German Pinscher
A sleek, medium-sized German ratter that is quick, clever and alert, with a lively sense of fun.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- 45–50 cm
- Weight
- 14–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Black and tan, Red
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Germany
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 184 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want an athletic, medium-sized dog
- enjoy training and dog sports
- like a low-maintenance coat
Think twice if you …
- have cats or small pets
- want a dog that is calm from day one
- are not ready for a dog that tests rules
Care
Temperament
Spirited, confident and alert, affectionate with family but wary of strangers. Strong prey drive and a tendency to test limits.
Exercise
Daily brisk walks and active play; agility, scent work, canicross and lure games suit it well.
Grooming
The short, glossy coat needs only a weekly rub with a rubber mitt.
Training
Clever but independent; consistent, positive training and good recall work are important because of its prey drive.
Health
Generally healthy; hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as cataracts, von Willebrand disease and heart problems are occasionally seen. Ask the breeder for the parents' hip and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The German Pinscher is one of Germany's oldest breeds and the ancestor of the Dobermann and Miniature Pinscher. It worked on farms and in stables, hunting rats and guarding the property. After the Second World War it nearly died out and was rebuilt from a very small number of dogs.
It is an energetic, curious dog that wants to be involved in family life. It is a good watchdog and has a strong urge to chase small animals. With enough exercise and training it is a lively, entertaining companion.
Did you know?
The German Pinscher is the ancestor of the Dobermann, which was developed partly from pinscher-type dogs.