German Jagdterrier - description and characteristics of the breed, raising puppies, nutrition and care at home

History of the German Jagd Terrier breed

The breed was formed at the beginning of the 20th century, when dog breeders, fed up with show terriers, began to dream of working pets that could bring real benefits.
By that time, European exhibitions were filled with representatives of the group with an exemplary exterior, but absolutely unsuitable for working on the animal due to muted instincts. After the First World War, German specialists began breeding a new, purely hunting variety of terrier, ideally working in a hole. The pioneer in this matter was the dog breeder and part-time passionate fan of fox terriers Walter Zangenberg, who was later joined by Rudolf Fries and Karl-Erich Grunewald. The breeder began his experiments by taking four fox terrier puppies from the director of the Munich Zoo, Lutz Heck. Zangenberg was not embarrassed that the babies had a vicious black and tan color, since the breeder intended to develop hunting instincts in the animals, and not a glamorous appearance. As a result, the matured puppies were bred with black foxes, known for their phenomenal viciousness and tirelessness in pursuing prey.

Smooth coated German Jagdterrier

Wirehaired German Jagdterrier

In 1926, the first Jagdterrier club opened in Germany, and 12 months later Zangenberg’s charges began to be exhibited at an exhibition. At first, the breed was bred by inbreeding (inbreeding), which did not have the best effect on the health of the offspring. And only in the 20s did dog breeders begin to involve more distant relatives - Welsh Terriers and Old English Terriers - in training jags. After World War II, breeding of the breed was no longer as active, which was facilitated by the division of Germany into occupation zones. In addition, the breeders of the GDR relied on Zangenberg’s breeding research, that is, they continued to cross Jagd relatives with each other. As a result, the dog population quickly recovered, but the number of defective individuals began to grow exponentially.

International recognition came to the Jagdterrier in 1954, along with the receipt of the FCI standard. After this event, dogs began to be exported to North and South America, but the small and nimble jags did not make the right impression on the hunters of the New World. German terriers were brought to the USSR in the 70s, although unofficial sources claim that the first acquaintance of domestic breeders with the breed took place 40 years earlier. Of the manufacturers imported to the Soviet Union, Cherry von Rischebach, Dina von Hochlitzee, and Encke von Wolzi-Gersee are especially noteworthy. It was these individuals that laid the foundation for the first generations of Russian Jagd Terriers.

How to properly raise a pet

Due to the specifics of the German Jagd Terrier, its upbringing should be considered in conjunction with training the dog to hunt game. It is also taken into account that the dog has a complex character. Stubbornness and malice complicate the education process. In addition, due to their hunting instincts, dogs often decide for themselves what to do in a particular situation. Training requires constant control and manifestation from the owner of his will and to some extent rigor, but without physical influence.

Early socialization

It is necessary to start training from a very early age immediately after the pet finds itself in a new home. With proper training, the dog will learn all standard commands. At the stage of early socialization, a person must support the puppy, teach him not to be afraid of other dogs on a walk, car horns, the noise of home appliances and the roar of trains. The attitude of encouragement should be kind, but restrained. This applies to cases when the puppy was obedient on the street, was not afraid of a huge dog and did not pull on the leash.

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Training and coaching

In addition to the usual training activities, the German Jagd Terrier needs training. It is important not to rush in this matter. At the age of six months, the dog can be introduced to a fox, a raccoon, and by one and a half years - to a badger. Training may require trips to baiting stations. At an early age, it is recommended to provide your pet with a mock-up hole in the dog area. It is necessary to encourage the animal to climb on this simulator.

Relationships with strangers and other animals

It is not typical for jags to show affection and goodwill towards other pets. Ferrets, chinchillas, rats, parrots and hamsters are prey for dogs, so you need to be careful when getting such pets. Yags gradually get used to another cat or dog. A positive response to good treatment from family members or guests does not guarantee obedience. The animal needs to be given time to get used to it and show a positive attitude. Then the dog will stop being suspicious of guests.

Breed standard German Jagd Terrier

German Jagd Terrier puppy

Like a real hard worker, not used to lying on the sofa and posing for the camera, the Jagdterrier cannot boast of either a stylish satin “fur coat” or a particularly sweet appearance. However, he doesn’t need this, since the vast majority of owners of the breed are practical people who demand professional skills and an exciting hunting show from their pet, but are absolutely indifferent to the exterior of their ward. Accordingly, the correct German Jagdterrier is first a hardy and strong breadwinner, and only then a friend, companion and everything else.

The standard height of a yagda ranges from 33-40 cm, and these figures apply equally to both females and males. But the weight categories of dogs of different sexes are different. Female jags weigh from 7.5 to 8.5 kg, while males are able to build more voluminous muscle mass, maintaining a weight between 9 and 10 kg.

