The German Pinscher is a medium-sized, elegant dog that has a square appearance. This dog makes an excellent companion and an equally good watchdog. This is a muscular and powerful dog, yet it is agile and elegant. The dog is loved for its beauty as well its intelligence.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Germany
Used for: Companion, watchdog, herding
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Color: Red, blue, black, fawn, brown with red and tan markings
Coat: Short, smooth and glossy
Average Height: 16-19 inches
Average Weight: 25-35 pounds
Group: Terrier; working group according to AKC
History and Domestication
Officially recognized in Germany in 1879, the German Pinscher has been actively protected and promoted since then.
The dog is prized for its vermin hunting abilities. Its size lies between the miniature Pinscher and Doberman, but despite the name and size, it is more closely related to the Schnauzer. Like many other breeds, the German Pinscher too faced extinction during World War but Werner Jung revived the breed. It was recognized by AKC in 2003.
Standard Physical Characteristics
Also known as the standard Pinscher, the German Pinscher is a medium-sized, square terrier. Its head looks like a blunt wedge. The muzzle is about the same size as the top of the skull with a slight stop. The lips and nose are black. Eyes are medium and oval in size. It has a muscular and powerful built. The ears can be cropped or kept natural. When left natural, they fold over in V-shape. When cropped, they stand erect.
Care, Grooming and Health
The strong, smooth and glossy coat of the German Pinscher requires very less grooming. This breed is an average shedder and occasional brushing and combing will get rid of dead hair.
This is a working dog and has high exercise requirements. They need to be taken on long daily walks where they can be made to heel beside or after the person on lead. They will also enjoy playing and running. They make good jogging companions.
This is generally a healthy breed.
Living Conditions
If provided with ample exercises, these dogs will do okay in apartment. A tightly fenced-in yard is required for them as they have a habit of chasing anything that moves too quickly.
Temperament
The German Pinscher makes an ideal companion dog. This is a rare breed and is brave and has a considerable stamina. It can be lively but docile and is a vocal guard dog. It responds well to obedience training. However with meek and passive owners, it can become stubborn and strong-headed. Hence, proper human to canine interaction is necessary. The breed only barks when it feels it is necessary but that happens very often. Like other terriers and pinschers it does not back away from canine dominance hence firm handling is required to control its fighting tendencies. If the dog senses its humans are in trouble, its first instinct is to bite.
