How the Germans created a "superdog"

The Germans have always had a reputation for excellence in everything they set their sights on. Whether it's cars like BMW or the best beer in the world, their commitment to perfection is unparalleled. And now, their expertise extends to the realm of hunting dogs, with the creation of the extraordinary Jagdterrier - a true "superdog" that surpasses pit bulls and bull terriers in its tenacity and prowess.

In the early 20th century, German hunters faced a dilemma. Although European exhibitions showcased dogs with impeccable exteriors, they lacked the intellect and skills required for hunting. Determined to revive the greatness of hunting breeds, the Germans tackled the breeding of an ideal burrowing dog with their characteristic meticulousness.

While their efforts in breeding a superman might not have been entirely successful, they certainly excelled with the Jagdterrier. Countless breeds contributed to the development of this incredible canine. Starting with black fox terriers, the Germans introduced elements of Old English terrier and Welsh terrier, creating an explosive combination of the finest hunting breeds. The result was a dog with a vice-like grip, an exceptionally high pain threshold, and an intense disdain for any living thing.

These dogs view anything that exhibits signs of life as fair game for their bullying tendencies. Fearless and dauntless, the Jagdterrier can strangle a fox, pursue a wild boar, or tear apart the rear end of a bear. Astonishingly, despite their remarkable hunting abilities, Jagdterriers are not particularly large in size, with the maximum height reaching only 50 centimeters and a weight of 10 kilograms.

What sets Jagdterriers apart is their remarkably developed hunting instinct and their fury towards their prey. On average, German hunting terriers demonstrate significantly higher working indicators compared to other terriers, highlighting their superior hunting qualities.

The exceptional prowess of the Jagdterrier was vividly demonstrated at the World Dog Show in 1965, held in Brno, where 29 Jagd Terriers participated and outperformed all other breeds in terms of numbers and results.

Described by hunters as "dynamite in small packages," Jagdterriers were specifically bred to be fiercely aggressive working dogs, fearlessly engaging enemies much larger than themselves. Consequently, they often sustain injuries or even perish while hunting. As befits a burrow hunter, these dogs are independent, determined, and persistent. Their untamed temperament also manifests in their everyday lives, requiring careful training based on mutual respect.

The Jagdterrier's exceptional pain threshold and toughness are truly awe-inspiring. Veterinarians and hunters share astounding stories of Jagdterriers enduring injuries during hunts, requiring stitches without any pain relief. Remarkably, these resilient creatures quickly recover and continue displaying vigor, ready to take on any challenge.

Most frequently, Jagdterriers hunt in packs of 3-5 dogs, capable of overpowering even the most experienced boar. The result is a strong, fearless, and spirited dog that perfectly complements owners who share similar character traits. However, it is crucial for inexperienced owners to exercise caution, as mistaking the Jagdterrier for game can lead to unintentional encounters.

The Jagdterrier stands as a remarkable testament to the German spirit of unwavering pursuit of excellence. By crafting this "superdog," the Germans have once again proven their dedication to creating exceptional beings that surpass expectations in the realm of hunting breeds.