Head

The head of the German Jagd Terrier appears moderately elongated with clearly defined cheekbones and a developed chin. The skull is flattened, quite spacious in the area between the ears. The muzzle is shorter than the head, without strong pointedness, with a slight stop.

Jaws, lips, teeth

Representatives of the breed have massive jaws, closed in a complete scissor bite, hidden by brightly pigmented dense lips. The teeth are large, set evenly, in the amount of 42 pieces.

Nose

Dimensions of the German Jagd Terrier

The dogs have a harmoniously developed, small nose, predominantly black in color. A brown tint is acceptable for individuals with the same coat tone.

Eyes

The German Jagdterrier is a dog with a determined, direct look. The animal's eyes are small, oval, located at a distance from each other, which minimizes the risk of damage from the paws of forest predators.

Ears

The ear flap of a purebred Jagda is set high, has medium dimensions and a regular triangular shape.

Neck

According to the FCI standard, animals must have strong necks of normal length, gradually turning into shoulders.

Muzzle of a German Jagdterrier

Body

The German Jagd Terrier is a compact breed. Mandatory condition: the girth of the dog’s sternum should be 10-12 cm greater than its height at the withers. The body length also exceeds the height at the withers, but only slightly. The top of the body is straight, with a muscular loin and an impressive horizontal croup. The animal's chest should be deep, with arched ribs laid back. The line of a slightly tucked belly, which has a graceful curve, looks very elegant.

Limbs

King of the Hill

A prerequisite for the legs of a German Jagd Terrier is that they are parallel to each other when viewed from the front and rear. In addition, the limbs must have strong bones and dry muscles. The shoulder blades are elongated, oblique, with developed muscles. The elbows are located close to the body without obvious turning in any direction. The forearms are steep and straight.

The dog's hind legs look more substantial due to the elongated, moderately wide hips. Elongated sinewy shins, short vertical metatarsals and strong hocks are responsible for the springy push in movement. The round-oval paws of the yagda are “reinforced” with hard, intensely pigmented pads, and the front paws are noticeably larger than the hind paws. When standing and walking, the paws should not turn inward (clubfoot) or outward.

Tail

Jagdterriers living in countries where docking is prohibited have long, straight or saber-shaped tails. Such a tail is carried horizontally or barely raised at the top. Working dogs in Russia have their tail docked at ⅓. In this case, it takes a slightly raised, but not vertical position. In addition, the tip of the last vertebra should not deviate towards the back, since in burrow hunting conditions the tail plays the role of a “handle”, by which the owner can pull an angry dog ​​out of an underground tunnel.

Wool

German Jagd Terriers come in two varieties: wire-haired and smooth-haired. In both cases, the outer hair has a coarse, dense structure, which helps the dog not get wet in rainy weather and protects the body from mechanical damage during hunting.

Color

Today's German Jagd Terrier is a brown, black, or grayish-black dog with tan markings on the chest, legs, muzzle, under the tail, and on the eyebrows. Acceptable features: the presence of dark and light masks on the face, the presence of tiny white spots on the toes and chest.

Brown Jagdterrier

Disadvantages and disqualifying vices

External features that do not fit into the parameters specified by the standard are positioned as exterior defects. There can be many such shortcomings, ranging from an overly pointed muzzle to splayed toes. If an animal is found to have behavioral and developmental defects that cover its breed qualities, this is almost always disqualification from the exhibition. The most common disqualifying defects of Jagd Terriers:

• different eyes, iris blue or speckled;
• malocclusions, including misalignment of the jaws and incorrectly positioned incisors;
• incomplete dental formula (the absence of M3 does not count);
• inversion or inversion of the eyelid;
• non-standard pigmentation of the earlobes, lips, paw pads;
• too tall or short;
• weak character, fear of shots and wild animals.

History of the breed

The official name of the breed leaves no doubt where this terrier came from. Another masterpiece of German cynology belongs to modern times, its history surprises - what are the possibilities of selection if you take up the matter wisely and with a clearly defined goal.

The idea of ​​getting a more practical and improved version of the fox terrier for hunting arose in Germany before the First World War. Once the difficulties of the post-war period were overcome, work proceeded at an accelerated pace.

Enthusiasts in the southern states of Germany purposefully selected and bred terriers with specified characteristics:

• dark color without spots,
• high malice,
• excellent versatile working qualities.

As soon as the authoritative hunter and dog breeder Dr. Lackner joined the movement, the work got on a clear track, and in 1926 the “German Hunting Terrier Club” began work in Munich. There was no breed as such yet, but the breeders were already developing a general type of new dogs.

