German Pinschers

Hi there,

I am in Min Pins, and in doing breed research I read a up a little on German Pinschers as they are part of the founding of my breed.  From what I remember, they are a very independent minded breed. I know we read a lot about "such and such breed not being for the first time dog owner" or "this breed requires a firm (kind) hand and a knowledgeable owner" - but I would definitely say the German Pinschers falls in this category.  Temperament is a big consideration, and I haven't seen any specific breed related health issues (just the normal canine health issues to watch for).

I am including a couple of links that I just pulled up that talk about temperament. I would love to have one, but I have enough trouble with my willful, independent minded 7 pound unholy terrors called Miniature Pinschers![]

From the G.P. Club of America website:http://www.german-pinscher.com/faq.htm

IS THE GERMAN PINSCHER A GOOD PET?
The German Pinscher is not the breed for those who want a slow, placid dog, or a dog that can be "fed and forgotten", for they insist on being a part of the family activities and develop best when treated in this manner. For this reason, most German Pinschers are house pets. They are outstanding companions, known for their devotion and love of the family. However, they are not recommended for families with small children (9 years or younger). Because of their strong will, intelligence and independent nature, early socialization and obedience training is a must. If the owner is too casual about dog training, the strong willed, highly intelligent, independent, spirited German Pinscher will not be a good choice as a family dog.
IS THE GERMAN PINSCHER TRAINABLE?
Due to their intelligence, they learn quickly; but like a mischievous child, they need a firm, but not rough, hand. They quickly housebreak and learn the house rules. But, they will get away with whatever they can and soon "rule the house" if allowed. They excel in obedience and agility, with enthusiasm and intelligence. The happy German Pinscher is a dog with a job to do. They love to work. Visit the [linkhttp://www.german-pinscher.com/perform.htm]performance page[/link] to see how outstanding the German Pinscher is in AKC performance activities.
WHAT ARE UNUSUAL CHARACTISTICS OF THE GERMAN PINSCHER?
They are not excessive barkers, as noted above. They love to jump when greeting family and friends and should be trained to resist this temptation. German Pinschers love toys and puppies will de-squeak and de-stuff as many toys as you will give them. Also, German Pinschers will look you right in the eye and some will smile, showing their teeth in a big grin, usually when they are in trouble.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE?
The German Pinscher needs daily exercise. They are happiest when they can run free in a supervised fenced yard. However, they can do just as well in an apartment setting if given a minimum of two long walks per day.
WHERE SHOULD I BUY A GERMAN PINSCHER?
They are not always easy to find, as they are not bred in great numbers. As with all pure-bred dogs, the worst place to find a good one is in the large puppy retailers. To get a good quality puppy, you should go directly to a breeder who is a member of the German Pinscher Club of America. The GPCA maintains a [linkhttp://www.german-pinscher.com/breeder_list.htm]breeders referral list [/link]of those GPCA breeders who have signed a code of ethics. As a rule, the German Pinscher breeder does not breed merely to sell dogs, but to continue and improve upon a lineage which he considers to be the best. Buying from a breeder is not just a business transaction. Here are some [linkhttp://www.german-pinscher.com/buyerquest.htm]questions to ask[/link] a breeder when purchasing a puppy.
IS THE GERMAN PINSCHER FOR YOU?
The German Pinscher is not for everyone. They need leadership tempered with patience, respect, intelligence and love. Realize, the German Pinscher will not tolerate much physical or mental abuse from the family children. As in all breeds, temperaments differ from dog to dog; but as a general rule, caution and supervision is important around young children. For more information, [linkhttp://www.german-pinscher.com/notforu.htm]click here[/link].

I like the two following breeder's websites for their candor on G.P descriptions. (And yes I checked to make sure that Blazer's G.P. breeder was one of the founder's of the GPCA): http://www.blazerscats.com/german_pinscher/pinscher.html
http://hometown.aol.com/minkarules/myhomepage/business.html

Thanks so much for the info. I passed it along to my brother & he has now backed off this idea when he realized that he wasn't going to be getting a smaller version of a doberman, but a doberman looking terrier.  He said that he would step back & consider other breed options now, instead of pushing forward with this idea.

The only experience I ever had with these beautiful dogs was with my step father's dog.  She was beautiful, playful, and extremely loving if you were family.    You could literally do anything to that dog and she would love you for it.

She was aggressive to anyone not properly introduced, if you knew her name she went immediately docile as well.  Her one interesting thing was she would hump anything and anyone...  This ranged from my step father to my little sister to the other dogs...

I am glad to hear that he is reassessing his acquisition of a German Pinscher.  They are very terrier like! So are Miniature Pinschers. I almost wish they would list them with the terriers sometimes so that people will know what they can be like. My girls have such high prey drive that I wish I could enter them in the Earth Dog Trials. I know they would do great and have a blast with it.  Most people don't realize that the German Pinscher is older than both the Min Pin and the Dobes, and that the latter two are actually founded from G.P.  That, and Min Pins are older than Dobes and NOT miniature Dobermans! UGGG!!! Even my vet has my girls listed as MinDobes[:'(]. (They say they don't have MinPin as a breed selection on their computer software[:@]).  G.P. are a great breed, but you definitely need to know what you are getting into with them - but then again - that is with any dog of any breed.  Hope he can find a breed of dog that he likes and will fit in with his lifestyle!