History

The German Jagdterrier (jagd is German for "to hunt" and is pronounced "yack") is also known as the Deutscher Terrier, German Hunt Terrier and the German Hunting Terrier. As it's name implies, this breed was developed in Germany to be a serious hunter. In 1951 Max Thiel, Sr. emigrated from Germany to the U.S., bringing with him the first German Jagdterriers. German Jagdterriers are used to hunt almost any mamma;, whether it digs, runs, or climbs. With training they follow a blood trail to wounded game. They may be trained to flush and retrieve birds. They are also used as bay dogs on wild boar. In spite of their small size, they are worthy adversaries of large game like bear and cougar

Appearance

This breed is black, with brown markings that resemble that of the Dobermann. The German breed standard calls for the breed to stand 33 to 40 cm (13 to 15.7 in) at the withers. It specifies that bitches should weigh from 7.5 to 8.5 kg (16.5 to 18.7 lb), and males from 9 to 10 kg (19.8 to 22 lb).

The coat can be either wiry or smooth. The tail is normally (but not always) cropped at 2/3 the natural length.

Temperament

Though the Jagdterrier is mainly a hunting dog, many have found him to be a real pal in the home. His size permits keeping him in the city, which is of course a necessity to some. He is a very active dog however, and therefore needs a good deal of exercise. This can be of benefit to the owner as well, in that it encourages him, with his Jagdterrier, to enjoy the healthfulness and recreational activities of the great outdoors in all seasons. The hardy Jagdterrier mistruts strangers, and he is the first to warn of the approach of such. If the need should arise he is the first to protect his family, risking his life if necessary. As spanky as he is in the field though, he is a devoted house pet-a protective and loving pet for the child as well as family. He is eager and quick to please, and obedient when he is made to understand. He is quick-witted, and adapts readily to new conditions. Because of his fearless attacks, speed of action and keen nose, he is very successful in hunting black bear, grizzly, cougar, bobcat, lynx, fox and raccoon. A dog employed in hunting these animals must be able to withstand long and tough fighting; this kind of stamina has been bred into the Jagdterrier. Such prey often sends larger dogs retreating in fear, but the small fast Jagdterrier can out maneuver, for instance, even bears at close range and at all angles. Treeing bear, cougar, lynx, or bobcat when hunting with a pack-two dogs and up- does not present the hunter with the problems one often encounters with big hounds. The keen nose and eagerness to hunt make dogs of the breed, even with little training, good bloodhounds. Many are able, after some experience, to work out 48 hour-old blood trails. If the Jagdterriers is used to flush small game, some training is needed so that the dog doesn't hunt too far. This is especially true when he is used to tree bear, cougar, etc. However once he knows how to hunt under the gun, one can be positive no game will lef5t in a stand-no matter how thick or thorny it may be. In Europe the Jagdterrier is used also as a retriever. He does not retrieve by instinct or breeding though, as for instance do many Labs or Shorthaired Pointers. But again, with some lessons on the subject, the Jagdterrier will fetch game up to mallard size from land or from water.

Characteristics

To purchase a Jagdterrier just to be enjoyed as a pet would be to defeat his true purpose, as he must have an outlet for his energies and abilities. He is not only bred to hunt; he loves to hunt, and if used only as a pet his true natural way is thwarted. Through the conscientious efforts of breeders in this county, we shall be able to maintain the German Jagdterrier as the proud superb animal already so distinguished in hunting circles of Europe.