It is reliably known about the use of fox terriers, both smooth-haired and wire-haired. The blood of other English terriers was also infused: Manchester, Welsh Terrier, Old English, and several combinations were tried.

By 1934, the main provisions of the new breed standard were drawn up. The livestock with a distinct breed type reached the required level of 200 animals, after which the club received permission from the German canine service to maintain its own stud book.

As a result of the combined efforts of several breeders, already 15 years after its founding, the club considered the work of developing a new breed completed. But we had to return to it - the Second World War began.

It took much more than 15 years to restore the population and general type of the Jagd Terrier. True, modern German breeders approached the issue with maximum rigor and meticulousness. They considered it possible to register the breed with the FCI only in 1954.

The club's work continued purposefully in the western part of Germany. Different types of dogs, but very useful for hunting, also became widespread in the eastern sector - in the GDR - and in Czechoslovakia. From there, a few representatives of NOTs were brought to the USSR.

A qualitative leap in the breed occurred in the 80s, when the consolidation of the exterior type of NOT was completed, undesirable character traits were eliminated and a system of comprehensive working tests was developed. Soon after the fall of the Iron Curtain, a variety of breeding material became available in the CIS countries, and the Jagd Terrier entered the list of the most numerous hunting breeds in the European part of Russia, as well as in Belarus, the Baltic states and Ukraine.

Photo of a German Jagdterrier

Pet training

During training you need to be firm, demanding and consistent. But excesses are also not necessary, since the Jagdterrier simply will not obey a fussy, nervous, overly weak or, conversely, tough person.

In order for a pet to receive the highest score in tests, it must have a death grip on the throat, cheeks, and back of the head - the location depends on the type of animal. Moreover, the grip should be long. Despite the size of the animal with which the Jagdterrier enters into battle, he holds it with a death grip. Half of the dogs of this breed do this. You can only open your jaws with a shovel. But the other half prefers to exhaust the beast with constant attacks on its pressure points and driving it out of its holes. Moreover, Jagdterriers are not taught this - they have innate characteristics. They are brave and determined fighters from birth, so not every person has enough experience and perseverance to raise a worthy dog.

Character of the German Jagd Terrier

It is important to understand that the German Jagd Terrier does not exist outside of hunting, so buying a dog for yourself, children, or “for the sofa” and expecting aristocratic manners from it is not the most logical thing to do. However, even a yagd who regularly goes into the forest and works on animals is still obstinate. So say goodbye to the dream of making your pet an obedient “deliver” of slippers - this breed loves to cooperate, but not to serve and fawn.

The one who stole my heart

It is believed that professional training and early education can dampen the aggression and stubbornness of German Jagd Terriers, but there are also nuances here. Yes, a dog can be weaned from the habit of attacking strangers, but even an experienced dog handler will not be able to make him fall in love with a cat or another pet furry dog. Berries also attack small wild animals. For example, in rural areas, one of the main victims of the breed are hedgehogs. The black-and-tan “gladiators” are not stopped by either needles or the injuries they cause - reprisals against the prickly enemy are carried out immediately and to the bitter end.

It's the same story with unfamiliar dogs. German Jagdterriers have a strategic reserve of courage and the same amount of recklessness, therefore they are capable of provoking a conflict with their fellow tribesmen without any reason. The breed also has no time to understand the hierarchical system of the canine world, so even Yagd puppies easily go to extremes, such as encroaching on someone else’s bone or furiously attacking an adult wolfhound. Moreover, the larger the opponent, the more chances he has to infuriate the terrier - the impressive size of the opponent evokes a mixture of black envy and hatred among the “Germans”.

In a relationship with a person, Yagd prefers not to be scattered, but to concentrate on one person. Usually this is the one with whom the animal goes baiting and hunting. The dog recognizes the rest of the family members insofar as it is not in a hurry to fulfill their demands. The companion qualities of the breed are also tied to working instincts. The Jagdterrier will behave obediently during a walk only if there is someone nearby under whose leadership the animal is accustomed to hunting game. With all other household members, “feedback” will be episodic, so you can let your ward off the leash in the park in one and only case - if this park belongs specifically to you and there is not a single representative of wild fauna in it.

Character

The German hunting dog is a fearless and fierce beast. She is known for her explosive temperament and tendency to dominate. The Jagdterrier is suitable only for strong, balanced people who are capable of maintaining absolute authority. This breed is suspicious of strangers and does not tolerate defiant behavior from guests. She does not like noisy games and has difficulty withstanding the attention of children. Of course, this is not a strict rule. The Jagdterrier and children often live in perfect harmony: everything depends on mutual respect and proper training.

