Johann Christoph was still a minor when he inherited the County, and his uncles Eitel Friedrich IV of Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Karl II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen took up the regency and guardianship.
In 1608 in Sigmaringen, he married his cousin Marie (1592–1658), a daughter of his erstwhile guardian Count Karl II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
In 1612, he acquired Haag-Schlössle Castle in Haigerloch, where his widow would live after his death.
[2] When the Thirty Years' War broke out in 1618, Johann Christoph was selected as commander of Hohenzollern Castle.
Since he had not children, he was succeeded by his younger brother Karl, Count of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch.