German Hunt Terrier

The German Hunt Terrier was developed close to 100 years ago, making it a relatively young breed. The first German Hunt Terrier were bred in Germany as hunting dogs. These sturdy dogs were used to hunt badger, fox, weasel and wild boar. German hunt terriers in the United States are also used as hunting, primarily as treeing dogs.

German Hunt Terriers are solid dogs, exhibiting a square build. The breed has a narrow and deep chest, allowing it to easily enter the dens of burrowing animals. The legs of these dogs should not be too short or too long. The tail of German hunt terriers is docked long enough to leave a handle for hunters. These tails are used to pull the terrier from underground when necessary. Like some other breeds of terrier, the German Hunt Terrier can be found in smooth and rough coat varieties. Wire coated terriers tend to require more grooming than their smooth counterparts.

Personality

These dogs are highly intelligent and friendly. German hunt terriers are lively and have a zest for life. Although the breed enjoys the company of humans, it is not content to rest on the couch watching television. Any person that welcomes a German hunt terrier into their home should be prepared to give their new dog a job to do. A bored terrier will become a destructive terrier.

Breed Characteristics

German Hunt Terrier Build Information

The Jagdterrier (pronounced "YACK-terrier") is a small breed of working terrier that weighs about 20 pounds when fully grown and was was originally bred as a hunting dog in Germany. Most Jagdterriers are black with tan markings, but other colors such as liver or mouse grey can also be seen. German Hunt Terriers are solid dogs, exhibiting a square build. The breed has a narrow and deep chest, allowing it to easily enter the dens of burrowing animals. The legs of these dogs should not be too short or too long. The tail of German hunt terriers is docked long enough to leave a handle for hunters. These tails are used to pull the terrier from underground when necessary. Like some other breeds of terrier, the German Hunt Terrier can be found in smooth and rough coat varieties. Wire coated terriers tend to require more grooming than their smooth counterparts.

Behaviour and Personality

These dogs are highly intelligent and friendly. German hunt terriers are lively and have a zest for life. Although the breed enjoys the company of humans, it is not content to rest on the couch watching television. Any person that welcomes a German hunt terrier into their home should be prepared to give their new dog a job to do. A bored terrier will become a destructive terrier.

Appearance

Grooming the German Hunt Terrier is easy. These dogs need weekly brushing to keep their coat clean and free of debris, bathing only when dirty, and ear cleanings on a weekly basis. Toenails should be clipped every two to four weeks, and teeth need to be brushed daily. Stripping is a skill that must be learned by owners of wire-haired terriers. This is an easy task to accomplish once you get the hang of it. If you do not have the time to maintain the coat of a wire-hair, professional grooming is a must.

German Hunt Terrier Common Health Conditions

The German Hunt Terrier is not predisposed to any genetic illnesses. Like any other breed of dog, German Hunt Terriers may be prone to ear infections, allergies and other simple medical conditions. Routine veterinary checkups are a must for this breed as is the following of a proper vaccination schedule.

German Hunt Terrier Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

These small dogs typically stand no higher than 16 inches at the withers. These small dogs are perfect for families with children. Humans must establish themselves as the leader very early on with the German Hunt Terrier. The life span of this breed is between 12 and 15 years. The German hunt terrier is also known as German Jagdterrier, Jagterrier and Deutscher Jagdterrier.