Jags do not get along well with cats and other animals and tend to attack dogs. Training and early socialization can soften the hunter's instincts, but cannot suppress them. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and keep the berries alone. When hunting, the dog completely surrenders to instincts and fearlessly pursues the animal. She will oppose the bear and the boar without hesitation.

If the yagd is not accustomed to obey the hunter, he may die in an unequal fight. The owner is obliged to restrain the impulses of the animal.

The Jagdterrier is also indispensable as a house guard. He will loyally protect his family from the slightest danger. Unfortunately, the dog can get carried away and stop letting strangers into the house. In this case, it is recommended to contact dog handlers. To avoid unpleasant consequences, puppies are socialized from the first months of life. This dog is not suitable for couch potatoes: it remains active even in old age. Jagd requires long walks and a high level of physical activity. If the dog does not receive an outlet for energy, it will turn into a destructive, angry beast.

Education and training

The German Jagdterrier is a breed that needs to be raised “yesterday.” It is recommended to use traditional methods, but with an eye on the yagds’ tendency to dominate, which is expressed in biting family members, suppressing other animals, and attacking random passers-by. So, in the process of training, do not forget to instill in the dog respect for yourself and your household, showing it that the boss’s chair has been occupied for a long time.

Gentleman on a walk

Intellectually, the Yagdas may not be geniuses, but they are quite smart comrades, so they do not have any difficulties remembering commands. At the same time, perfect adherence to the “charter” is not their strong point. As an example: it is possible to train a German Jagd Terrier OKD in six months, but it is pointless to demand from him the endurance and diligence of a German Shepherd. Moreover, you should be lenient towards your pet’s mistakes: after all, you chose the ideal hunter, not a circus performer and watchman. However, you shouldn’t condone it either. Basic OKD commands will later come in handy when hunting, since they can be used to control the dog’s behavior.

The critical age for representatives of the breed is 6 months. It is during this period that the German Jagd Terrier begins to test the owner’s patience with renewed energy. There is no need to cancel the training of angry teenagers, but if there is a lack of personal experience, it is better to involve a professional. An obligatory part of the program in raising and training a Jagd Terrier is accustoming to a collar, leash and muzzle. The breed does not favor the latter accessory, but without it it is dangerous to let the four-legged rogue out into the street if you do not want to later save stray cats and conflict with passers-by who are shocked by the Yagda’s attacks.

Approach the process of putting on a muzzle carefully, without haste. Experts recommend first letting your dog sniff the device, and also placing your pet’s favorite treat inside the mesh. Time should also be allowed to get used to the muzzle. In the first days, 2-3 minutes of wearing the restraint will be enough, then the duration of use can be increased to half an hour or more.

Caring for a Jagdterrier

The German Terrier is not whimsical and does not require much care. Necessary:

1. Trim several times a year to get rid of dead fur.
2. Brush your pet once a week.
3. Give the dog a “private corner” where his mattress and toys will be. When your pet is in the “house”, you cannot scold him. Do not interfere in his personal space - this is his territory, he has the right to protect it.
4. Daily walks 2-3 times a day, with active physical exercise (it is good to combine training and walks). When walking, Jagdterriers should expend their accumulated energy as much as possible.
5. Trim claws (if they don’t get worn down from walking).
6. Bathe the dog as needed.
7. For dental health, feed teeth regularly.
8. Anthelmintic treatments and mandatory vaccination. Education, training and hunting

Raise your Jagdterrier puppy from day one. Kids are smart, understanding; show him the place that will be his home. The first year of life is the most difficult for the owner and pet. If you don’t establish a “leader-dog” connection in the first months, then it will be more difficult in training, in communication, and in hunting.

The puppy will quickly master the basic necessary commands. Since dogs of the Jagd Terrier breed are headstrong and freedom-loving, an OKD course under the guidance of an experienced dog handler is desirable (it is better if these are individual lessons).

After six months, you can gradually begin training the puppy. Here the matter will be complicated by puberty, especially for males. He may simply refuse to follow commands, try to dominate, or show aggression. All teenagers (including human ones) behave this way.

Training

Here you will have to combine a firm hand and encouragement for obedience. You can console yourself that the hormones will “fall into place” and the dog will be controllable again. During this difficult period, try to allocate more time for activities with your pet. The more busy he is with training or walking, the better.

