firm handling. Whilst capable of forming deep bonds with their owners, Jagdterriers are not recommended as first dogs or for purely domestic settings. They are best suited to active, experienced owners or working homes familiar with high-drive terrier breeds. With proper care, they can live 12–14 years.
Jagdterrier at a Glance
- Weight
- 8–10 kg
- Height
- 33–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Typical price
- £400–£800
Jagdterrier Characteristics
The Jagdterrier needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled and responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them, but are fine alone for moderate amounts of time. The coat is fairly easy to maintain with regular brushing and sheds a fair amount but nothing unmanageable. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Jagdterrier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable, with sharp hunting instincts that respond well to direction
- Loyal and affectionate companions who form strong bonds with their families
- Low-maintenance, water-resistant coat that needs very little grooming
- Impressive stamina and agility, perfectly suited to active and outdoor-focused owners
Cons
- An extremely strong prey drive requires careful and consistent management
- Better suited to experienced owners who understand high-drive working breeds
- Needs a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Cannot reliably be trusted around small pets without supervision
