Home DogsGerman Hunting Terrier

German Hunting Terrier

Loved by 74% of pet parents

Energetic, courageous, and determined, this compact terrier thrives on adventure and excels as an enthusiastic hunting partner. Known for unwavering loyalty and a spirited, confident personality.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

33–40 cm (male)

33–40 cm (female)

WEIGHT

9–10 kg (male)

7.5–8.5 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

10–12 years

German Hunting Terrier: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A German Hunting Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding German Hunting Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The German Hunting Terrier is alert, fearless, and determined, often displaying a strong prey drive and loyalty to its handlers. This breed can be wary of strangers and assertive with other animals.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level

Very active, needs regular vigorous exercise

Playfulness

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability

Adapts moderately to new environments

Strengths

Highly skilled in scent tracking
Strong prey drive for hunting tasks
Loyal and protective with family
Agile and energetic for outdoor activities
Adaptable to various environments

Challenges

Needs extensive daily physical exercise
Can be aggressive toward other animals
Prone to digging and escape attempts
Requires consistent, firm training approach
May become vocal without enough stimulation

Protect your German Hunting Terrier

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Intelligence & exercise needs

German Hunting Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

German Hunting Terriers are highly intelligent and quick learners, but may show independence and stubbornness. Consistent, positive training methods and clear leadership improve their responsiveness.

Trainable Tasks:

Scent tracking for game

Small animal retrieval

Burrow and flush training

Agility course navigation

Recall under distraction

Controlled barking on command

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

60–90 minutes daily

recommended per day

This breed has high energy and requires vigorous daily exercise, including both physical and mental stimulation. Activities like hunting, tracking, and interactive play help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Recommended Activities:

Earthdog trials

Scent work games

Hiking rugged terrain

Hide and seek outdoors

Tug-of-war sessions

Structured fetch sessions

Is this breed right for you?

German Hunting Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a German Hunting Terrier would fit well in your home.