Hunting with a German Jagdterrier

Hunters

The breed is universal and works excellently underground, on land, in water, but all this is subject to high-quality training and baiting. It is believed that individuals from Soviet lines were angrier to the beast than their today's descendants, but in general the yagds retained the purity of hunting instincts and phenomenal viscosity. The German Jagdterrier is an excellent retriever of small game, and especially waterfowl. Representatives of the family are ready to dive for a shot bird into a body of water of any depth, without suffering at all from low temperatures. For example, there are cases when animals fished for a trophy even during ice drift.

If desired, the dog can be involved in gun hunting to search for wounded animals, as well as to bait wild boar. However, in the second case, a support group consisting of representatives of hound breeds will be required. But the real element of the German Jagdterrier was and remains holes. Moreover, it is not recommended to bring your pet to a direct fight in the hole. The yagd's task is to hold off the predator until the hunter arrives. If the dog gets too excited and tries to deal with the fox or badger on his own, he needs to be pulled out of the underground labyrinth by the tail.

The first baiting should be carried out no earlier than the animal is 8-10 months old. For this purpose, they use a “walking” fox that keeps a decent distance and does not fight back the pursuer. Remember that a puppy at this age has an unstable psyche, and aggressive game can discourage him from hunting for the rest of his life. You can build a hole for training yourself, or you can use ready-made designs for baiting stations. The main thing is not to put pressure on the dog and not push it into the maze. The Jagdterrier himself should become interested in the hole and dive into it.

The first to practice the skills of searching and pursuing the beast. The second stage is training in anger and grip, and it is recommended to “use” the latter skill on a raccoon. Unlike the fox and badger, this minke whale is not capable of causing serious injury to a pet. Some hunters bait jags on stray cats, but this method is not recommended because it teaches the dog to view domestic animals as potential game. By the way, among professionals, Jagdterriers are especially valued because they do not tear the animal to pieces, but competently dodge its claws.

How and what to feed the Jagdterrier

The owner of a yagda has two options for feeding his pet - special food or natural products. In the second case, the majority of the diet should consist of cereals, vegetables and meat. There must be clean water in your pet's bowl. In general, the animal’s diet consists of the following products:

• meat, beef broth is recommended, not veal;
• offal – heart, kidneys, stomachs, lungs;
• fermented milk products – yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk;
• cereals – oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, millet;
• vegetables - boiled potatoes, beet tops, carrots, zucchini, cabbage, sorrel, greens.

An adult dog needs to be fed 1-2 times a day. For pregnant or lactating bitches, it is recommended to increase food intake up to 3 times. When using dry food, you need to choose only high-quality products. These should be premium and super-premium categories. In winter, portions are increased if the dog is kept outside. Clean snow can be used instead of water.

Features of feeding puppies

Small berries need to be fed more often - up to 5-6 times throughout the day. Food should be boiled, without salt and fat. It is forbidden to give sweets, fried, fatty and spicy foods. The puppy's diet includes low-fat cottage cheese, pieces of meat with broth, milk with a spoon of honey, meat scalded with boiling water, and greens. Yagds up to 4 months can be fed 4 times a day. A diet of vegetables and cereals is recommended for them. Milk is given only in the evening or in the morning.

Maintenance and care

Jagdterrier puppy

The German Jagdterrier is an inquisitive choleric and hard worker who needs constant fresh impressions, so it is recommended to keep the breed outside the home. On the other hand, the climate of the middle zone is cold for jags, so the arrangement of a spacious enclosure and an insulated booth with a floor is considered a necessary measure. It is strictly forbidden to put a dog on a chain - such movement restrictors break the animal’s psyche, making it uncontrollable and aggressive. If the pet is too hostile towards guests who enter the yard, it can be temporarily isolated in an enclosure.

Keeping a hunting terrier in an apartment is less preferable, but possible. In this case, the pet will have to compensate for the lack of impressions with frequent and long walks - from 3 hours a day or more. If the dog lives in a country cottage with a plot of land and a garden, you can take him outside less often. Let your four-legged friend run around the yard and make a couple of digs in places where there are no beds or flower beds - this will help quench his thirst for activity and make him less insistent on excursions outside the house.

Hygiene

The German Jagdterrier is not a decorative fluffy dog; it does not need visits to the groomer. To make a smooth-haired hunter look neat, just comb it with a brush or rubber mitten, massaging the skin and thus removing dead hairs. During the period of seasonal molting, the frequency of brushing will have to be increased, but even if this is not done, the Jagd Terrier will not fill the apartment with wool “stacks”.

Cropped Wirehaired Jagd Terrier

With wire-haired individuals you will have to tinker a little longer. By the way, despite the fact that formally trimming and cutting the breed is prohibited, most owners pluck their shaggy charges. There is no serious crime in such hygiene procedures, but only if the dog is bought for work. Owners planning to travel with their “Germans” to exhibitions will have to forget about trimming forever, or do it several months before the event, so that the coat has time to grow and even out.

