German Pinschers are agile, independent, fearless and rather calm dogs. Their combination of keen intelligence, endurance and trainability make them excellent companions and watchdogs.

Despite the obvious advantages, these dogs are the rarest representative of pinschers. Outside of Germany, the breed is quite rare. Its representatives are used mainly as rat catchers and bodyguards. They have an excellent sense of danger and selflessly protect their owner.

Breed History

Today German Pinschers are known mainly by cynologists. As an independent breed, these dogs were recognized only in 1979. They have a lot in common with schnauzers, as they come from the same litter. Only smooth-haired puppies began to be called pinschers, and hard-haired - schnauzers.

For a long time they were even considered the same breed, only in two variants. It was only with time that these dogs began to be distinguished.

From Miniature to Large

There is an opinion that it was the intelligence, beauty and strong-willed nature of this breed that inspired its breeder, Louis Dobermann, to breed large pinschers. He believed that making a standard pinscher a little bigger and stronger would make a great bodyguard.

Character

German Pinschers are always alert and attentive to their surroundings. Even in extraordinary situations, these pets try to act judiciously. They are moderately playful and almost no trouble to the owners. Dogs are not at all fastidious to the conditions of content, so they are able to tolerate even harsh hiking conditions.

Nevertheless, German Pinschers have a very willful character. They will definitely try to claim leadership in the family, so they should immediately show who is in charge of the house.

Guardians and hunters

Representatives of this breed have excellent instincts, so that any pursuit by scent seems to be an interesting game to them. They can even compete in trail races or simply accompany their owner on a hunt.

German Pinschers have a sonorous and loud voice, which is especially important for guard dogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and are sure to show it. Even to children and pets, these dogs are tolerant only if they have grown up with them. That is why early socialization is so important for German Pinschers.

With proper training in guard duty, the dogs will never allow strangers to enter the territory in the absence of their owners. This is how German Pinschers demonstrate devotion to self-forgetfulness.

By the way

With their small size, German Pinschers can intimidate intruders so much that they will not dare to follow through with their plan.

Coat care

German Pinschers do not require any special coat care. It is enough to periodically brush them with a rubber glove or wipe them with a damp cloth. Such procedures allow you to remove dead pet hair in time, so that it does not accumulate on items of furniture.

Even during shedding, dogs lose very little hair. Nevertheless, they should be combed out a little more frequently at this time.