| German Pinschers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about German Pinscher personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the German Pinscher, including these excerpts:
"The German Pinscher Club of America calls him "energetic, watchful, agile, fearless, determined."
One might add "strong-willed, assertive, and manipulative."
Both robust and elegant, the German Pinscher comes from a strong terrier background.
This high-energy breed always seems to be observing, thinking, and planning. He makes direct eye contact, and unless you establish yourself as alpha (number one), he can be demanding and frequently in your face.
Yet he is extremely smart, and owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable.
Highly territorial and keenly alert, the German Pinscher takes his watchdog role very seriously. He won't hesitate to back up his fierce bark with a bite.
Early and frequent socialization is required so that his wariness does not become sharpness.
Most German Pinschers are okay (though bossy) with other dogs IF raised with them, but this breed has a high prey drive and quick reflexes and is death on anything that runs.
The German Pinscher can be overly possessive of objects (yours and his), and excessive barking can be a problem."
History
A vermin hunter and guardian, the German Pinscher originated in (surprise!) Germany. Both wire-coated and smooth-coated pups occurred in the same litters. The wires were developed into schnauzers and the smooths into pinschers. There are three separate breeds in the pinscher family: the oldest (and least known) is the German Pinscher, who was probably the mid-sized foundation breed used to develop the smaller Miniature Pinscher and the larger Doberman Pinscher.
Size
17-20 inches and 25-35 lbs |
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German Pinschers
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is conveniently-sized, agile and quick-moving
- Looks like a medium-sized Doberman Pinscher
- Has a sleek easy-care coat
- Thrives on vigorous athletic activities
- Looks imposing and makes a keen watchdog
A German Pinscher may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Suspiciousness toward strangers
- Aggression toward other animals -- chasing instincts
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Barking
A German Pinscher may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a German Pinscher... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. German Pinschers are active go-getters. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored German Pinschers can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most German Pinschers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some German Pinschers go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
| In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating, has a history as a guardian dog, and reminds people of a Doberman Pinscher should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable. |
- Animal aggression. German Pinschers were developed to hunt other animals. Many German Pinschers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
- The strong temperament. German Pinschers are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| If you have small children, I do not recommend a German Pinscher. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many German Pinschers. Many don't tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. |
- Barking. German Pinschers are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, German Pinschers are not a good choice for you. For the same reason, German Pinschers should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised.
| To teach your German Pinscher to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My German Pinscher Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Finding one. In the United States, German Pinschers are hard to find.
| Frankly, most German Pinschers are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed. |
| Not all German Pinschers are alike! |
- There are energetic German Pinschers, and placid German Pinschers.
- Hard-headed German Pinschers, and sweet-natured German Pinschers.
- Serious German Pinschers, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted German Pinschers, and German Pinschers who love everyone.
| If you acquire a German Pinscher puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult German Pinscher... |
There are plenty of adult German Pinschers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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