German pinscher: Dog breed characteristics & care

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• They were saved from the brink of extinction. The world wars, as with many other breeds, nearly wiped out this pup for good. One man, Werner Jung, brought this breed back with just a single female specimen.
• These guys are like fun-sized Dobermans. If you like the look of the Doberman, you’ll find a similar lean profile, wedge-shaped head, and coloration in the German pinscher since they have similar family origins.
• They are an extremely healthy breed. With very few health issues specific to the German pinscher, new owners can feel confident in the well-being of this robust dog.

This lively and loyal breed loves to play and dote on its owners in equal measure. While this devotion is hard-earned, once you are in the German pinscher’s good graces, you’ll be bonded for life with your new best friend. Since these dogs take some training and attention to properly bond, their personality can be a little standoffish with strangers and other dogs.

However, with an attentive owner by its side, the German pinscher will behave well. With how playful they are and how much they like to jump up on people, very young children should not be left unsupervised with this breed. Older children and teens, though, will get along very well with these enthusiastic family-friendly pups.

While on the smaller side of the medium-sized dog classification, apartment life may not be the best option or a good idea, but if you can provide ample walks and stimulation, potential owners can get by without a house and fenced-in yard. Wherever your new German pinscher puppy calls home, though, make sure to give it plenty of love and attention unless you want to witness first-hand what mischief these intelligent dogs can get into when understimulated.

German pinschers are generally very healthy dogs with few breed-specific ailments to worry about. Of course, as with most other breeds, these dogs suffer from a handful of common health conditions.

• Hip dysplasia. While not a particularly large breed, German pinschers can deal with hip dysplasia, a hip joint misalignment issue. Fortunately, this disorder is treatable with anti-inflammatory medications or hip replacement surgery in extreme circumstances. Be on the lookout for any discomfort when your pup bounds around.
• Von Willebrand Disease. Also occurring in humans, von Willebrand Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Federal agency. Go to source disease is an uncommon genetic condition where the blood does not clot properly. Fortunately, blood tests can reliably detect this disease.
• Eye conditions. While not especially prone to eye diseases and other afflictions, German pinschers still contend with common canine eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma.
• Teeth conditions. Dogs interact with the world mainly with their noses and their mouths, so keeping those canine canines clean and healthy is vitally important. Brush your dog’s teeth and provide tooth-friendly snacks to avoid diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Cost of caring for German pinschers

Even though German pinschers are a generally healthy breed with few health concerns, owners should consider options like pet health insurance or pet savings accounts to help pay for any surprise health expenses that may arise from having such an active and enthusiastic breed.

Like the Doberman and the miniature pinscher, the German pinscher breed can be traced back to late 1800s Germany, where breeders reared smooth coat and wire coat varieties of German pinscher puppies. In the early 1900’s, these two varieties split off, the more wire-hair pinschers growing into the standard schnauzers and the smooth-haired variety carrying the name of the pinschers we know and love today.

Before dedicated breeders stepped in to shape the breed into devoted companions, German pinschers were pest-control animals. Their small stature and quick mobility made them ideal for chasing down rats and other vermin in German factories and warehouses.

After WWII, the breed nearly disappeared, but the devotion of a man named Werner Jung single-handedly saved the German pinscher. He managed to smuggle a black and red female out of East Germany into West Germany and resurrected the breed from there.

Start off your new puppy or pooch adventure on the right paw by planning an early trip to your vet and scheduling all the appropriate vaccinations. With the German pinscher’s cunning mind and need for constant stimulation, puppy-proofing your home is also a must. And in the off-chance that your pinscher goes poof after bolting after a tempting squirrel, you’ll be happy to be part of a tracking service like FidoAlert to help you bring your pooch back home promptly.

Exercise

German pinschers were bred to chase after small vermin, so they have running, jumping, and overall agility baked right into their genes. That means that you need to provide enough exercise either by letting your new friend run around an open yard or by taking it out for at least two walks per day. For severely cold or rainy days, you’ll need plenty of toys to help stimulate and chase away cabin fever as you huddle indoors.

Grooming

Their short and shiny coat does shed a little, but compared to longer-hair breeds, grooming the German pinscher is a breeze. Use a short-bristle brush and bathe your pinscher every few months to minimize shedding. You should also adopt a regular routine of nail trimming, cleaning ears, and, of course, teeth brushing to keep your German pinscher looking and feeling its best.

Diet and nutrition

All that playful energy has to come from somewhere, and German pinschers deserve the finest dog food to fuel their fun. On average, you’ll want to feed your pooch one to two cups a day, depending on your furry friend’s activity level, and you should portion that out into two or three meals.

Fortunately, dog food subscription and delivery services make staying stocked up on high-quality kibble easier than ever, and when selecting the specific type of food, consider options that balance high-quality protein and grains. While their love of activity keeps pinschers lean and lithe, keep an eye on their weight and adjust feedings accordingly. Of course, consult with your vet to see what is the exact best fit for your new dog.

This breed is highly intelligent and in need of a great deal of stimulation, so if you want your new puppy to bend to your every command, you need to start early and train often.

German pinschers need a particularly dominant owner to whip them into shape, so don’t slack off on the training routine and ensure that your dog knows who is the leader around your home. However, once you’ve earned respect, the German pinscher’s high intelligence makes it easily trainable, and it will be a doting and loyal companion for life.

Not quite sure that a German pinscher is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:

• Doberman pinscher. If you like the look and loyalty of the German pinscher but want something just a bit bigger, the Doberman pinscher could be a perfect fit.
• Affenpinscher. On the other end of the size spectrum, you’ll find the charming affenpinscher, named after its fuzzy, ape-like appearance. While a different look, you’ll find their playfulness, energy, and enthusiasm on par with the German pinscher, making them a good choice for most homes.
• Beauceron. Back on the larger side of things, the Beauceron strikes a noble profile with distinguished markings similar to some German pinschers. This powerful dog loves to play, making it an excellent companion for owners with a more active lifestyle.