German Pinscher is thought to be a descendant of the now extinct German Rat Pinscher. Bred to protect home and family, this working breed is also a fervent vermin hunter.
The German Pinscher is a medium-sized breed, standing between 17 and 20 inches tall with weight proportionate to height. The head is wedge-shaped, with either upright cropped ears or V-shaped natural ears. The eyes are medium in size, dark, and oval. The body is compact and muscular without being bulky. The tail is docked.
The coat is short and smooth. Colors include fawn, red, blue, and black, with or without tan or rust markings. The German Pinscher is an easy-to-groom dog breed. The coat can be brushed weekly with a soft bristle brush or curry comb.
German Pinschers are naturally busy. Walks, jogs, playtimes with a ball, or training sessions on the agility course will all be enjoyed. All off-leash play sessions should be inside a fenced-in yard, because if a small animal is flushed, these dogs will chase! Early socialization is extremely important.
This is not a large dog breed but is still a very watchful and protective one. The German Pinscher is wary of strangers and willing to carry out his protective threats. Early training is also vital. This German Pinscher breed is bright and intelligent but can be strong-willed, manipulative, and stubborn. Training should be firm and structured yet fun, and should continue from puppyhood into adulthood.
The German Pinscher breed needs an experienced owner, preferably one who understands the dog breed’s temperament. The German Pinscher needs supervision with children, as he will not tolerate disrespect or rough handling. He can be aggressive with other dogs, and interactions with small animals should be limited and closely supervised. Health concerns include eye problems and hip dysplasia.
2 replies on “German Pinscher”
My dog is as the others say and he likes to pull at peoples clothes and bite out of roughness and not meanness, but I am afraid he will tear their clothes and bite them. He loves them but does this and jumps on them, snapping at them.
The German Pinscher Club of America calls him “energetic, watchful, agile, fearless, determined.”
One might add “strong-willed, assertive, and manipulative.”
Both robust and elegant, the German Pinscher comes from a strong terrier background. This high-energy breed always seems to be observing, thinking, and planning. He makes direct eye contact, and unless you establish yourself as alpha (number one), he can be demanding and frequently in your face. This is not a good breed for dog owners who tend to be passive or permissive.
Yet the German Pinscher is extremely smart and clever, and owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable.
Very loyal, highly territorial, and keenly alert, the German Pinscher takes his watchdog role very seriously. He won’t hesitate to back up his fierce bark with a bite. Early and frequent socialization is required so that his wariness does not become sharpness. This is a serious responsibility that dog owners assume when they choose a German Pinscher.
Most German Pinschers are okay (though bossy) with other dogs IF raised with them, but this breed has a high prey drive and quick reflexes and is death on anything that runs.
The German Pinscher can be overly possessive of objects (yours and his), and excessive barking can be a problem.