German Pinscher
Sleek, shiny, and streamlined, German Pinchers are a true dog lover’s delight. They’re eye-catching and elegant but in all ways honestly doggy—nothing fussy or exaggerated. They’ll stand about knee-high to the average adult. Muscles ripple beneath a shimmering coat of red or black-and-blue with red accents. There’s nobility in the elongated, wedge-shaped head, and the dark eyes are alert and eager. GPs move with the kind of strong, free-and-easy gait that tells you this is a confident companion, up for anything the day might bring.
Breed Profile
Medium-sized, elegant and square in build, the German Pinscher is an excellent watchdog and companion. Bigger than the Miniature Pinscher but smaller than the Doberman, the agility, alertness, intelligence, and stamina of the German Pinscher make it suitable for conformation, obedience, tracking, agility competitions and more. Their short coats can be black, blue, brown, fawn or red; some have red or tan markings.
Grooming
Bathing and General Grooming German Pinscher’s benefit from regular bathing and grooming. This intelligent dog can be bathed weekly up to every six to eight weeks depending on his lifestyle. The German Pinscher has a short, smooth coat. With this short-coated breed, regular bathing is essential to minimize shedding and to maintain healthy skin and coat.
Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming
The German Pinscher should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis in order to keep the skin and short coat in prime condition and to minimize shedding. Grooming the German Pinscher is quite easy due to his smooth, short coat. As a finishing touch, use a grooming mitt or a rubber curry and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any loose hairs. Then finish with Aloe Hydrating Spray.
General Health Care
Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces. It can also help minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. In addition, it affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.
Nutritional Care
In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats.
Do they require a lot of grooming?
They require minimal grooming. Routine baths and brush outs are recommended to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat in good condition.
What is a common problem in the breed?
Like all purebred dogs, the German Pinscher has some issues to be aware of. Two health concerns in this breed are von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood clotting disorder) and thyroid disease.
Do they shed or cause allergies?
They do shed year around. Frequent baths and blow outs will help accelerate the shedding process and help keep the skin and coat in good condition. In addition, it will help cut down on the dander, which can be a trigger for those suffering from allergies.
Are they good with children?
This breed is affectionate, playful, and good with children. However, they can be suspicious of strangers. As with any breed, never leave a small child unattended with a dog for any reason.
What if I have a show dog?
Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the maintenance, conditioning, and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of showing dogs. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the German Pinscher Club of America, www.germanpinscher.org.
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