
Jagdterrier
- Small
- Foundation Stock Service
The Jagdterrier is a small, compact German hunting dog bred to work underground and flush game. Courageous and intelligent, this hardworking terrier carries a deep prey drive and a loyal heart at home.
- Height
- 13 to 16
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 17 to 22
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12
- years, median 11
- Senior from
- 8.2
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Intelligent, courageous, hardworking
- Coat
- Rough, Smooth, Wiry, short
- Origin
- Germany
The Jagdterrier is a versatile German hunting dog whose name means "hunt terrier" (pronounced "yack-terrier"). The breed traces back to early 20th-century Germany, where it was developed to work underground and as a flushing dog.
The Jagdterrier is small, compact, and muscular, typically weighing 17 to 22 pounds and standing 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder. The dense coat runs either hard and rough or coarse and smooth. It is usually black and tan, though it can also be dark brown or grayish-black, with tan markings on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest, legs, and the base of the tail. Small white markings sometimes appear on the chest and toes.
Confident, courageous, and determined, Jagdterriers carry a high prey drive and stay highly motivated when hunting and tracking. They are loyal and affectionate with their family but are often reserved and wary of strangers. This breed suits experienced pet parents who can handle a willful personality and provide structure and boundaries.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children3 out of 5
- Good with other dogs3 out of 5
- Openness to strangers3 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature4 out of 5
- Adaptability3 out of 5
- Trainability3 out of 5
- Energy level3 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level1 out of 5
- Shedding2 out of 5
- Grooming frequency1 out of 5
- Drooling1 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Jagdterrier does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Choose a food formulated for your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Some dogs gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and keep clean, fresh water available at all times.
Build a feeding routine around your dog's age and activity level:
- Adults generally thrive on two meals a day, which keeps energy steady and prevents overeating.
- Puppies may need three to four smaller meals to support growth and help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
How much your dog should eat depends on age, weight, activity level, and health. Your food's packaging should include a feeding guide with portion sizes; use it as a starting point, then ask your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Treats help with training, but too many can lead to weight gain, so feed them in moderation. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Your veterinarian may recommend a supplement depending on your dog's health needs, so never give one without speaking with your vet first.
Grooming
Grooming the Jagdterrier stays low-maintenance. Brush the coat about once a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair, then add the occasional bath to keep it clean. Grooming can also be a good bonding session for you and your dog. Professional grooming isn't typically needed, though occasional trimming around sensitive areas like the ears and paws helps keep things tidy.
Check the ears regularly for wax and debris, and watch for redness or unusual odor, which can signal an ear infection. The strong, fast-growing nails need regular trimming with a clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Brush the teeth regularly as well.
Jagdterriers usually need no special skin care. Watch for irritation, dryness, or other skin changes, and talk to your vet if you notice any.
Exercise
Jagdterriers have high energy and need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. An active family that enjoys hiking or jogging suits them well. Without enough activity, these dogs can grow bored or destructive, so a home with ample exercise and mental stimulation is essential.
Outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls and flying discs, dock diving, or tracking game give their drive a good outlet. They also excel in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. Exercise can happen indoors too, through hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks, which helps on bad-weather days.
Jagdterriers love exploring their environment, driven by a curious nature, and as terriers they carry a natural instinct to dig and chase whatever catches their eye. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated and well exercised helps channel that drive and prevent unwanted behaviors.
Training
Jagdterriers are intelligent, hardworking dogs that thrive with a job to focus on. They can be affectionate with family but are often more reserved around strangers, which makes early socialization essential. Well-socialized Jagdterriers can be good with children and other pets given proper introductions.
Their hunting history and strong prey drive make them a questionable choice for homes with small animals. Jagdterriers respond to positive reinforcement. Use treats, toys, and praise when your dog follows your cues, and do not overfeed treats.
Teach recall in particular, given the high prey drive. Always keep your Jagdterrier within a fenced yard or on a leash outside to stop them from running after smaller animals. Use early socialization, mental stimulation, and regular exercise to build confident, well-behaved behavior.
Health conditions
5 conditions are documented for the Jagdterrier.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- AllergiesImmune System
- Heart DiseaseHeart
- Hip DysplasiaBone & Joint
- HypothyroidismHormonal
- Primary Lens LuxationEye
Sources
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