Otherwise, caring for a German Jagd Terrier is the same as caring for any dog. Check your pet's eyes daily for inflammation and dust, and also wipe them with a strong infusion of tea or chilled chamomile infusion. Don’t forget to inspect your ears, especially if you hunted with jag the day before – there may be debris and ticks inside the funnel. Be sure to have in your home medicine cabinet anti-ectoparasites that terriers acquire while hunting. And of course, keep an eye on the health of your paws. After walking and hunting, check for cuts and peeling on the pads, and also periodically lubricate the skin with unrefined vegetable oil and rich hand cream.

It is advisable to wash German Jagd Terriers as rarely as possible. Firstly, hard tap water and pet shampoos deteriorate the quality of wool. And secondly, the yagd already swims enough while hunting, jumping into a pond after a shot bird. An exception can be made when the dog gives off an unpleasant odor. Hunting terriers love to roll in carrion, or even in excrement, which they use as a camouflage agent against their own smell. So if a pet smells too intensely, he should have a bath day. In the summer, the Jagdterrier is allowed to be taken to a deserted beach, where he will happily swim and play to his heart's content.

Feeding

An actively hunting Jagdterrier eats with appetite everything that is offered to him. Mandatory products in a dog’s diet are stringy meat and its trimmings, offal, cereals (buckwheat, rice, millet, oatmeal), fish fillet, low-fat cottage cheese and kefir. The menu for puppies includes natural milk and eggs, but adults can easily do without such “delights.” The optimal dish for a hunting dog is considered to be porridge or soup in meat and bone broth, to which, in addition to cereals, potatoes, offal, beets, carrots, and cabbage are added. To prevent your pet from being tempted to choose more tasty pieces, it is better to puree the soup until smooth. In the spring, it is useful to add chopped young greens and nettles scalded with boiling water to the food.

The need for fat in wild animals is an order of magnitude higher than in domestic pets, so experts recommend mixing rendered beef and fish oil into their food. Rye bread is given only in dried form and only as a delicacy. If you don’t like brushing your German Jagd Terrier’s teeth, treat your dog with cartilage and sometimes flat spongy bones more often. This is both a source of collagen and at the same time a “brush” that removes food plaque. Vitamin complexes from a pet pharmacy will also not be superfluous, but it is better to select them after a veterinary examination.

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Owners who want to save their own time and effort switch the berries to dry food. This is acceptable, but in order for industrial food to be beneficial and completely replace a balanced natural diet, it is necessary to choose varieties from the premium and holistic segment. As for the frequency of feedings, an adult Jagd Terrier should eat twice a day; puppy under 2.5 months – five times; baby from 2.5 to 4 months – four times; teenager from 4 to 8 months – three times a day.

Training and coaching dogs

Raising jags begins with establishing contact. The owner must understand that he is not taking into the house a lap dog, but a dog prone to aggression. This breed is known for having its own opinion: jags often make it clear how they feel about their owner’s decisions. Jagdterrier puppies have a hard time getting into training. They need to be clearly shown what is required of them. At the initial stage, consistency is very important. The owner must persistently and regularly teach the baby commands.

To teach a puppy not to bite, it is necessary to establish the nature of the bites. Kids often try everything to their teeth - this is their way of exploring the world. If the owner notices signs of aggression, action must be taken immediately. The baby is shown unacceptable behavior: you can squeal, pretend to cry and walk away from him. The dog will understand that the owner is showing negative emotions and will try to restrain himself. You can also offer her toys that are allowed to chew. If the puppy thereby declares its superiority, it is better to contact a dog handler. It will no longer be possible to control the aggression of an adult dog. At 6 months, the dog is taken to special training and prepared for descent into the hole. From 6 to 8 months the battle of authority begins. The puppy tries to set rules and learns the boundaries of what is permitted.

The best age for training an animal is from 8 months to 1.5 years. The training begins with a descent into the hole. A tunnel made of boards and bricks is used as a simulator. The animal is released into an improvised hole, and the dog is expected to respond. If a dog rushes after prey without a command from its owner, it means it will become an excellent hunter. After training with the hole, they are then introduced to potential victims: the dog is shown a raccoon or a fox sitting in a cage, waits for signs of aggression, and releases the bait into the hole. Then the dog is released.

To make a yagd angry, it is necessary to encourage his natural aggression and interest in the beast. It is recommended to introduce the dog to different types of game so that it can attack any prey without fear. If the owner does not plan to use the yagda as a ruthless hunter, training at home is suitable for him. There are many videos and text guides, but none of this can replace communication with a dog handler. The German Terrier is a complex and explosive dog that needs early and systematic training.

