The origin of the German Jagdterrier and the purpose of the breed, the standard of the exterior, the character of the dog, the description of health. Price when buying a German Jagdterrier puppy. Jagdterrier - this breed has long been known to dog lovers all over the world. And, despite this, the opinion about these cute dogs was the most controversial. Some consider "yagdov" to be very determined, independent and independent dogs, possessing well-developed hunting talents and lightning-fast reaction, fearless in a fight with an animal, but requiring a special approach in education. Others categorically reject these irrepressibly energetic dogs, considering them unbridled and vicious creatures, difficult to control. So which of them is right in their conclusions? Let's see who this dog really is with a sharp name that resembles a scimitar's blade.
The history of the origin of the German Jagdterrier
The German Jagdterrier (Jagdterrier) is a relatively young breed obtained through targeted selection. And although there are still some controversial moments in the epic of its creation, in general, the history of the breed has been studied and it began like this.
At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, English hunting fox terriers, possessing universal hunting talents, were extremely popular among European hunters. They were equally good at hunting animals from their holes, tracking down ungulates in the field and in the forest, were able to catch a hare and raise game birds on their wings. But, as often happens, the attractive and elegant exterior of fox terriers was the reason when dog breeders began to strive to get dogs that are more and more attractive in appearance, more stately and bright, to the detriment of their working qualities. A significant role in this was played by the various shows, exhibitions and dog championships that became fashionable in those years, where the attractive exterior of the competing dog was at the forefront.
All this in no way suited real hunters and breeders, such as the fox terrier breeder Walter Zangenberg and his like-minded dog handlers and hunters Rudolf Fries and Carl-Erich Grunewald, who prefer working dogs, and not the beauty of their exterior. Back in 1911, during a visit to the Munich exhibition of hunting dogs, they were amazed by the fact how the famous fox terrier ceased to meet the hunting standard, and most importantly how incapable it was to perform its main working functions. Even then, these enthusiasts conceived the idea of creating a new working hunting dog. But the implementation of their plans in life was prevented by the First World War, in which, as Karl-Erich Gruenewald wrote in his memoirs, "they took part from the first to the last day."
Only in 1923, enthusiasts were able to return to the implementation of their idea. The beginning of the realization of the idea was a case. One of the Munich breeders of fox terriers (according to another existing version - from the director of the zoo) one of the whelping bitches brought very unfortunate black puppies, which could be recorded in the studbook, only with a categorical mark “inappropriate to the standard”. The black and tan color of newborn puppies sometimes reminded of an old ancestor - the Old English Terrier, but was extremely undesirable for breeding. These puppies (two boys and two girls) were purchased at a very favorable price by novice breeders. The creation of a new breed began with them.
The selection started in this way lasted more than one year. Initially, inbreeding (related mating) was performed. The descendants of the black color of the first litters were subsequently mated with working hunting dogs-fox terriers, also black or black and tan. The resulting puppies of white color or with white spots were culled. To improve the hunting inclinations of the newly-made species, breeders-enthusiasts twice specially brought their black terriers with English wire-haired terriers with the highest hunting talents.
Ultimately, after several years of painstaking breeding, the desired dog was obtained. He fully corresponded to the chosen type of exterior, was fearless and easy to control, was not afraid of water and possessed all the necessary hunting instincts and skills. The breed was named "German Hunting Terrier" (Deutscher Jagdterrier).
In 1926, the first German Jagdterrier Club (Deutscher Jagdterrier-Clube) was founded. In 1927, the first exhibition with the participation of a new terrier was held (22 individuals were presented at once).
By the end of the 30s of the XX century, work on the breed was almost finished, the Jagd Terrier won prizes and was recognized as one of the best hunting dogs in Germany. But then the war intervened again. This time, World War II broke out, which rolled across Germany with an iron roller and eventually cut it into two separate states - the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic.
In West Germany (FRG), there are quite enough jagdterriers for further independent breeding. In East Germany (GDR), which suffered much more from the hostilities, in the post-war years, the cynologists had to literally revive the population of yagda, collecting it bit by bit. Each of the "revived" dogs was strictly registered and was not subject to export from the country.
