Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
General Appearance
The Jagdterrier is a compact, strong and enduring working dog that conveys power, courage and high functionality. The format is slightly elongated; the body is dry, muscular, with a firm topline and a well-developed chest. The head is wedge-shaped and proportionate, with expressive dark eyes and high-set, close-lying ears. The limbs are straight and strong, providing powerful drive and stability on difficult terrain. The coat is harsh or harsh-smooth, close-fitting, with pronounced protective qualities. The overall appearance emphasizes the breed’s working nature—strength, agility and readiness for active hunting.
Important Proportions
The Jagdterrier has a slightly elongated format: body length exceeds height at the withers but remains harmonious and functional. Chest depth is about half the dog’s height, providing excellent capacity for breathing and endurance. The head is proportional to the body, with skull and muzzle in balanced ratio, essential for work underground. The neck is of medium length, strong and flowing into the topline. Limbs are proportional with correct angulation, ensuring strong drive and stability. Overall proportions must highlight strength, compactness and functionality.
Temperament and Character
The Jagdterrier’s temperament is defined by determination, courage and a pronounced working drive. This is an active, energetic dog with strong motivation for searching and pursuing game, especially in underground hunting. Intelligent and attentive, the breed learns quickly but requires firm, consistent handling. Loyal to its owner and alert with strangers, the Jagdterrier shows natural guarding instincts. Properly socialized, it remains balanced and manageable, retaining the liveliness, drive and stable nerves required for demanding work.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, dry and proportional, with clean lines and distinct breed expression. The skull is moderately broad and slightly flattened. The stop is noticeable but not abrupt. The muzzle is elongated, strong and well filled, never pointed. The nose bridge is straight; the nose leather is black or dark with open nostrils. Lips are tight and dry. Jaws are strong with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite, essential for a working breed. Cheeks are dry and flat. The overall expression is attentive, determined and energetic.
Facial Region
The facial region highlights the breed’s working purpose. The muzzle is strong, dry and wedge-shaped, well filled under the eyes with no cheekiness. The stop is gradual but distinct. The nose bridge is straight; lips are thin and tight. Jaws are powerful, allowing firm grip. A complete scissor bite is required. Cheekbones are defined but not coarse. Pigmentation of nose and lip edges is always dark. The general impression is focus, determination and functional severity.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, oval and slightly slanted, giving an attentive and concentrated expression. The look is confident, energetic and alert. Iris color is dark, preferably deep dark brown. Light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are dry and tight with dark pigmentation. Eyes are well set, not protruding. Overall, the eyes emphasize the Jagdterrier’s determination and high concentration.
Ears
Ears are small, high-set and carried in a neat V-shaped fold. Tips point forward and lie close to the cheeks. Cartilage is firm but not coarse or thin. Pricked, semi-pricked or oversized ears are incorrect. In alertness, ears react sharply to sounds, reflecting the dog’s working nature. At rest, they maintain a neat, correct position. Skin is clean and smooth. Proper ears enhance the breed’s expression of alertness and resolve.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, muscular and widening toward the shoulders. It should be strong but not coarse, allowing flexibility and endurance in underground and forest work. The topline of the neck is slightly arched. No dewlap is allowed. The neck’s angle harmonizes with shoulder angulation, enabling visibility and quick reaction. Too short or too long a neck disrupts balance. A correct neck emphasizes agility, strength and working ability.
Body
The body is compact, strong and well balanced. The topline is straight and firm. The withers are defined, flowing into a short, strong back. The loin is short, muscular and slightly arched, providing powerful drive. The croup is strong, moderately sloping. The chest is deep and well developed with oval ribs. The underline is moderately tucked. The body must be dry and athletic without heaviness. Correct body construction ensures endurance, agility and power.
Tail
The tail is strong, high-set and continues the topline. Traditionally docked by one third for working safety; natural tails must remain straight and firm, never curled. In movement, the tail is carried confidently, slightly raised but never over the back. At rest, a more relaxed carriage is allowed. Incorrect set, excessive curvature or sabre tail are faults. A proper tail completes the breed’s silhouette and enhances its functional appearance.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, strong and placed well under the body. Shoulder blades are long, sloping and muscular. Upper arms are equal in length and form correct angulation for free movement. Forearms are straight and dry with strong bone. Elbows point straight back. Pasterns are short, resilient and slightly sloping. Feet are compact, round, with tight toes and strong dark nails. Pads are firm for rough terrain. Correct forequarters ensure stability and efficient forward movement.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are strong, muscular and well angulated. Thighs are long and muscular. Stifles are well bent. Lower thighs are long and dry. Hocks are low-set, firm and well defined. Metatarsi are short and vertical. Feet are compact and strong. Proper hindquarters produce powerful drive, agility and endurance.
Gait and Movement
Movement is energetic, free and purposeful. Front legs reach well forward; hind legs produce strong drive. The topline remains stable. Steps are elastic with medium length. The dog easily changes pace and direction, essential for hunting work. At the trot, movement is straight, strong and efficient. Any signs of cow-hocks, restricted movement or short stride are undesirable.
Coat
The coat is dense, harsh and weather-resistant. Two coat types are allowed: harsh-rough and harsh-smooth. Both must have a dense undercoat. Rough coats may show slight eyebrows and beard. Smooth coats are short and harsh. Coat on the tail is short and dense. Soft, curly, sparse or overly long coat, as well as insufficient undercoat, are faults. Proper coat ensures protection and functionality.
Permissible Colors
Permissible colors include black, dark brown and dark grizzle with well-defined tan markings of varying intensity. Tan appears on muzzle, eyebrows, chest, lower legs, around the anus and inner thighs. A small chest patch is allowed. Pigmentation of nose, eye rims and lips must be dark. Unclear markings, large white areas, faded colors are undesirable.
Size
The Jagdterrier must be compact yet strong. Ideal height is 33–40 cm. Weight ranges from 8 to 10 kg. The dog must be muscular and dry, not heavy or loose. Correct size ensures strength, speed and agility suitable for underground and forest work.
Faults
Faults include weak musculature, looseness, soft topline, insufficient chest depth, light eyes, weak pigmentation, incorrect limb structure, loose ears, soft coat, sparse undercoat, unclear markings or large white patches.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include unwarranted aggression or extreme shyness; albinism or depigmentation; lack of nose pigment; incorrect bite; missing teeth except P1; pricked or semi-pricked ears; severely curled or kinked tail; serious movement disorders; lameness; absence of typical markings; large white areas.
Important Notes
The breed’s working purpose must always be preserved. The Jagdterrier must show balanced, courageous temperament without excessive excitability. Physical condition, musculature and bone strength are essential. Sexual dimorphism should be evident. Non-hereditary deviations due to injuries or conditions are judged separately. Exterior and temperament must match the type of an active, enduring hunting dog.
Conclusion
The Jagdterrier is a universal hunting breed combining strength, endurance and high working ability. Its anatomy and temperament allow efficient work underground, in the forest and on rough terrain. Correct proportions, movement and stable character define the breed. Breeding must preserve working qualities, exterior and health. A properly raised Jagdterrier is energetic, courageous, manageable and loyal, fully suited to its purpose.
