The German Pinscher is the "middle" dog of the Pinscher breeds of Germany. The largest of the Pinscher dogs is the well known Doberman, while the smallest is the equally well known Miniature Pinscher. The "Standard" Pinscher is simply known as the "Pinscher" by the Kennel club of Great Britain and is called the Standard Pinscher in its home country of Germany. The word "pinscher" in German means terrier. The word "pincer" in French means "biter". Either of these terms is an appropriate definition of the original functions of the German Pinscher, for it is as tenacious as a terrier, skillful and effective as a ratter and equally effective as a family watch dog that will aggressively attack any perceived threat.
The German Pinscher is a breed which is a bit taller than the average terrier and this length of leg prevents it from going to ground. The swiftness and determination of the dog makes up for this deficiency and it is a proficient rodent killer. A good ratter and naturally instinctive killer of varmints, the dog has proven itself to be useful on farms and in urban households. Besides its propensity to give chase to small animals, it is also an effective guarding dog with a noisy bark when strangers appear. It will not hesitate to attack if it feels that its human family is threatened and it is large enough to do considerable damage. Through the centuries the temperament of this dog has always been a blend of terrier and working aptitudes and in the end it has been classified as a Working dog both within the F.C.I. and the American Kennel Club, while in the Kennel Club of Great Britain and the United Kennel Club of the United States it is classified as a member of the Terrier groups.
During and after the World Wars its population was very nearly decimated to the point of extinction. For eleven years, from 1949 to 1958, there were no litters registered by the F.C.I. In 1959 a fancier by the name of Werner Jung became interested in the preservation of the breed and began an extensive search for possible specimens. He found 4 overly large Miniature Pinschers and some typical Pinschers of the day and began a systematic breeding to reproduce the original Pinscher. It is because of his efforts that the original breed is still in existence today.
The German PInscher is a moderately sized dog, standing at 16-19 inches tall at the withers. The weight should not be more than 25-35 pounds. It has a very short and smooth coat which is commonly black with tan points similar to the Doberman but can also be fawn or red or dark brown. Cream color is disallowed in the standard. The German Pinscher is an elegant dog but surprisingly never gained the popularity of its larger cousin, the Doberman, nor its smaller cousin the Miniature PInscher. This is a dog that fits well into an urban or farm environment, with an easy care coat and a generally good disposition when brought up with good socialization and early training.
The German Pinscher makes a very good house dog. They need plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in enclosure for exercise is ideal. They get very attached to their human families and make good watch dogs and good guard dogs. They keep themselves so clean and odor free that they have been compared to cats. They can be well socialized with other pets and older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the German Pinscher is 16 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 25 to 35 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the German Pinscher is no exception. Although they are considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for skin allergies and sensitivity to vaccinations, especially if several are given at one time. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The German Pinscher has a smooth, close lying, short and dense coat. She is an average shedder and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The German Pinscher can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The German Pinscher comes from Germany. They were first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991.
Some Registries: *German Pinscher Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS A very good watchdog. Not a barker. Almost no dog odor. Bonds closely with master. They keep themselves very clean. Good guard dog.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS Must be controlled as they may run off. Requires plenty of exercise. Can be hyperactive if bored.
*Other Names Known By: Deutscher Pinscher
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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