German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is an elegant and well-built dog of medium height that impresses with its harmonious and muscular physique. His proud stance is emphasized by his slender but strong physique. The medium pinscher not only catches the eye with its beauty, but also impresses with its understanding, intelligence and devotion to its guardian. It is a breed that works well as a human companion, showing loyalty and alertness. Its health and balanced character make it an ideal companion dog.
History of the breed
There are several theories about the origin of the middle pinscher. It is known that it is one of the oldest German breeds, the first mentions of which appear as early as the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Some believe that the ancestors of all pinschers are hunting dogs, accompanying man for 5,000 years. Others claim that it is a breed derived from terriers. Most likely, the medium pinscher is descended from a hunting dog called the Bibarhunt or stable pinscher. As early as the 15th century, it worked as a guard dog and hunted beavers, badgers, rats and other stable rodents. Earlier, these dogs were divided into two varieties: smooth-haired and rough-haired. In 1880, a breed standard was developed, and in 1895 the first pinscher club was established in Germany. Unfortunately, during the war period and during the ongoing crossbreeding of pinschers with schnauzers, the breed almost became extinct. It survived only thanks to the efforts of Pinscher and Schnauzer Club advisor Werner Jung in the 1960s, who sought to restore the population.
Character
The characteristics of the medium pinscher are temperament, liveliness and intelligence. It is loyal and loving to its owner, but distrustful of strangers. It is a very affectionate breed towards family members or other people it knows well. Some individuals may be indifferent to everyone except the owner, while others treat everyone they know as their best friends. The innate intelligence of this breed of dog requires the owner’s attention and consistent parenting. When they sense inconsistency they become manipulative. They are eager to take on any challenge and cooperate with their guardian. They like to learn by closely watching his actions, and love to be the center of attention. Good-natured character with a lot of playfulness, loyalty to the master and unerring vigilance, but without excessive barking, makes them known as quiet watchdogs. The Pinscher misses nothing, reports every unusual event and investigates it. This breed has the wonderful characteristic of adapting to the owner’s lifestyle. He will actively spend time outdoors, but on rainy cloudy days he will not disdain the couch and an all-day nap. It is a breed that is generally friendly towards other dogs. They should always be supervised in interacting and getting acquainted with other representatives of their species.
Activity
The German Pinscher is an agile and athletic breed with a large supply of energy, which should be provided with an appropriate amount of exercise and movement. Alert and intelligent, they are outstanding sports dogs, as well as invaluable companions. They cope perfectly with anything that challenges their considerable physical and mental abilities – they will find their place in many dog sports (obedience, noseworking, dog trekking, agility, bikejoring, etc.)
Care and health
Medium pinschers are exceptionally healthy and hardy dogs that can be wonderful companions for their owners for many years. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 16 years, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal, long-lived friend. Unlike many other breeds, medium pinschers rarely suffer from serious medical conditions. The only health problem that can affect them is hereditary cataracts, or cataracts, which can lead to vision deterioration. It’s a good idea to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly at the vet to detect any changes early.
Moreover, medium pinschers are extremely easy to maintain in terms of grooming. Their short, smooth coat does not require intensive care, making them an ideal choice for those who value convenience. Combing the dog is recommended only during the moulting period, which is usually twice a year. Bathing is also not necessary on a daily basis – it is best to do it only when the dog really needs it, for example, after a walk in a muddy area. All this makes the medium pinscher an ideal choice for active owners who value simplicity in dog care.
Nutrition
The medium pinscher is not picky when it comes to nutrition, but its diet should be carefully balanced to ensure health and energy. The best choice is a high-quality food, rich in protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. It is worth paying attention to the ingredients and avoiding cheap foods with fillers and excess grains, which can negatively affect the dog’s health.
Meals should be tailored to the age of the dog. Medium-sized Pinschers, being an active breed, often need more calories than other breeds, so it is important that the amount of food fed be adjusted to the dog’s daily activity. Regular weight and health checks are also recommended.
Average size and life expectancy of the breed
Growth: 45-50 cm
Weight: 14-20 kg
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
German Pinscher at Star of Elune
The medium pinscher is the breed from which the adventure of the Star of Elune kennel began. A beautiful female Caza in 2007 became the first dog with our breeding nickname. In 2009 we imported a female Frida from Sweden. Already in 2012, together with her titled partner Chico, she gave birth to the first litter of a medium pinscher in Star of Elune. It is to this charming little breed that we owe a significant number of achievements and publicity.
Did you know...
… the Weimaraner is considered to be Germany’s oldest breed of pinscher? It has been bred since 1900. Interestingly, until 1929, Weimar Pointers were not allowed to be bred outside of Germany.