Hunting with a German Jagdterrier

Representatives of this breed are trained to hunt animals from childhood.

Hunting with Jagdterrier is carried out:

1. To the boar. The most commonly used method is a round-up: a pack of dogs surrounds the animal in a tight ring, which allows the hunter to make a shot. Traiting a Jagdterrier to a wild boar begins after two years of age.
2. For a hare. The dog, noticing the hare, begins to chase it. Jagd cannot reach the speed of a hound, so attempts are often in vain.
3. For a badger. The dog finds a badger hole and dives into it to get the animal. If the badger is really there, the yagd signals the find with a loud bark. He will try his best to drive the animal out of its hiding place. Sometimes dogs get so stuck in the ground that hunters have to dig them out.
4. On the fox. Fox hunting takes place in complete silence. You should also not cast shadows on the hole. If the fox senses danger, it will use an extra move or will desperately fight the dog. The Jagdterrier must fight in such a way as not to damage the fur of the prey.
5. To the beaver. The dog, at the hunter’s signal, begins to dig out the den. Jagd spends a few minutes on this. To prevent burying its prey, the dog barks loudly - this paralyzes the victim and gives the dog a few extra seconds. After which the terrier drives the beaver out or strangles it right in the hole.

Jags are not afraid of water and will help the owner track ducks. These dogs are characterized by increased curiosity, so they cannot resist the reed thickets: suddenly prey is hidden in them. At the same time, the hunter must restrain the gambling dog. Terriers can get overly excited and try to catch the ducks themselves.

For successful bird hunting, it is recommended to give the fetch command not only from the shore, but also from the water. This will teach the dogs to pick up shot ducks.

Health and diseases of German Jagd Terriers

Like most working breeds, German Jags do not suffer from excessive illness and do not inherit dozens of genetic ailments from their parents that interfere with an active life. An exception to the general rule is lens displacement, which is inherent in all representatives of the terrier group, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The latter disease also occurs in other breeds and is expressed in excessive elasticity and sagging skin.

To this day, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has no cure, so the only thing that can be done for an animal with such dermal lesions is to minimize the risk of injuries and tissue ruptures, which the veterinarian will then have to stitch up. German Jagd Terriers are not immune to infectious and viral diseases, so do not neglect vaccinations against distemper, rabies and piroplasmosis. This is especially true for dogs that regularly hunt and are at risk of contracting the disease from wild animals and ticks.

Pros and cons of the breed

The Jagdterrier is completely focused on hunters, and has many admirers in this community. What do they value in the breed:

• Versatile performance qualities.
• Small size is good for city dwellers.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Perseverance and determination.
• Activity, liveliness and intelligence.

Important! Not suitable as a dog for children or as a companion.

Even from the point of view of many hunters, the breed is not without its disadvantages:

• Too hot and "explosive".
• Often injured.
• Likes to sort things out with dogs and chases cats.
• Requires constant supervision during walks.

Despite the difficult nature of Jagdterriers, their numbers are growing. An increasing percentage of dogs have adequate, civilized behavior and noble appearance. The breed has a future.

How to choose a puppy

On a walk

• For frequent hunting trips, male German Jagd Terriers are preferable. Bitches are often hampered in their work with animals by estrus, during which concentration and stamina decrease.
• Observe how the animal behaves with its littermates. Small jags often start fights in which there are winners and losers. If during the conflict the puppy found himself as an outsider and retreated at the beginning of the battle, this indicates his cowardice and failure as a future hunter.
• Hunting experience and working diplomas of the puppies' parents are an important attribute. Good viciousness and viscosity are inherited by German Jagd Terriers.
• Check the accuracy of the information provided by the seller about the litter and producers. Contact the Jagdterrier breed club and find out whether the mating was really planned and whether the puppies born after it qualify for pedigree.
• Don't choose the most cocky and aggressive kid. Having matured, such an animal will have an explosive character, which will complicate the process of education and training.
• A proper German Jagd Terrier puppy will not be afraid of the presence of a stranger in the kennel, but will resist attempts to turn him over on his back. Such a reaction is considered normal and adequate, unless the baby squeals and growls.

Breed characteristics and character

Fearlessness, intelligence, determination, tirelessness - all these qualities are inherent in the German Jagdterriers. This breed is characterized by a life of hunting. She is not afraid of new conditions and long hikes. For this reason, on every walk you will have to deal with the manifestation of hunting instincts. When the terrier sees a cat, it goes into “chase and neutralize” mode. At this time, the dog may not respond to any commands from the owner.

