German Pinscher
Also known as Pinscher moyen, Pinscher
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized, well-muscled working dog with an elegant, athletic outline and a smooth coat. Known for its lively, alert and self-assured temperament, it is one of the oldest German breeds.
History and origins
An old German breed developed for pest control, ratting and farm work. Ancestor of the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher. It nearly disappeared after World War II but was revived by Werner Jung.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hereditary cataracts
- von Willebrand disease
- Ear margin vasculitis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
German Pinscher FAQ
How big does the German Pinscher get?
The German Pinscher stands 43 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 20 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the German Pinscher shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the German Pinscher live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the German Pinscher need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the German Pinscher good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the German Pinscher live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and hereditary cataracts.
