German Pinscher Dog

Breed: Terriers

Height: 16-19 inches (41-48 cm)

Weight: 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg)

Coat: Smooth, glossy, coarse

 

The German Pinscher also popular as Standard Pinscher and Deutscher Pinscher is a terrier breed of German origin primarily bred for hunting and guarding. This sturdy looking dog with a constitution of steel and an impish character initially found fame as a ratter because of its basic instinct to hunt mice and rats. Agile, skillful and sharp-sighted, German Pinscher with its strong build, spry elegance and sharp looks is much feted as a domestic pet today. Sprightly and faithful, the German Pinscher is easy to train and makes for a lovable pet save for the fact that they do not get along well with kids and crowds. Usually included in the origins of Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and the Standard Schnauzer, this sturdy looking dog boasts of high power and intelligence. A healthy breed of dog with minimum grooming requirements, the German Pinscher can make your ideal pet if you are always on the go.

 

The German Pinscher has a rather antique lineage with the early records of its origin dating back to the Tanner of the 14th century and the Bibarhund of the 17th century. Expounded as a ratter and watchdog, this dog was the upshot of cross breeding between the Black and Tan terriers. Initially the breed was termed as Rattenfanger but the name was soon changed to Pinscher and the dog was primarily used in stables to hunt the rodents and guard the farms. However, this breed of dogs got their first shot of public recognition around the late 1800s when the first standard breed of this dog evolved. The Pinschers however found it difficult to click with the dog lovers which led to a dramatic decline in their number, so much so that after World War II, these breed of dogs almost faced extinction. It was the descendent of the Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher that bought back the dog in vogue again. Modern day German Pinschers are descendents of these dogs. The German Pinscher first arrived in the United States in the late 1970s, and the breed was registered by the AKC's miscellaneous class in 2001. It was in 2003 that the German Pinscher became a member of the Working Group.

 

The German Pinscher would somewhat remind you of an athlete with its sleek, sinewy built, perfectly chiseled, wedge shaped head and flat skull. They have characteristic V shaped, erect ears, large oval shaped brown colored eyes and a blunt muzzle. They have long, slender neck that adds to the elegance of their gait and appearance. They have low, deep chest, well sprung ribs and well-built shoulders. The top slants from the shoulders to the hips. They have well-boned, strong, sinewy and straight legs. Their tails are carried in a horizontal line from the hips. They have graceful yet power-packed gait, short, compact toes. German Pinscher have strong, smooth, glossy coatthat comes in red fawn, black & tan, and dark brown with yellow marks.

 

If you want a dog that is better ‘fed and forgotten’, then German Pinscher may not be the pet for you. An outright family dog, the mental disposition of German Pinscher dog is something that is genetically passed on to them by their filiations. So if their ancestry boasts of decent demeanor, it’s likely for the brood to acquire the same. Nevertheless, this breed of dogs comes with a loving, loyal disposition and loves to lap up attention. This breed of hunting terriers is surprisingly easy-going and is affectionately called as people’s pet. Brave, serious, energetic, faithful, protective and humorous these docile, versatile and vocal dogs are usually calm unless provoked. Very intelligent, hyperactive, easy to train and somewhat strong-willed and independent, these dogs are easy to train and keep. German Pinscher, however, run a bad reputation of barking at very passing stranger and can be very protective about their personal space and territory. However, a perfect training can make them more comfortable with their domestic surrounding and upgrade their abilities to fit in as a family pet.

 

German Pinscher is a relatively healthy breed of dogs that comes with some common canine health issues like hip dysplasia, willebrands disease, cataracts, thyroid disorders and cardiac disease.