German Pinscher
The dog behind both the doberman and the miniature pinscher, and older than either. A farm ratter, medium sized, and it misses nothing that moves.
Overview
The German Pinscher is the older breed behind both the Doberman and the Miniature Pinscher, a farm ratter from Germany that nearly went extinct after the Second World War. The breed was rebuilt in the 1950s by Werner Jung, who used four oversized Miniature Pinschers and a single female smuggled out of East Germany.
That means the modern gene pool is extremely narrow, which is worth knowing before buying one.
Temperament
Bold, confident and demanding. German Pinschers are affectionate with their families and reserved with strangers, and they are considerably more terrier in attitude than their Doberman relatives.
They are strong willed, they test boundaries, and they need an owner who is consistent. The prey drive is high, they can be dog reactive, and they are alert barkers. They are not a beginner's dog despite the manageable size.
Care and grooming
A short dense coat, a weekly rub down, light shedding. Almost no work.
Von Willebrand's disease and hereditary cataracts both have DNA tests, and hip dysplasia is worth asking about. The narrow founding population is the real question and a good breeder will discuss it openly. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus mental work. They are athletic and they get bored fast.
A secure fence, because they are diggers and jumpers. They suit an experienced owner who wants a medium sized dog with a large personality.
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