German Pinscher
The German Pinscher has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Origin
The German Pinscher’s true origins are unknown, but many believe the breed developed from German farm dogs in the 15th century. From the farm dogs, both smooth-coated and rough-coated breeds emerged. The rough-coated breed eventually became the Standard Schnauzer and the smooth-coated breed became the German Pinscher. As a farm dog, the German Pinscher was used to exterminate vermin and guard property.
Size
The German Pinscher weighs 25 to 45 pounds and weighs 17 to 20 inches.
Grooming Needs
The German Pinscher has a short, smooth and shiny coat that is low maintenance. The German Pinscher’s coat only needs to be brushed once a week and bathed when dirty. Like all dogs, the German Pinscher also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The German Pinscher is loving and loyal.
Temperament
The German Pinscher is highly people oriented and especially craves attention from their family. The German Pinscher will insist on being part of their family and makes a devoted companion. They adore their family and can be good playmates for older children. However, German Pinschers are too energetic and active for younger children. They can knock them down during playtime and also lack the patience for any kind of teasing.
Overall, German Pinschers are friendly and welcome people they know. At the same time, German Pinschers were bred to be protectors and retain their natural watchdog instincts. They are alert and suspicious, and will bark when someone or something seems out of place.
Training Needs
The German Pinscher wants to be the dominant member of the household and will try to take charge. The German Pinscher likes to learn and is very intelligent, but needs firm boundaries and a leader they can respect. The German Pinscher responds best to consistency and assertive, but kind training. Once the German Pinscher has the basics down, they can go on to participate in conformation, tracking, obedience and agility.
As part of their training, the German Pinscher also needs early socialization. They can be assertive with strangers and bossy with other dogs if not well socialized.
Activity Level
The German Pinscher has lots of energy and requires regular exercise, but is also content to lounge around the house. The German Pinscher should have a long daily walk as well as time to run around and play in a secure area.
