German Pinscher - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

It is believed that the history of German Pinchers traces back to the 16th century, when breed called Rattenfanger was bred with Black and Tan Terrier. Back than, they were called Smooth Haired Pinschers and they were used to be born in one litter with the Wire Haired Pinschers, which are today known as Standard Schnauzers.

2) Not a Doberman
Okay, there are some theories, that German Pinschers were used in the development of the Doberman Pinscher, but it is definitely breed of its own. The German Pinscher is smaller than the Doberman and larger than the Miniature Pinscher, but they are a separate breed.

3) Almost extinct
After the second world war, in the 1950s, the German Pinscher almost went extinct, due to the lack of breeding. From 1950 to 1958, no litter had been registered. The credit for saving the breed goes to Werner Jung, who collected several German Pinschers in 1958 and saved the breed. BTW, it is believed, that some larger Miniature Pinscher were used in this breeding as well.

4) Watchdog
German Pinschers are amazing watchdogs. They are loyal, fearful and especially very alert. And they like barking, which means, they will definitely let you know, when something suspicious is going on around your home.

5) Versatile worker
It is true, that the German Pinscher is a great watchdog, but they were originally used for more purposes. They were most often used to hunt and kill vermin in homesteads and they still have it in them today, so i would not recommend them to a house with a hamster or guinea pig. The German Pinscher was also used guardians for coaches.

6) High energy
This is a highly energetic and intense breed and you can be sure, when the German Pinscher starts doing anything, they will do it on 100%. They do need daily proper exercise. Long walks are must, but they will love jogs or hikes as well. Do not forget to stimulate their mind as well, since this is highly intelligent breed. Great way how to deal with both – physical and mental stimulation – are dog sports. German Pinschers are great adepts for agility, flyball or obedience rallies.

7) Training
Even thouh, the German Pinscher is highly trainable dog who is capable of quickly learning a lot of tricks, they are not pushovers to train, because they are strong willed and they can have mind of their own. They do need firm and patient leader.

8) Size
This is an athletic dog with a lot of muscles. Their average height is between 17-20 inches, which is 43-51 cm and weight between 25-45 pounds, which is 11-20 kg. The are no extreme size differences between the males and the females.

9) Maintenance
Great fact about the German Pinscher is, that the maintenance is pretty simple. They have smooth, short coat and you should weekly brush the coat to remove the dead hair and minimize the shedding. This is an average shedder. They do not have much of the typical doggy odor, so the bathing should be done only when it is really needed. Just like with all dogs, regularly check their eyes, ears and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.
10) Health
Sadly, the German Pinschers can suffer from quite a lot of health issues, which is because they the gene pool which they come from is very small. They commonly suffer from cataracts, hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid, von Willebrands disease and cardiac diseases. But they do have good lifespan between 12-14 years.