GERMAN PINSCHER

Temperament: Courageous, Intelligent, Vivacious

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 134 of 196

Height: 17-20 inches

Weight: 25-45 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Group: Working Group

ABOUT THE GERMAN PINSCHER

A medium-sized dog with an elegant appearance, they’re admired as much for their beauty as for their intelligence. As the name implies, these pups originated in Germany.

The German Pinscher has the energy and drive of all working breeds, but they’re also an outstanding companion. They love being with family and will meld themselves into every facet of your life.

The German Pinscher will alert bark with a strong voice. If any intruder risks entering your home, this dog will defend it with everything they’ve got. And they’re quite capable of taking care of an intruder: While they’re not the largest guard dog around, maxing out at about 45 pounds, they’re incredibly skillful at the job.

PERSONALITY

With training and consistency, German Pinschers will learn quickly. Naturally suspicious of strangers, they make excellent guard dogs. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

Like every dog, the German Pinscher needs early socialization–exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences–when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your German Pinscher puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

NUTRITION

The German Pinscher should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. Only your vet or pet nutritionist can give your dog a specific, individual recommendation on feeding, but it’s generally advised that German Pinschers get a daily amount of one to two cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

HEALTH

German Pinschers are typically robust, healthy dogs, although there are a few conditions that the breed can be prone to. There are deseases that Frenchies could be acquired:

Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts

Von Willebrand’s Disease

CARE

The German Pinscher is an agile and athletic, high-energy breed who requires ample daily exercise for his physical and mental well-being. The breed is medium sized and robust, with a strong prey drive.

Create training benefits every dog and is a kind way to ensure that your German Pinscher doesn’t have accidents in the house or get into things they shouldn’t. Exercise, training, and laying down house rules for your German Pinscher all will help ensure that your companion is well behaved. It alleviates stress for you and them and provides opportunities to bond.

GROOMING

The German Pinscher’s short, dense coat needs little maintenance. Weekly grooming with a brush and an occasional bath will keep him shiny and looking his best. As with all breeds, his nails should be trimmed monthly if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can be painful and cause problems walking and running. His ears should be checked weekly and cleaned if needed of any dirt or excess wax.

Source: dogtime, akc.