Dog Temperament

The breed has an assertive temperament. The pet is trying with all its might to fight with the owner in order to gain more and more new positions. As the dog grows older, he may not even be embarrassed to use his teeth for this. The almost complete absence of fears, which makes it difficult to control the animal, explains the bad reviews about the breed. Experienced hunters, on the contrary, adore this “biter”. With proper training, the character of the animal is revealed from new sides - clarity in work, discipline, reliability. The temperament of a pet is accurately described by the following qualities:

1. Jealousy. The German Jagd Terrier does not tolerate the presence of other animals in the house, except dogs of the same breed.
2. Love of freedom. The Terrier constantly needs to be on the move. Endless attacks, jumping and running can cause discomfort to everyone at home.
3. Wariness. Yagdas do not allow strangers near their home and owner.

Photos of German Jagd Terrier puppies

Application

The Jagdterrier dog was bred to hunt burrowing game, but many owners train it in other ways:

• excellent sense of smell allows the Jagdterrier, like a Russian or Estonian hound , to find wounded prey;
• when hunting wild boar, dogs show great anger and aggression;
• thanks to its love of water, it is used for searching and serving shot game, as well as when hunting birds in the forest;
• It is also possible to use Jagdterriers, like the Hungarian Vizsla , for hare hunting.

The Jagdterrier is very nimble and fast, so it will be irreplaceable in various types of hunting.

German Jagd Terrier price

Club German Jagd Terrier puppies from parents with working diplomas and a package of documents will cost 15,000 - 20,000 rubles. If field trials and going to exhibitions are not planned, you can turn to familiar hunters who periodically mate their charges. Such berries cost much less, around 5000-8000 rubles, but in terms of working qualities they are not inferior to offspring from champion producers. The only caveat: puppies from a non-professional breeder may not have puppy metrics, which casts doubt on the purity of the litter.

Jagdterrier puppies

The German Jagd Terrier has become widespread in Russia, so buying a puppy will not be difficult. It is recommended to contact specialized nurseries to reduce the risk of purchasing a puppy with behavioral problems or genetic diseases. When choosing a puppy, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• take a closer look at the pet’s parents, in what conditions they were raised, health, color, appearance, mental stability;
• the puppy should look shiny, well-fed, be nimble and energetic;
• a good hunter will be the pet that actively escapes from his hands, tries to playfully attack, and barks;
• a more phlegmatic and calm baby will adapt well to the apartment;
• The best option is the puppy that ran up to you when you made your choice.

Jagdterrier diseases

The Jagdterrier is the healthiest breed in the world. Throughout his life, he only receives injuries while hunting.

Of course, he can get sick, like any animal, but the advantage of the breed is that there are no hereditary diseases. Symptoms resembling the disease appear only when the owner’s care is insufficient.

Be sure to regularly take anthelmintic prophylaxis (once every 3 months) when in contact with wild animals, this is only a procedure to protect your health. Do not forget to vaccinate your Jagdterrier on time; rabies vaccination is required by law. The specific life of a Jagdterrier or any hunting breed is such that it is often at risk and can even become infected with a disease that is not typical for dogs.

You notice that the dog is sad, inactive, sleeps a lot, refuses to eat, be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian. The specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, the main thing is that it is timely.

Characteristics of the Jagdterrier breed

The Jagdterrier is a German hunting terrier, a burrowing breed of dog. An excellent watchdog, companion for a hunter and a very active person. Brought out in the 19th century in Germany, it was quite difficult to achieve the desired qualities. The goal of the breeders was to create a universal hunting dog with a dark color. To breed the Jagdterrier and obtain the necessary hunting genes, different breeds were used, such as the German hound, Lakeland terrier, pinscher, dachshund and fox terrier. Considering that the main task was to breed a working breed, the appearance - exterior - was not strictly taken into account.

There are two types:

The quality of a breed is mainly determined by the quality of its performance. In this regard, it must be at a high level. This is a type of burrowing hunting dog. Most often she is taken to hunt fox, wild boar, hare, badger, and waterfowl. It is very popular in Austria and Germany.

Price

Jagdterrier puppies need careful selection. Before you buy a Jagdterrier, you need to get acquainted with its parents, find out their hunting qualities, victories, awards, and participation in various competitions. Also, it is important to know about the baby’s health status, about prevention against worms, he should not be thin. The main qualities for assessing a puppy are: energy and moderate activity.

You need to buy a dog from a special nursery. They are not very common on sale, as they are quite specific and not all people are looking for an ardent and avid hunter. And it is here that you will buy a real, purebred pet that will meet all breed standards. The price of a Jagdterrier ranges from 50-350 US dollars, depending on the characteristics of the future hunter and faithful friend.