German Pinschers

Appearance:

Body: Medium size, elegant, compact and muscular square build, short back, and well-sprung ribs, strong sloping shoulder blades, and well-muscled thighs.

Coat: Short, dense, smooth, and shiny.

Color: Fawn (Isabella), red, stag red (red with intermingling black hairs), blue and rust, black and blue with red and/or tan markings, black and tan.

Ears: Cropped or natural, set high, and keenly alert. Un-cropped ears are v-shaped, cropped ears are carried erect.

Eyes: Dark, oval-shaped, with tight eyelids.

Feet: Short, round, compact, and cat-like with dark, firm pad and nails.

Head: Elongated and strong with a moderate occiput, flat skull, slight stop, and black nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-boned, wide-set, and close to the body. Hind legs are strong, well-muscled and well-boned, with well bent hocks.

Neck: Elegant and strong, somewhat thick, and gracefully arched.

Size:
Weight: 25 - 45 pounds (11.3 - 20.4kg)
Height: 17 - 20 inches (43 - 51cm)

Tail: Docked

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Not recommended as an outdoor dog

The German Pinscher dog is exceptionally handsome, energetic, fearless, and demanding. He's an intelligent breed always thinking and always aware of what is going on around him. He's muscular and powerful, territorial and protective, and bred to work independently without human guidance. He is best suited for an experienced dog handler who is capable of controlling this breeds independent hunting instincts and aggressive guardian tendencies.

The AKC Standards say, "The German Pinscher has highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training, fearlessness, endurance and resistance to illness. He is alert, vigilant, deliberate and watchful of strangers."

Early obedience training and continued socialization is necessary for this breed. He is highly territorial and can be aggressive towards other dogs or intruders. Training should be firm but positive with praise and treat-type rewards. Treats can be gradually eliminated as he progresses.

He is a working dog with quick, agile movements and hunting instincts and will take chase to, and likely kill, anything he perceives as prey. Though he is generally good with other family dogs, he can be dominating and will be protective of his, and your, possessions. It's important to keep him on a leash or in a securely enclosed area due to his extreme quickness.

The German Pinscher is a companion dog with a need for being part of family activities. He is not an outdoor dog. He is good with children if they are older and taught to be respectful of him. Adult supervision is recommended.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group
Used to hunt vermin and as guard dogs.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: He is highly energetic and requires vast amounts of exercise.

Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Generally healthy breed.

Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Country of Origin

Germany - 1700s