In 1954, German hunting terriers bred in Germany were finally recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI), all the necessary standards were approved. Terriers from the GDR were not represented in the FCI.
The first jagdterrier dogs came to the United States in the early 1950s, but they did not cause much excitement among American hunters, there were their favorites - pit bulls and jack russells. In the USSR, thoroughbred German "yagdy" from the Federal Republic of Germany appeared only in the early 70s of the XX century, when the first "warming" of the international climate took place.
Purpose and use of the jagdterrier
The main purpose of the jagdterrier is hunting. Or rather, helping the hunter in the extraction of animals that live in burrows: badgers, raccoons and foxes. As a rule, the dog achieves the best results when paired with another Jagdterrier or with a dachshund. Such a mini team is able to easily defeat and drive out of the hole not only a badger or a fox, but also fearlessly attack a larger and more dangerous animal such as a wild boar. And although such a pair is not capable of defeating a wild boar on its own, it tenaciously holds it in one place, not allowing it to slip away from the hunter.
However, modern hunters often use energetic and hardy "yagda" and as ordinary hunting gun dogs for tracking and lifting the animal from the prone, for pursuing a wounded animal on a bloody trail, for baiting hares and foxes, as well as for feeding shot game.
Quite often nimble and nosy "yagdi" are used to kill rats, mice and moles. So, we can say that the current jagdterrier is a fairly multipurpose dog, capable of mastering many different functions.
Nowadays, these terriers are often given birth and just like that - "for the soul", as the most ordinary pets or as show dogs that do not have working talents.
External standard of the German Jagdterrier
"Yagd" from Germany is a small and not very attractive dog, devoid of special gloss, but possessing a uniquely energetic temperament, absolute fearlessness and wonderful working qualities of a real hunting dog.
The dimensions and body weight of the animal are rather modest, regardless of gender. The largest individuals reach growth at the withers - up to 40 centimeters and body weight - no more than 10 kg (bitches are slightly lighter - up to 8.5 kg).
- Head proportional to the body, elongated with a flat skull, stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) slightly marked. The muzzle is distinct, elongated. The bridge of the nose is rather narrow and elongated. The nose is harmonious, black or brown (depending on color). Lips tightly fitting to the jaws, dry, without flews, clearly pigmented. The jaws are strong with a firm grip. The dental formula is standard (42 teeth). The teeth are white, strong, with pronounced canines. Scissor bite.
- Eyes round or oval, small in size, with a straight wide set. The color of the eyes is dark (from amber brown to dark brown). The look is expressive, resolute.
- Ears set high, triangular in shape, broad at the base and rounded at the tips, drooping.
- Neck of medium length, rather strong and well set, blending smoothly into the shoulders of the animal, with a pronounced nape.
- Torso jagdterrier is strong, muscular, rectangular-elongated format. The chest is well developed, not too wide, deep, with a long sternum. The back is strong, of medium length, not very wide. The back line is straight. The croup is strong, horizontal. The belly is "sporty" tucked up.
- Tail medium or high set, medium length, saber-shaped, as a rule (except in countries where it is prohibited by law), docked. An undocked tail should not curl over the back or curl up into a ring.
- Limbs parallel, straight, strong. When viewed from the side, they go under the body of the dog. The limbs are very strong with a well balanced musculoskeletal structure. Feet are neat, with tightly pressed toes and strong, springy pads. The front feet are often much larger than the hind feet.
- Leather dense, pigmented in tone with the coat, without folds.
- Wool. There are two varieties of German Jagdterriers: smooth-haired (their coat is short, dense and smooth to the touch) and wire-haired (the coat is short, coarse and rather rough to the touch). Regardless of the quality of the coat, both varieties of terriers are jointly assessed at the championships.
- Color has several variations. It happens: dark brown (then the nose should be brown), black (the nose is black), black-silver or grayish-black (the nose is black). In all variants, it can have a reddish-yellow tan harmoniously distributed over the head, chest, abdomen, sides and limbs of the animal. The presence of tan spots on the face and around the eyes of the dog is possible.
