The German Hunting Terrier is one of the toughest, most straightforward and most hunting dog breeds in this country. His courage and doggedness in his work make him an outstanding hunting dog. For the owner, his determination and independence can become a challenge. Properly trained from the beginning and used to the appropriate breed, the robust dwarf becomes a wonderful companion.

Young German breed – the German Hunting Terrier

In the first third of the 20th century, interest in dogs as companion and family dogs as well as show breeding increased worldwide. Many breeds that had previously been used as hunting and working dogs were now bred for friendliness and suitability for everyday use instead of hardness, urgency and robustness. Many terrier breeds were also affected.

A handful of terrier lovers and hunters therefore made it their task to breed the German Hunting Terrier, whose characteristics and physique were essentially intended to guarantee its suitability for hunting. The original breeds included the Fox Terrier and the English Terrier. Later, fur terriers, Welsh terriers and Old English Terriers were crossed.

Since the Second World War, the hunting terrier has firmly established itself in hunting circles and is still listed there as a hunting dog today. Many breeders only give their puppies into the hands of hunters because the brave, clever black dog needs hunting like other dogs need to play. The working test is part of the breeding approval.

The character of the German hunting terrier

If you consider the goal with which the German hunting terrier was bred, it quickly becomes clear why its character is so extraordinary: The little hunting dog brings incredible self-confidence, toughness, joy of work and perseverance. It also needs this if it is to follow tracks alone in the forest and possibly even face a wild boar. It is courageous and persevering, but thanks to its intelligence in an emergency, it also knows its limits when encountering dangerous game.

The robust terrier is vital and active – a long day in the forest does not bother him. On the contrary: he demands a high degree of exercise and is not satisfied with one long walk a day for other dogs.

The German hunting terrier is loyal and attentive to its humans. It is friendly and tolerant, especially when it comes to children in the household. However, the prerequisite is that it receives enough work and workload. Both at home and at work, the stubborn terrier needs clear rules. He is not afraid to question them, although he is very sociable and easy to lead with the right upbringing. If the leadership fails to materialize, he willingly takes on this role, which sooner or later will lead to significant problems with keeping. These include, for example: intensive guarding and barking, uncontrolled hunting or monitoring family members.

Education and Husbandry

The German hunting terrier is not a cuddly, playful family dog. It has been bred over decades for performance and the will to work. It brings an infinite amount of energy and needs people who are willing to understand and use these characteristics. The red and black hunting dog is therefore best kept in hunter’s hands to this day. There it receives the appropriate, breed-appropriate training and workload.

When it comes to training, consistency and cleverness are in the foreground. The German hunting terrier is willing to work with its human – if it can understand its ideas and commands. It does not learn “sit” and “down” for the sake of command, but as part of its hunting training. It is considered precocious and often begins to replace play with seriousness before its first birthday. Dog tricks, treat hunting and the like are the icing on the cake, but no substitute for working in the forest.

Indispensable for the education of the hunting terrier is working on impulse control and frustration tolerance. Both are crucial in order to control the dog with a strong hunting instinct later on, even in exciting game encounters, and to prevent independent hunting.

Socialization in the first few months at home is also important. The dogs should learn to read other dogs and behave socially when encountering dogs. Like many other terriers, the German hunting terrier tends to think of foreign dogs as troublemakers from a certain age. Here it helps to train early on that ignoring is better than mobbing.

Caring for the German Hunting Terrier

With its simple, dense, hard rough hair or coarse smooth hair, the German hunting terrier is extremely easy to care for. Occasional brushing is enough to keep its coat tidy.

More important is the control of eyes, ears, teeth and claws. This should be done after each work assignment, because the tough terriers often do not indicate injuries.

Special features and health

The exceptionally strong hunting instinct of the German hunting terrier makes living together with small animals and cats a challenge. Many hunters report that their hunting-led, well-utilized terrier can live well with cats and other small animals in the same household. Nevertheless, they should never be left alone in one room with each other. In addition, proper management and early acclimatization of the puppy are often the key to success.

The German Hunting Terrier is bred by registered breeders affiliated with the Association for the German Canine Society (VDH) based on the stipulated breeding requirements such as the working test. If you are interested in a puppy, you should definitely seek advice from a recognised, reputable breeder. Especially with such breeds with a strong character, there is a risk of buying a sick or even aggressive dog from dubious sources.

The robust terriers have a long life expectancy of 15 and more years. It is important not to overfeed them and to give them enough exercise.

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