Breed Standard

German Breed Standards

Vom Kervinshof stands at the forefront as a leading importer of elite German Jagd Terriers—bringing only the highest-caliber, certified-to-breed sires and dams directly from Germany to the United States.

We do not deal in average dogs. Every Jagd Terrier in our program is carefully selected from proven German working lines, where strict breeding regulations and performance testing ensure authenticity, drive, and true hunting ability. These are not diluted bloodlines or unverified stock—these are dogs bred under the system that created the Jagd Terrier. We import, develop, and breed Jagd Terriers for serious hunters and individuals.If you’re looking for a dog that merely looks like a Jagd Terrier, there are plenty available.

If you want one that is a Jagd Terrier—bred to the original German standard, tested, and ready to perform—your search ends here; however, terrier placement is selective to ensure the right fit for both the dog and the owner.

The breeder must follow the breed standard to develop a healthy, adaptable German Jagd Terrier that are friendly and courageous. Often misunderstood as aggressive, this driven working terrier shows intensity in hunting due to its instincts, but this does not indicate aggression towards dogs or people unless affected by poor management or breeding practices.

German Kennel Requirements

In accordance with the Federal Law on Animal Welfare and the regulations set forth by the German Jagd Terrier Club (VDH), the following provisions are established to ensure the highest standards of animal care and responsible breeding practices:

1. Kennel Safeguards

• All breeding facilities must comply with the hygiene and safety standards as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act.

• Regular inspections shall be conducted by authorized veterinary officials to ensure compliance with health and welfare regulations.

• Breeders are required to maintain comprehensive records of all breeding activities, including health screenings and lineage documentation.

2. Inspection Protocols

• Inspections shall occur at least biannually, with additional visits as deemed necessary based on compliance history.

• Inspectors will assess the living conditions of the animals, the adequacy of veterinary care, and the overall welfare of the dogs.

• Non-compliance with established regulations may result in penalties, including fines or revocation of breeding licenses.

3. Breeding Entitlements

• Only registered breeders who have met all regulatory requirements are entitled to breed dogs.

• Breeding must prioritize the health, temperament, and conformation of the breed, adhering to breed standards set forth by the VDH.

• Breeders must provide prospective owners with all necessary information regarding the care, health, and training of the breed.

  
  

These measures are instituted to promote responsible breeding practices and safeguard the welfare of all canine companions within Germany.

Protection of a kennel name must be applied for with the responsible state breeding warden (LZW) at the studbook office. The LZW or a person appointed by them must (using the mandatory form "Kennel Inspection") check whether the conditions for the proper care of dogs and the proper rearing of puppies (according to the mandatory regulations of the German Hunting Terrier Club e. V. for puppy rearing) are guaranteed. The results of the inspection must be recorded in writing and sent to the studbook office together with the application. Breeding rights and kennel protection are only granted to members who hold a valid German annual hunting license. They must ensure the animal welfare-compliant and proper care of dogs as well as the animal welfare-compliant and proper rearing and care of a litter. A certificate of competence from the DJT Club for breeders, sufficient supervision time, and the means to properly care for and supervise puppies beyond the usual time of handover are also required. The granting of kennel protection by the studbook office must occur before mating. The granting and revocation of kennel protection are published in the newsletter. After the breeder relocates, changes the breeding facility, takes a breeding break of more than five years (reference date is the birth date of the last litter), and/or after a breeding ban, a new kennel inspection is required. The costs incurred for this are borne by the breeder.

Registration

• Parent dogs must meet necessary breeding prerequisites before mating.

• If the litter adheres to breeding regulations:

  • It will be recorded in the DJT-Club studbook.

  • Puppies will receive pedigrees.

• If the litter does not adhere to breeding regulations:

  • Puppies will have pedigrees marked with "breeding ban."

  • The ban can be lifted upon a written request to the studbook office, with:

  • Approval from the breeding committee

  • Approval from the chief breeding warden

Stud Dogs Certification

• Performance Certificates:

• A male dog is eligible for breeding after completing:

  • ZP I (den suitability test)

  • ZP II (above-ground work)

• The stud dog must hold a den performance certificate with:

  • Grade of 4 for digging

  • Track barking mark

  • Water affinity rating of 2

  • Prize star

• Coat and Conformation:

• The stud dog must achieve at least a "very good" rating in both coat and conformation.

• This rating can be obtained:

  • Twice at a state breed show

  • Once at a national breed show

  • At international breed dog shows judged by DJT-VDH specialist judges or comparable judges abroad

  • The most recent rating is decisive.

• Teeth:

  • The stud dog must possess a strong, complete, and flawless scissor bite.

  • The absence of M3 is not considered a fault.

• Diseases and Genetic Defects:

  • Stud dogs must be free from diseases and genetic defects.

  • They must not exhibit any abnormalities of the sexual organs.

  • Dogs with hereditary defects or that pass them on must be excluded from breeding.

  • The stud dog owner must report any genetic defects (e.g., eye defects) to the breed registry office.

  • Failure to report is regarded as detrimental breeding behavior and will be sanctioned.

Female Breeding Certification

• Performance Certificates:

• The female dog may only be approved for breeding if she has:

  • Successfully completed ZP I (den suitability test)

  • Successfully completed ZP II (above-ground work)

  • At least 3 (three) in water joy

  • 2 (two) in track dash as her explosive score

  • A lower grade in blasting is offset by the hardness stroke.

  • From the age of 4 (36 months + 1 day), the breeding must have a natural performance mark (burrow or sow).

  • Equivalent performance marks acquired abroad are recognized.

• Coat and Conformation:

• The breeding female must receive at least a "good" rating for coat and conformation.

• This evaluation can be achieved:

  • Twice at a state breeding show

  • Once at a national breeding show

  • At international pedigree dog shows judged by DJT-VDH special breed judges or comparable judges from abroad

• The last rating is decisive.

• Teeth:

  • The breeding female must have a strong, complete, and flawless scissor bite.

  • The absence of M3 is not considered a fault.

• Diseases and Genetic Defects:

  • The breeding female must be free from diseases and hereditary defects.

  • Those with or passing on hereditary defects must be excluded from breeding.

  • The breeder must report any hereditary defects (e.g., eye defects) occurring in their breeding to the studbook office.

  • Failure to report is regarded as detrimental breeding behavior and will be sanctioned.

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