Also known as the Deutscher Pinscher and the Standard Pinscher, the German Pinscher is an energetic and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the German Pinscher can be traced back to 19th century Germany. Enthusiasts believe the breed to have descended from various early European herding and guarding breeds, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the German Pinscher has been most commonly used to hunt and kill small vermin such as rats and snakes, and to protect its owners and property, proving its superior abilities to work almost endlessly.
The destruction of World War II threatened total extinction of the German Pinscher. Credited for saving the breed is Werner Jung, who worked for years to return the breed to the stables numbers it currently remains at.
Today, while the German Pinscher has attained an underground popularity, it remains rather rare outside its native Germany and fame throughout Europe and North America.
Personality Traits
Best known for its feisty and spunky behavior, the German Pinscher is full of character. This breed is very intelligent, yet stubborn and overly confident, causing difficulty in training. These dogs are very active and enjoy playing games such as fetch and frisbee. As a pet, the German Pinscher is loyal, loving, and often affectionate.
Train-ability
Due to its energy levels and stubborn attitude, the German Pinscher can be somewhat challenging to train, quickly growing bored with repetitive tasks.
Establishing immediate dominance and trust is key to successfully training the German Pinscher. This breed responds best to a stern yet gentle approach by a confident, strong, and experienced handler.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a German Pinscher, such as their no hassle, low maintenance coat. This breed is very active and often quite entertaining to watch when at play. These dogs are skilled hunters and enjoy killing small vermin such as mice, rats, snakes, chipmunks, and opossums. The German Pinscher is loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a German Pinscher. These energetic and athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A German Pinscher not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The German Pinscher has a strong instinct to hunt, does not generally get along with other pets or children, and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, this breed is rather quick and may pose a threat to children, other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. This breed is not recommended for households with children or other pets, and must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
As previously mentioned, the German Pinscher remains rather rare in certain parts of the world and may prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the German Pinscher is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: eye issues such as cherry eye and cataracts, various skin allergies, and sensitivity to vaccinations.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a German Pinscher? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_pinscher
http://www.trainpetdog.com/german-pinscher
