German Pinscher Breed description: Character & Co

What are the typical character traits of the German Pinscher?

If you want to buy a German Pinscher, be aware that these are active animals that want to be kept busy. They are best suited for sporty people who like to walk or cycle with a four-legged companion joining them. Because of their past as stable dogs, they are also popular with horse riders: they have no problems interacting with horses. Dog sports such as agility or man-trailing also give the bright animal great pleasure.

To lead the German Pinscher's temperament into the right direction, you should offer it daily exercise. If they get bored, your house mate will develop unwanted bad habits such as excessive barking. Since they can sometimes act a bit over the top when playing, they are not very suitable for families with small children. You should also keep an eye on their hunting instinct, which should be kept under control from the beginning. Since the German Pinscher is self-confident, behave consistently with them. This also includes not letting yourself be totally consumed by your four-legged friend. They demand their owner's full attention at home. As a good watchdog, they are suspicious of strangers and report every stranger who approaches your home.

What are typical diseases of the German Pinscher?

Because the tip of the ears of the German Pinscher are very thin, they can easily get injured when the animal grazes through the undergrowth. Therefore, it pays off to check their ears after every walk. Typical diseases of the German Pinscher are:

• Hip joint dysplasia
• The von Willebrand disease: This is a genetically caused blood coagulation disorder, affected animals can bleed to death when seriously injured
• Hereditary eye diseases
• Dilute gene: this is an unnatural lightening of the coat

What should be considered in regards to German Pinscher breeding?

If you buy a German Pinscher puppy from a foreign breeder, you should know that the import of docked animals is prohibited since 2012. Also the placement of four-legged puppies with a shortened tail and ears born after January 1st, 2008 is not allowed. An exception is the passing on of docked Pinschers by an animal shelter. A serious breeder is subject to strict criteria: As a prerequisite for the breeding approval of a parent animal in Austria, tests for hip joint dysplasia, eye diseases and patella problems must be carried out. With a German Pinscher breeder registered by the Austrian Schnauzer and Pinscher Club you will end up buying a healthy four-legged friend that will surely give you pleasure for a long time.