A lot of articles have been written about yagd terriers. But almost every one of them carries a biased assessment, often attributing (obviously blackening or, conversely, bleaching) some qualities of the breed: exterior, character, work. As for me, a person who was not interested, but well familiar with the breed, I would like to light it in a neutral light, without exaggeration. So...
Yagd Terrier is a relatively young breed and, judging by the wide and non-strict standard, is still not well formed or polished.
German dog handlers, obsessed with the idea of creating a universal dog for hunting, began to "develop" in the twenties of the last century. Actually, the German Yagd Terrier was supposed to be the product of purposeful crossings of various types of terriers that have a dark color. Bright representatives did not participate in the formation of the breed. One of the main selection criteria was precisely the dark color: white dogs allegedly scared the game faster.
In addition, emphasis was placed on universality: the dog had to work both in the hole (underground), and on the ground (raising game, selection of wounded animals), and even on water (supply).
The source material was four black-red terriers from a kennel located near Munich. There are many versions and assumptions about their origin. Some argue that it was the fruit of a pair of chic fox terriers, while others insist on the "illegitimate relationship" of a black and piebald female fox terrier with a male born from the Irish Terrier and Welsh Terrier. In any case, the documentary evidence is most likely not to surface, therefore, leaving the founders of the Yagdterrier breed, we simply state the fact: the Hunting Terrier Club, opened in Germany in 1924, was closely engaged in breeding a new breed for hunting, not disdaining close inbreeding.
However, inbreeding mating for obvious reasons could not continue indefinitely. It needed new, fresh blood. It was decided to add blood to two more breeds: the Welsh Terrier and the Old English Terrier. The enthusiasts' focused efforts yielded results: by the fortieth year, one could already speak of a new breed that possessed versatile qualities.
Over the following years, all the main breeding material, with the exception of single individuals, was lost. Restoring the breed required a lot of effort and perseverance. The German Reed Terrier was revived only in the eighties of the last century.
Now the breed is represented by both wire-haired and short-haired dogs of three colors. Moreover, they are all recognized by the standard, exhibited in the same ring and used in mating.
The Yagd Terrier today is a compact, versatile dog, up to 40 cm at the withers, gifted with a keen flair, rather vicious and distrustful of strangers. This is a hunter, and a companion, and a watchman in one person (or face - as you wish).
Yagd Terrier is devoted, rather quick-witted, obedient, well trained, hardy, unpretentious, with good health. It feels great both in a cozy city apartment, and in a private house, with open-air cage. Keeping it "for yourself" as a pet is undesirable: the dog needs a long walk and decent physical activity. Do not forget: the purpose of breeding was precisely hunting with a yagd terrier. Here, this fearless dog shows itself to the fullest, clearly enjoying what he is doing.
The badger, raccoon or fox yagd terrier pulls out of the hole himself, after which it presses the prey. Some specimens “bypass” even “experienced” huskies in tests on a wild boar, receiving higher scores for dexterity, toughness and courage. By the way, a couple of like yagd terriers are just perfect for hunting (knowledgeable people will understand what they mean).
As for work on the water, here the German yagd terrier is usually used for search and feed. However, one should nevertheless take into account the time of year: in spite of good immunity, this dog is still susceptible to colds, therefore, it is not worth using it in this direction in late autumn and early spring.
A breed that is not suitable for a novice dog breeder: the owner of a yagd terrier should be a solid, confident person, able to prove his impeccable leadership without pressure and “breaking”. Social adaptation and training should be started early, however, the use of strict methods is unacceptable here.