The nature of the dog-jagdterrier
The character of the breed can be described in one word - complex. For some people, he is just the perfect example of a dog worthy of admiration and respect, for others - a naughty and inadequately vicious dog, giving a lot of trouble to its owner. In their own way, both are right, but we will try to be objective.
The German "jagd" is really a very energetic, always alert, decisive in actions and absolutely fearless dog. The dog is so indefatigably energetic at any age (even at the most advanced) that it seems that a perpetual motion machine is mounted inside the animal, which does not give it rest day or night. From the earliest puppy age, "yagdy" show their energetic temperament, by all means, trying to win more and more new positions from their owner. And the older they get, the more fearless they act, not hesitating to use their teeth with might and main. That is why it is very difficult for a beginner dog lover to cope with such an active-assertive animal, completely devoid of any fear, which leads to the emergence of all kinds of negative reviews about the breed. In fact, experienced hunters and dog lovers adore this small and stubborn "biter" who, with proper training and education, reveals such wonderful facets of his character as absolute devotion to his master, perfect discipline, reliability and precision in his work "in his specialty."
The German hunting terrier is not a dog for everyone and everyone, his steep disposition requires an owner with a "firm hand" and a strong character, capable of turning the dog's dominant aspirations in his favor. And if this succeeds, then there are no problems with the animal. He becomes the absolute favorite of the whole family, although he always chooses only one person as his master, who is allowed everything.
The aggression and anger towards other animals inherent in the breed during selection require constant control and attention from the owners. "Yagdy" do not tolerate the presence of any other animals in the house (except for dogs, and even better the same game terriers), they are very jealous and do not like to share the owner's love with anyone else. So, domestic cats and mice really risk their lives when these dogs appear in the house.
Yes, and the content of the apartment itself is not suitable for "games". They are too mobile and freedom-loving, their indefatigable running around, jumping and endless attacks cause a lot of anxiety to everyone at home.
When walking jagd terriers on the street (especially if the dog is poorly socialized and does not like to obey), a collar and leash (and sometimes a muzzle) are required. Free walking (without a leash and muzzle) of this breed is possible only in places free from unfamiliar dogs and people. If a couple of "yagdov" are walking at once, then double or even triple caution is necessary. Such an inseparable couple, acting in a team, easily "takes into circulation" even such strong and formidable rivals as a Rottweiler or Stafford (sometimes with sad consequences for the latter).
And yet the German Hunting Terrier is a wonderful hunting dog, with remarkable working talents, fiercely intolerant of strangers and infinitely loyal to its owners. And although his character is obstinate and wild, but having tamed this "little savage" the owner forever receives a loyal and devoted friend as a reward.
Jagdeterrier health
The breed of German "Jagda" is considered one of the most problem-free hunting dog breeds in the world. The very selection of the breed was entirely based on the selection of the best individuals of Fox Terriers and crosses with Terriers of the Old English type. Inbreeding (closely related crossing) was applied only at the initial stage of selection. Therefore, of the breed genetic predispositions, only the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (dermatorexis - increased elasticity and vulnerability of the skin) can be called.
Good health and a reliable immune system allow jagd terriers to live up to the age of 13-15 years without any problems. Also among the "yagda" there are many long-livers who have lived up to 18 or even 20 years.
Jagdterrier care tips
It is best to keep German hunters in the countryside, hunting grounds or in a country house. There they feel great, move fully and acquire the necessary skills.
Caring for the "little obstinate" is not difficult. The breed was specially created with a short and harsh coat, which does not require any special "tenderness" in handling. Standard and well-known procedures are quite enough. The lack of hydrophobia in the dog makes bathing it an enjoyable duty.
There are also no difficulties with feeding. The dog is absolutely not pretentious in food, and the owner can easily choose a diet to his liking. The only thing that the owner needs to remember is that the food should be high-calorie enough to fully replenish the energy expenditure of the restless dog.
Price when buying a Jagdterrier puppy
Jagdterriers have firmly established themselves in Russia since the 70s of the XX century. It is not at all difficult to buy a thoroughbred Yagda puppy nowadays, there are plenty of breeding nurseries in the country.
The cost of breeding puppies ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles. A puppy "for the soul" can be purchased much cheaper.
You will learn more about the German hunting terrier (jagdterrier) from this video:
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