There are several breeds that have to pass working dog tests en route to a championship title, and the German Hunt Terrier, or Jagdterrier (pronounced “Yak-Terrier) is one of them. There is nothing ambiguous about the small and courageous hunting dog developed over eighty years ago by two brothers in Germany. By crossing the original Old English Fox Terrier with the Black and Tan Hunting Terrier, and devoting years of selective, intensive breeding, the men produced a fearless hunter. How fearless? The breed that’s used to tree bears, cougar, lynx, or bobcats, as well as take on wild hogs, weighs no more than 20 pounds.
This isn’t to suggest that the Jagdterrier lacks versatility. He can retrieve, work in water, point out the spore of animals, and be a devoted family companion. At the end of the day, however, it should be remembered that this is primarily a hunting dog with a strong prey drive, and its breeders want to keep it that way. Fawning over people unknown to the dog isn’t a valued trait, and it’s been written that a Jagdterrier who shows the least bit of affection towards a stranger will remain celibate for life.
The breed was introduced to American by breed enthusiast, Max Thiel, who continued to breed Jagdterriers with great success. Sadly, the breed fell out of favor not only because of its German connection during WWII, but few people in the US hunted fox to ground at the time.
Interest in terrier work in the U.S. has seen new lines of Jagdterriers imported to the U.S., but most are used for above-ground or barn work. The Jagdterrier is currently recorded in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.
Image of a Jagdterrier found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information.
Interesting! Are these pack dogs, then? Do they tend to get along with other dogs or do they tend to be dog aggressive or scrappy? How are they with children?
They are said to do well with children, Lynn, but we’d have to do more investigating to answer your other questions.They’re good ones and we’ll start doing some digging.
Fights every thing that moves.had one myself.no fear no defensive all offensive
They are killing machines. Very hard, tough dogs. Dog aggressive, cat killers, only for those with experience with strong hunting terrier. You won’t see this breed in a pet home, agility, or obedience ring. But for hunting, it can’t be beat.
That’s pretty much what we’ve gleaned from our research too, Deb, though many sources we found insisted that they made good pets in the right home. Isn’t that true of all our breeds, though?
I have owned a Jag for 13 years, she is a extremely smart and wonderful companion. Loves car rides, and playing fetch. She loves my children, she sleeps in the bed with my son. She loves and is very protective of my young grandchildren, in fact she cries when my grandchildren come over and she sees them get out of the car. She is great with my other dogs, while they are bigger than her, she is the alpha.
I would not have a cat, or a tiny dog because I do believe she would see it as prey.
Great hunter, tracked a deer when she was 6 months old. There are no chipmunks, squirrels or other wild critters left in my fenced in back yard. A high fence is important, if they get on a scent they are gone. They are quick and very fast runners. Can even climb a 4 foot fence and some trees.
Socialize well and while they are protective and have no fear, they are the best companion ever.
We love hearing from actual owners, Diana, your experiences are valuable to anyone considering the breed for themselves!
I adopted one from a shelter last year. She’s pretty insane about wanting to be free and go hunt, but she’s a wonderful house pet, too. She’s very loving, and gets along fairly well with my three cats. She’s absolutely fearless, which has resulted in a couple of vet bills, so pet insurance is a necessity. She might give me a heart attack one day, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything 🙂
Sounds about right for the breed, Laura – and good advice about the insurance. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Acquired a two year old one from my daughter when she had a baby not because he didn’t like the baby he just viewed it as a toy and wanted to play he’s super lovable extremely smart will take down anything size doesn’t matter follows orders well but when on a scent he his in the zone love him and wouldn’t trade him for nothing but anyone considering buying one should read up on all that comes with them
Great advice, Bridget! Thanks for sharing it, it’s so helpful to hear from people who actually live with a breed.
The little black dog with no reverse. I have had 2 of them. Used them to hunt wild hogs. Fear has been bred out of them. These dogs were bred to hunt. They make a decent pets but there are many breeds that would be better with out the negative side effects such as killing anything that they can. The last one I had killed 5 cats in 6 months. Good with kids but not toddlers(too active )
Yours is as good a description of this breed as any we’ve read, Wayne, and there’s nothing like comments from an owner to give credibility to them. Thanks for sharing your experience!
My little guy Max is an amazing Jagdterrier. Head a bit of Patterdale in him to, perhaps that makes a difference? I liverurally in the UK on a small acreage. He’s never on the lead, even for walks,but it’s very, very quiet where I live. I saved him from being putdown, as he was in a Hunting Pack and wasn’t “aggressive enough”. Lovesnew people, loves other dogs – both sexes – but usually ends up dominating them in play, regardless of size. He’s makes an aging guard dog for a terrier too. Any passing dog walker or horse gets the full big deep “Woof” that sounds very fierce! You don’t often see it mentioned but one of the founding breeds was Dobermans, and it shows in their ears, stance, and bouncy behaviour. I think you need a big piece of open ground and a bit of patience in training, but a fantastic all rounder – even likes riding in my Jeep! He does need serious chew toys though, or will find his own…probably your favourite pair of Trainers lol 🤗👍
He’s lucky to have you, Alex. Thank you for sharing his photo with us, as well as daily life with the little beastie!