German Pinscher
Temperament:
His hunting ground was the farm. His hunting grounds were between the yard and the stable. The German Pinscher is the original house and farm dog. Rats and mice fell into his area of responsibility. Just as the protection of the farm and the people belonged to his duties. A few decades ago, the breed almost became extinct. Today, although it still belongs to the endangered domestic breeds, it is once again among the crème de la crème of German dogs.
Characteristics
The German Pinscher loves his master. He likes to cuddle and needs a lot of attention. Temperamentally he demands occupation. The active four-legged friend must live out his play instinct and enjoys extended walks. Outdoors, he likes to dash around and go catching mice in fields. This dog has great endurance and is suitable as a companion dog for sports enthusiasts.
In and around the house Pinschers are attentive guards. The four-legged friends are completely incorruptible. They bark moderately, but report any unusual event. They are very cautious towards strangers, but they are loyal to their family. They expect extensive cuddling from their masters. They enthusiastically greet returning family members and demand their right to attention. They like to romp around with the children.
Being very intelligent and self-confident dogs, Pinschers are quick to make their own decisions. They always try to assert their stubborn head. That's why you need to emphasize consistent and loving training from the very beginning. They will notice if you slack off. A little experience in handling and raising dogs is an advantage with the Pinscher. Is the German Pinscher well trained? Then he has an obedient and amiable nature and is friendly by nature.
This dog loves to learn new things and he learns quickly. He does tricks in no time. For this reason, you can also practice dog sports such as agility, trick dog and dog dance with him. Are you looking for an active four-legged friend who will go with you through thick and thin? Can he sometimes have a mind of his own? Then you are right with the German Pinscher.
The Pinscher is not only in character a dog that captivates. His body is athletic and powerful without being bulky. The hair lies smooth and flat on the skin and shines like polished. The German Pinscher is now bred in two colors. Unicolored are the red Pinschers. They make up 20 % of the dogs. Bicolored Pinschers are black with red markings.
The dog grows up to 50 cm tall and thus belongs to the medium-sized breeds. When fully grown, it weighs up to 20 kg. His physique is square and muscular. The folding ears are v-shaped, the muzzle is narrow and wedge-shaped. Ears and tail were docked until 1987/1998. Fortunately this is forbidden today. The Pinscher grows very old compared to other dog breeds.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Seven different sizes influence the correct food requirements of your German Pinscher. First of all, this includes the dog's body size. You also consider his weight and age. A puppy does not need the same amount as an adult dog. Also, an older four-legged friend will be satisfied with less than a young, fun-loving animal.
How much does your Pinscher move? Do you travel with him a lot? Do you practice a sport with him? Of course, a constantly active dog needs more nutrients. Diseases and allergies also determine what and how you feed your pet. In this case, it is best to ask your vet for advice.
The breed of the German Pinscher in itself already has a naturally higher demand for nutrients. Its lively character and muscular build are to blame for this. It already has a higher basic requirement at rest than comparably sized dogs.
Your Pinscher does not tend to be overweight. Therefore, you do not have to be particularly careful here. However, ear rim problems often appear in this breed. A lack of zinc and iron could be responsible for this. Pay attention already with the young Pinscher to an optimal supply with these minerals. Then you can prevent ear diseases.
German Pinscher Care
Your Pinscher does not make you any special work with fur care. He happily exposes himself to any weather outdoors. When you come home, he will certainly need a dry towel. But otherwise it is enough to brush him properly. To make sure his coat doesn't lose any luster, you should do this regularly. He also loses little hair, which is certainly a plus for some dog owners.
His ear edges are very thin and sparsely haired. They cause problems for many German Pinschers. You have to check them for injuries and inflammations. Does your four-legged friend accompany you into the forest while riding or doing other sports? Then he may creep through bushes and thickets. Afterwards you have to check him for ticks in any case. You may find awns or thorns in his fur or paws.
More work than the physical care makes the mental and psychological care. Since the German Pinscher needs a lot of encouragement, you should take enough time for it. He depends on getting enough exercise every day. In addition, his intelligent brain wants to be utilized. Dog sports are well suited for this. You can also accompany him on the bike or inline skates on extensive walks. Mouse hunting on a meadow will also excite him and keep him busy.
His education will also take you. He needs sovereign commands and boundaries. You must be able to assert yourself against him. A dog school is certainly a valuable help.
Hereditary diseases are hardly known in the Pinscher. Most of them meet the vet only during vaccination and general health checks.
Suitable accessories
What initial equipment do you need for your German Pinscher? In any case, he needs a collar and a leash. Think about where he will sleep. Maybe you will give him a dog basket or make him a bed out of a thick wool blanket. For the daily food ration, there are food and water bowls. A fur brush for short dog hair also belongs on the shopping list.
How are you going to transport him in the car? The safest way is the dog box for the trunk. There he will be safe even in case of an accident. What can you do to please your German Pinscher? He loves to play. Therefore, he is very happy about robust toys. He can use them to keep himself busy while he is alone at home.
If you decide to practice a dog sport, you will need more utensils. To practice at home, one or the other product is useful.
Also, don't forget to register your dog for dog tax at the appropriate office in your municipality. You may also have to register it in the dog registry. This varies from state to state. Then you may need dog liability insurance: your dog must have a microchip inserted.
Origin & History
Experts believe that ancestors of the Pinscher were kept in peat pits thousands of years ago. Its exact origin is not known. Some believe he is a descendant of the terriers that originated in England. Others suspect his roots in Württemberg. Old paintings show that he has hardly changed in the past centuries.
In 1880, the German Pinscher is mentioned as a breed in the "Deutscher Hundestammbuch". At that time he was very common. He was the classic farm dog of simple farmers. The Pinscher was supposed to guard the buildings and at the same time fight vermin. He also lived on his prey and was thus a cheap pet. His good hunting instinct also earned him the nickname Rattler and finally just the command.
Some use him as a carriage dog. He accompanied carriages and carriages or sat with the coachman on the buckboard. His attentive and protective nature made him a valuable companion.
In the early 20th century, the Pinscher breed was divided into rough-haired Schnauzers and smooth-haired Pinschers. Schnauzers and Miniature Pinschers continued to be very popular. However, the German Pinscher lost popularity at this time. Industrialization meant that there were fewer farms. Carriages disappeared from the streets. By the 1950s, the breed was nearly extinct. Until 1958, the breeder Werner Jung ensured a first success in the preservation of the breed. From this time on, the Pinscher was again increasingly bred.
Nevertheless, the numbers were not enough. In 2003, the Pinscher was put on the red list of the Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Breeds of Domestic Animals. Slowly the situation is easing. Nevertheless, the German Pinscher is still a rare dog breed.
