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The Canine Chronicles Directory
German Pinscher
German Pinschers are compact, well-muscled, medium-sized dogs. They have short,
smooth coats which lie close to the body. When showing this breed, their coat color
should be solid fawn or several shades of red. Coats may also come in black with
tan markings, brown with yellow markings, and blue or black with reddish markings.
The head has a long bluntly tipped muzzle, a slight stop and the oval eyes are dark.
The high set ears can either be cropped or uncropped. The medium sized nose should
be black and the teeth should meet in a scissor-like bite. The short body is robust
and well-muscled with a topline slightly descending from the withers. The forelegs
should be parallel with perpendicular pasterns. The round, compact feet are short
with dark pads. In the United States, the tail is customarily docked between the
second and third joints. The tail should be held horizontally when in motion.
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Temperament
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German Pinscher's have a great sense of humor, courageous, sober and have considerable
stamina. They are highly protective of their family and territory. They are not
likely to allow anyone besides their owners onto the property without supervision.
They are an extremely loyal and protective breed, defending their owner and property
to the end. They are affectionate and attentive to their owners; however, it is
usually on their terms. Due to this, and their tendency to be possessive of their
food, toys and treats, obedience training is essential to establishing positive
leadership identification. Since this breed is extensively protective, they are
not recommended for households with children. They do not know the difference between
a real problem and rough-housing. They tend to bite and should only be around older,
respectful children. German Pinchers are slightly dog aggressive and should be in
a one-dog home. It is especially recommended to not have another mature dog of the
same sex in the same home as this breed. This breed is excellent at agility due
to their speed. They are not suitable for attack training since they cannot be called
off during the attack. This breed does not like to be alone for lengthy periods
and once bored, can become destructive.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 16-19" ; Weight: 25-35 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The German Pinscher is a hardy breed with no real health problems.
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Living Conditions
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German Pinscher's do okay in an apartment if they are given enough exercise. They
require a tight fenced yard and should be on a leash at all times as they may take
off on a chase very quickly.
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Exercise
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This breed needs regular and frequent exercise. They make excellent bicycle and
jogging companions.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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German Pinschers need little grooming and are average shedders.
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Origin
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Although the German Pinscher was not admitted to the AKC until 2003, they have been
a recognized breed in Germany since the 1800s. They were used for centuries as ratters
and vermin hunters. This breed is a close relation to the Standard Schnauzer - the
Schnauzer being the wire-haired version and the Pinscher being the smooth-haired
version. Eventually, the coat types were separated into two distinct breeds. After
the 2nd World War, very few German Pinchers existed. In the 1950s, a German man
named Werner Jung was successful in rebuilding this magnificent breed, as well as
establishing breeding programs. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Terrier
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