German Pinscher Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the German Pinscher?

The German Pinscher originated in Southern Germany. They were working stable dogs and used to hunt and guard. In 1885 they were officially recognised as a breed.

The German Pinscher is known to be the foundation breed for the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher breeds during the early 1800s in Germany. Before this time, they were seen as the same breed.

After both World Wars, the breed was nearly taken out. Werner Jung, who was the breed supervisor for the German-Pinscher-Klub, is known as the person who saved the breed from extinction. He smuggled a female out of Eastern Germany and had her breed with four males. It is said that the German Pinscher breed dogs today are all descendants of this.

The German Pinscher breed later made its way to America in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By 2003 it was registered by the American Kennel Club.

Who are German Pinscher dogs best for?

The German Pinscher is ideal for people who are looking for a medium-sized dog. They need an owner who is experienced and consistent. People who live an active lifestyle will enjoy having them as they are a high energy breed that requires a lot of physical stimulation.

They are protective and make great watchdogs for your home. They are family dogs and are best suited for those who have outside space. They get along best with older children and are not recommended as pets in homes where the children are under 9 years old.

They do get along with other dogs, but it is advised to train them on how to properly interact from a young age.

How much grooming does a German Pinscher need?

The German Pinscher's short-haired coat requires very little grooming. They do not shed very much, and grooming them does not require a lot of work by the owner.

You can brush their coat with a cloth or a rubber mitt once a week is all that is needed to get rid of their excess hair. Brushing their teeth once or twice a week is good to get rid of any bacteria buildup. Clip their nails once or twice a month is also recommended.

Checking the dog's ears weekly will avoid ear infections and bad odours. Wiping it out with a cotton ball that has been dipped in a ph balanced ear cleaner is the preferred method of doing so.

It is important while grooming to always check for any kind of abnormalities. If you cannot groom your dog yourself, taking them to a professional groomer regularly will be best.

Do German Pinscher bark much?

They are not prone to excessive barking. The German Pinscher is a fierce watchdog and very protective, and they are known to bark if they sense danger or feel threatened.

It is very important to train a German Pinscher to help understand their environment both in public and at home.

Do German Pinscher bite?

They are not known to bite out of habit. Biting is normally an emotional reaction to either protect itself from danger or as a coping mechanism due to stress.

Having a German Pinscher as a companion dog requires you to be very hands-on with training.

Training German Pinschers from a young age is ideal as it is best to help them understand what is prohibited, especially in terms of biting. Biting can often be misinterpreted as violent. So teaching them that it is not okay will avoid any biting related accidents in future.

What is the temperament & personality of a German Pinscher?

They are very active dogs with high energy. This means they require a lot of physical stimulation. Along with this, they are also highly intelligent, intuitive dogs which also requires a lot of mental stimulation.

The German Pinscher temperament is best suited for owners who are just as physical as them. This allows them to match the energy of their owner, which will bring the best out of their personality.

They are a protective breed by nature. Making them excellent guard dogs. They are natural workers, so giving them tasks will be in their best interest as they can become destructive out of boredom.

They are friendly towards strangers. They are playful and generally have good personalities.

It is important to note that their temperament and personalities have a lot to do with their hereditaries. Adopting a dog from a reputable breeder is important. This will help you to get to know the parents of the puppy you are adopting, which will give you insight into what your puppy will grow up to be like.

What is the weight & size of a German Pinscher?

The German Pinscher grows to an average height of between 45 and 50 cm with an average weight of 14 kg to 15 kg.

How much training does a German Pinscher need?

A strong-willed breed, the German Pinscher, is known to be quite stubborn. This means that they require an owner that will be consistent and who will understand that the training process will take time.

On the other hand, as an intelligent and very physical breed, they are going to take training seriously. It is in their personality to catch on quite quickly. Using positive reinforcement will motivate them to do good during the training process.

Obedience training and early socialisation should be enforced when they are puppies already so that they become accustomed to what is expected from them at an early age.

Getting them into a puppy kindergarten class will be the best option for little German Pinscher to learn these things.

You are going to want to play into the strengths of a German Pinscher. Using their natural physical capabilities as part of their training will keep them entertained.

Letting them take part in and train for dog sports is a very good way to channel their energy as well as teach them the discipline that comes with it. They are known to be very good in canine sports.

What are some of the most common health issues for a German Pinscher?

A generally healthy dog breed. There are a few health issues to look out for:

• Von Willebrand Disease - A blood disorder that shows in symptoms like nose bleeds, bleeding gums and excessive bleeding after surgery, heat season or in the stool. It is usually diagnosed in the first year of the dog's life and is incurable.

• Cataracts - The dog's eyes will look cloudy and can be surgically removed. It normally comes with old age.

• Hip Dysplasia - An inherited condition where the thigh bone does not fit properly in the hip socket. It can be very painful and normally comes with old age. If you are adopting, reputable breeders should provide proof that the parents have been tested for this.

What is the lifespan of a German Pinscher?

The average life expectancy of the German Pinscher is 12 to 14 years.

How much should you feed a German Pinscher?

German Pinschers should only be eating high-quality dry dog food.

The amount of food they eat and the type of dog food they eat are very much dependent on the dog's height and weight as well as their dietary requirements.

It is recommended that they are fed one to two cups twice a day.

What is the price of a German Pinscher in Australia?

A German Pinscher puppy will generally cost you $1500 in Australia. An adult dog will likely be cheaper.