| AKC Group: | Working |
| A.K.A.: | Standard Pinscher |
| Functions: | Watchdog |
| Year of Origin: | 1600s |
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 15 |
| Colors: | Black and tan, Isabella, Red and black, Blue, Red, Black and Red |
| Height (Inch): | 17 - 20 |
| Weight (lb): | 25 - 45 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Very Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: |  |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: |  |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The German Pinscher is a sleek, muscular dog with plenty of angles that give him a unique look. His eyes are mid-sized and are bright, dark ovals. They do not bulge from his long, wedge-shaped head. They are very expressive, alert and are always waiting to respond to the next command. His ears may or may not be cropped. Either way, they are located high on his head. His nose is jet black. The neck of the German Pinscher is also quite distinctive. It clearly shows his strength and is arched at the nape. The skin around the neck is taut, without any folds.
Temperament:
The German Pinscher is well-know for his determination, watchfulness, and intelligence. He is agile and can move swiftly. Few things frighten him, making him a perfect animal to protect his home and his family. He is lively but does not bark in excess. Although he may be aggressive towards other animals, he is not vicious. Only if he is teased, provoked, or attacked will he retaliate; however, he must be watched when young children are present, as he may not react well to their behavior. The German Pinscher may try to manipulate his owner; but, with the proper training, he can be a great addition to most families.
Health:
The German Pinscher is one of the healthier breeds of dogs around. He does not have any major health concerns and does not have any conditions that are specific only to his breed. However, there are a few disorders that are relatively common. He may have hereditary cataracts, that usually appear later in life. He also could have hip dysplasia, also a hereditary condition where arthritis affects his joints, in some cases it may lead to complete immobility. A condition affecting the ability of his blood to clot, called von Willebrand’s Disease, is also possible, thereby making surgery difficult or creating a deeper problem if he has a serious injury.
Maintenance:
The German Pinscher is a simple breed to maintain. To remove loose, dead fur, it is important to brush him; however, since his coat is sleek, he does not require detailed combing and his fur will never knot or mat. He is happy to get his exercise through a brisk walk, a fast-paced jog, or by chasing a ball through the yard. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the yard, the longer the walk. Give a toy to a German Pinscher and he will love it – although he will quickly find a way to remove the stuffing and squeaker for even the most durable toys.