German Pinscher

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Ms Michele Beyer (KAITLER)

Kaitlerknls@gmail.com
See Details

History

The German Pinscher (original name Deutscher Pinscher, FCI No. 184) is a medium-sized breed of dog, a Pinscher type that originated in Germany. The breed is included in the origins of the Dobermann, the Rottweiler, the Miniature Pinscher, the Affenpinscher, the Standard Schnauzer (and, by extension, the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer).

The source of the German Pinscher can be traced back to 1836. 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 behaviour 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.

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 breed is rising in numbers in the U.S., mainly due to their full acceptance to AKC in 2003. In Australia, the breed is established with a rise in popularity becoming evident. (1)

Appearance

Well balanced, smooth coated, medium size with elegant and flowing outlines but strong and well muscled. (2)

Sizes

Height at the withers: 43 – 48 cms (2)

Temperament & Suitability

High spirited and self possessed. Alert, good natured, playful. Loyal, watchful and fearless. (2)

A well-bred German Pinscher will be a loving companion with an even temperament. (1)

German Pinschers are very energetic working dogs, in many cases requiring several hours of exercise a day. Accordingly, a large, securely fenced yard is highly recommended for anyone considering the breed as a pet and the owner to be mindful of training them appropriately. Socialisation from puppyhood is a must, as high prey drive is common in the breed so in a city environment they need to learn to control their impulses. This does, however, make them a great fetch companion. (1)

You can find German Pinschers in the conformation ring, at obedience rallies or agility trials, and at work in tracking. He also works as a service dog, therapy dog, and as a pampered pet, who enjoys the comforts of family life. He can be assertive and overbearing, and he'll take over your heart and home in a matter of seconds. Don't kid yourself: he needs a firm, experienced owner who is consistent in training and good at establishing rules right from the beginning. (3)

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. (1)

Life expectancy is 12 – 14 years.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the German Pinscher you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the German Pinscher and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au
dogtime.com

Image: World Dog Show 2018

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 May 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Well balanced, smooth coated, medium size with elegant and flowing outlines but strong and well muscled.

Characteristics

Alert, good natured, playful. Loyal, watchful and fearless.

Temperament

High spirited and self-possessed.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Seen from above and side resembles a blunt wedge. Strong but not heavy, elongated without pronounced occiput. Overall length in proportion to back (from withers to base of tail) is approximately 1:2. Top of muzzle parallel with extended line of unwrinkled flat forehead; slight but distinct stop. Cheek muscles strong but not prominent. Deep muzzle. Nose full and black; in reds, nose of corresponding shade. Lips tight and dark. Snippiness undesirable.
Eyes	Dark, of medium size, oval and directed forward. Eye rims tight.
Ears	Set high. V shaped, folded down close to head.
Mouth	Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Elegant and strong. Neither short nor stout. Nape well arched. Skin of throat tight without dewlap.
Forequarters	Well laid shoulder with good but flat muscle. Forelegs straight viewed from all sides, parallel elbows are close to body.
Body	Chest moderately wide with flat ribs. Brisket extends below elbow. Forechest extends beyond point of shoulder. Compact and short coupled. Length of body approximately equal to height at withers. Back short and slightly sloping. Slightly rounded croup.
Hindquarters	Seen from behind parallel, with sufficient width. Upper thigh slanted and strongly muscled. Good length and bend of stifle, hocks turning neither in nor out.
Feet	Well arched, compact and cat-like with dark nails. Turning neither in nor out. Tough, hard pads.
Tail	Docked: Docked to three [3] joints. Set and carried high.Undocked: Set and carried high with an upward sweep. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement	Free, well balanced and vigorous with good reach in front and strong rotary driving action from rear. Front and hind legs should not be thrown outwards. Topline should remain strong and firm. Hackney movement undesirable.
Coat	Short and dense, smoothly fitting, glossy without bald spots.
Colour	All solid colours from fawn (Isabella) to stag red in various shades. Black and blue with reddish/tan markings. In bi-coloured dogs sharply marked red/tan markings desirable. Markings distributed as follows: - at cheeks, lips, lower jaw, above eyes, at throat, at forechest as two triangles separated from each other, at metatarsus, forelegs, feet, inner side of hindlegs and vent region.
Size	Height: 43-48 cms (17-19 ins) at withers.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.