The German Hunting Terrier is similar in appearance to that of a Doberman Pinscher.
They typically stand 13 to 16 inches at the shoulders.
This small dog normally weighs between 15 and 22 pounds.
These dogs may have a wiry or smooth coat.
As mentioned earlier, these small dogs tend to resemble a Doberman Pinscher and thus are typically found in black with brown or reddish markings. You may also see this breed in all brown with white markings.
Temperament
This breed is intelligent and courageous.
Obviously, this small breed was bred for hunting and is quite athletic.
They are also alert as well as active.
This small dog is relatively good with people and loyal to their masters.
The breed is known for being a "working dog". Basically, this breed needs a job or an objective to accomplish.
Due to their ability to hunt, they make good watch dogs and also good guard dogs.
Living Standards
Due to their nature to hunt, this terrier breed will do best with a yard.
As mentioned above, they are an active breed and enjoy having an objective to accomplish. Thus, they may not be good for apartment living as compared to some other small dogs.
A home with a small to medium sized yard should suffice. You do not need to live in the country to own this breed; city or suburban living is perfectly fine.
Exercise
This terrier breed does require quite a bit of exercise.
They should be walked on a daily basis. These walks should be long distance.
You could also jog with these small dogs at a moderate pace.
Keep in mind that these are working/hunting dogs and they may need stimulation in the form of a job.
Be sure to provide your dog with dog toys and bones to chew as well.
Litter Size
This breed will typically have between 3 and 8 pups per litter.
Health and Life Expectancy
In General, these dogs are quite healthy.
They do not tend to have any reoccurring genetic health problems.
As they age, be knowledgeable of generic health concerns that may affect any small dog breed such as:
The Life Expectancy of the German Hunting Terrier is normally between 10 and 14 years of age.
Trainability and Obedience
As mentioned earlier, this terrier breed is intelligent. Thus, they are not too difficult to train.
Because they are active, you should maintain your patience and calmness when training these small dogs.
Be firm with your commands and this breed will respond well.
As mentioned earlier, these small dogs are considered working dogs and are accustom to having an objective to accomplish. Therefore, incorporating a job-oriented method of training may be the best approach.
Keep in mind, for the best results begin training your German Hunting Terrier when he/she is a pup.
Remember that any small dog breed can develop small dog syndrome if not properly trained.
Grooming
This breed is not difficult to groom.
Simply brush them (using a soft bristle brush) once a week. When brushing, go with the hair.
Bathe only when necessary.
Trim their nails only when necessary.
History
German Hunting Terriers are a relatively young breed; they developed in the early 1900s.
As their name explains, this breed originated in Germany.
Likewise, these small dogs were bred for hunting a variety of wild animals including the following:
fox
wild boar
rabbit
weasel
badger
raccoon
The German Hunting Terrier Club was first developed in 1926.
Seemingly, these small dogs were first brought to the U.S. during the 1950s. However, they did not gain vast popularity when compared to American hunting dogs such as the Treeing Walker Coonhound or the Mountain Feist.
