German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is an old breed used on German farms and in stables to catch rodents and raise the alarm. It contributed to the creation of the Dobermann and the Miniature Pinscher.

After becoming rare following the two World Wars, it was saved by a few breeders.

Lively, curious and self-assured, the German Pinscher is an excellent watchdog, attached to its family and reserved with strangers.

Intelligent but sometimes stubborn, it needs consistent training and varied activities.

This is a fairly robust breed. Hip dysplasia, some eye diseases and von Willebrand disease have been reported.

Ask for the parents' screening results.

Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it.

Watch its weight to keep its athletic build.

It needs one to two hours of activity a day: running, games, obedience and agility.

Its hunting instinct calls for supervision around small animals.

Its very short coat helps it cope with heat, but avoid exertion in the hot hours and provide shade. In winter it may feel cold in mountain areas. It thrives in a house with a garden; an apartment is only realistic with plenty of daily activity.

Its short, glossy coat needs only a weekly rub with a grooming mitt.

It feels the cold somewhat in winter.