GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

History

After the first world war a group of active hunters separated from the numerically strong Fox Terrier Club. It was their aim to create a breed, the sole purpose of which would be hunting performance.

The experiences hunters and cynologists Rudolf Frieb, Walter Zangenberg and Carl-Erich Grunewald decided to select a black and tan hunting dog in particular suitable for the hunt under the ground.

A coincidence came in support of their efforts. A zoo director, Lutz Heck/ Hagenberg presented Walter Zangenberg with four black and tan terriers which were said to come from pure-bred Fox Terrier lines. These dogs became the foundation stock of the German Hunting Terrier. At the time Dr Herbert Lackner joined the founders. After many years of intensive breeding efforts, and through skilful crossings with the Old English Wirehaired Terrier as well as the Welsh Terrier, they succeeded to fix the appearance of their breed.

At the same time they put great emphasis on breeding a multitalented, well trainable, hard, tongue giving and water happy dog with an explicit hunting instinct. The German Hunting Terrier Club (Deutscher Jadgterrier-Club e.V.) was founded in 1926. As ever, the breeders continued to value most carefully their breed for its usefulness as a hunting dog, its steadiness of character, its courage and drive. (1)

Appearance

A smallish, generally black and tan, compact, well proportioned working hunting dog. (1)

Temperament

A versatile hunting dog, suited in particular for the hunt under the ground and as a flushing dog. Courageous and hard, takes pleasure in work, enduring, vital, full of temperament, reliable, sociable and trainable, neither shy or aggressive. (1)

Sizes

Height at the withers:

Dogs - 33 to 40 cms
Bitches - 33 to 40 cms

Weight

Weight in males and females should be according to build, not too light nor too heavy. (1)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the German Hunting Terrier you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the German Hunting Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle. 

References

1. Dogs Australia

   Image: Radomír Režný | Dreamstime.com