Working terrier Small size 7.5-10 kg
German Hunting Terrier
An intense, fearless working terrier with a very high prey drive, best for hunting and experienced owners, not typical family pet life.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
7.5-10 kg, 33-40 cm
Very high
Activity
Very high; a working dog that needs hard daily exercise
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with a moderate stretch alone
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but needs steady guidance
Low
Coat care
Low upkeep; occasional brushing
Fair
Fit with kids
Better with older, respectful kids
Fair
Other pets
Prey drive; care around small pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia
The German Hunting Terrier typically weighs 7.5-10 kg, stands 33-40 cm, and lives 13-15 years.
Consider this breed if…
you hunt and want a tough, focused working terrier,
you are an experienced owner who can channel high drive,
you can provide hard daily exercise and a real job,
you have no small pets and can manage a strong prey instinct.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm, easygoing family or lap dog,
you keep rabbits, cats, or other small animals,
this is your first dog or you cannot train consistently,
you have young children who cannot give it space.
A typical day with a German Hunting Terrier
- 6:30 · MorningHard exercise: a run, hike, or working session
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest; a drained terrier can finally settle
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk plus a puzzle or chew
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining or structured games, 15-20 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningAnother vigorous walk or terrier sport
- 21:00 · NightSleeps hard once its energy is truly spent
Family and environment
Kids Conditional
Better with older, respectful children who give it room.
Dogs Conditional
Can be scrappy with strange dogs; socialize early and carefully.
Cats Poor
Very high prey drive makes cohabiting with cats risky.
Apartment Conditional
Only with intense daily exercise and an experienced owner.
House with a yard Suitable
A dig-proof, secure fence is important for this earth dog.
City Conditional
Manageable for an active handler, but drive and noise are work.
Countryside Ideal
Room to work and hunt suits its purpose-bred nature.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited retinal disease; DNA test available
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Similarly driven working earth terrier
Patterdale Terrier
A tough, driven working terrier; hardy and tenacious but a handful for inexperienced owners.
View profile →
Comparable high-energy hunting terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
View profile →
Sturdy working terrier, a bit more biddable
Welsh Terrier
A bold, cheerful terrier that stays game and busy - the wiry coat needs stripping and the attitude needs channeling.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a German Hunting Terrier cost?
The Jagdterrier is bred mainly for working hunters, and reputable breeders often screen buyers for hunting homes, so pet availability in the US is limited and you may join a waitlist. A puppy typically runs somewhere in the mid hundreds to low thousands of dollars. The lifetime cost is what matters most: food, routine vet care, and any health issues add up to several thousand dollars or more over its life, so plan for the long haul.
Is a German Hunting Terrier a good family pet?
For most families, no. It is an intense, high-drive working terrier that needs hard daily exercise and a job. It can bond closely with an experienced, active household but is a poor match for homes wanting a calm companion, and its prey drive makes it risky with small pets.
Does it get along with cats and small animals?
Generally not. It was bred to hunt and kill quarry underground, so its prey drive toward cats, rabbits, and rodents is very strong. Even raised together, cohabiting with small animals is risky and needs careful management.
How much exercise does it need?
A lot. Plan for vigorous daily exercise plus mental work or a real task; a couple of short walks will not satisfy it. An underexercised Jagdterrier tends to become destructive, noisy, and difficult.