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Breed Characteristics
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German Pinscher
| Other Names | Deutscher Pinscher, Standard Pinscher |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight | 25 - 35 lbs. (11 - 16 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 16 - 19 in. (41 - 48 cm) |
| Coat | Strong, smooth, glossy coat |
| Colour | Red fawn, black and tan, and dark brown with yellow markings. Black with tan markings is the most common. |
| Litter Size | 6–8 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The Wire Haired and Smooth Haired Pinschers, as the Standard Schnauzer and German Pinscher were originally called, were shown in dog books as early as 1884. However drawings of the German Pinscher date back to at least 1780, and the breed likely traces its roots to varieties of ratters well established on farms in Germany as far back as the 15th century. These medium-sized dogs descended from early European herding and guardian breeds. The source of the German Pinscher can be traced back to 1836 when this breed surpassed the Mops in popularity. Pinschers were used as guardians for coaches. They also lived in homesteads where they were used to kill vermin, a job they did by instinct, as such behavior did not need to be trained into the breed. Even today you can observe German Pinschers searching for and finding rats in open areas and in homes. This high prey drive is a good reason not to leave a German Pinscher off lead outside of a fenced area. The Standard Schnauzer (then referred to as the Wire Haired Pinscher) was originally born in the same litter as the German Pincher. Over time, breeders decided to separate the "varieties," changing them to actual "breeds". After three generations of the same coat were born, the Pinscher-Schnauzer club allowed them to be registered as their respective "breed". From 1950 to 1958, no litter had been registered. Credit is attributed to Werner Jung for collecting several of the breed in 1958 to continue the German Pinscher as we know the breed today. The German Pinscher came to breeders in the United States in the early 1980s, though accounts of singular German Pinschers appearing in the country before then have been noted. In 1985, the German Pinscher Club of America was started by various German Pinscher fanciers, most of whom are no longer active in the breed. At this time, the German Pinscher was shown in rare breed shows. They were also recognized by the United Kennel Club. The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the Canadian Kennel Club in 2000. The CKC named Ch Othello des Charmettes its first Champion on April 20, 2000. The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the American Kennel Club in 2003. The AKC named Ch Riward's Rollin Rocs Rusty (Jambo de la Capelliere x Windamir's Zarra) its first Champion on January 8, 2003. In 2004, the German Pinscher competed at its first Westminster Kennel Club show. The Best of Breed winner was Ch. Windamir Hunter des Charmettes(Windamir's Sayzar x Lot T Da Des Charmettes). The Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed was Ch. Windamir's Chosen One (Tanner's Morning Star x Windmir's A-blazin at RG's). |
| Personality | The German Pinscher can be an ideal companion dog. This rare breed is brave, not squeamish, sober, and has considerable stamina. It is lively but docile, quite versatile, and a vocal guard dog. It responds to obedience training. If it senses the humans around it are meek or passive it will become bull-headed and stubborn. This breed needs to clearly know who is boss. Proper human to canine communication is essential. This breed only barks when it feels it is necessary, which may be often. Visitors will be announced with loud barking but then things usually calm down quickly. If the dog does not stop barking owners need to tell the dog enough is enough and to quiet down. The German Pinscher needs to know it owns nothing and is clearly a subordinate of humans or owners will have a very hard time with it. Children need to know how to display proper pack leader skills. If the dog thinks its humans are in trouble it will instinctively protect and will bite first without thinking about it. Like other pinschers and terriers, this breed does not back away from dominance challenges with other dogs, and needs firm handling to control its fighting tendencies through proper communication. German Pinchers are very loyal and protective. They will defend their territory, handler, and the family to the end against those intent upon harm. Without proper leadership they can also get protective of their own things like their bones, a chair or their food. The owner needs to set the guidelines and let the dog know it cannot growl at them or other humans. The dog must be taught that it is not "Top Dog". It needs to know its place in the house. Normally they get along well with other household pets. However, they are ratters and when outdoors they will chase a cat, possibly hurting it. This breed requires a firm hand from an experienced dog owner so it doesn't grow up to take over the whole house. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Due to the small gene pool of the German Pinscher, breeders should health test their dogs for hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, thyroid disorder, and with the increased incidences of cardiac disease due to irresponsible breeding practices, German Pinschers suspect for heart issues should be removed from all breeding programs. |
| Grooming | The strong, smooth, glossy coat requires little grooming. An occasional brushing to remove dead hair is all that is needed. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | The German Pinscher requires a lot of exercise. This breed needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. They will enjoy running alongside you when you bicycle, playing in the yard, or a walk around the block. |
| Other Considerations | The German Pinscher will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It should have a tightly fenced-in yard. This breed will run off chasing anything that moves quickly. |
