GPCA Champion Blazers MagnusI purchased my first German Pinscher -- International, Mexican Champion Blazers Kaiser v Rockingham, P.C. -- in 1985. When I called on the ad in the Los Angeles Times for German Pinschers, I didn't know a thing about them and -- quite frankly -- neither did the breeder I bought Rocky from. When I asked her about the breed, she said "Oh, they are just like little Doberman's". At that time there were less than a dozen German Pinschers in the US and Canada.
German Pinschers are actually basically ratter type dogs. Therefore, they do have a terrier type of temperament. They can be bull headed and stubborn, but they were also selectively bred to be territorial, so we show this breed in the Working/Guarding Group. One of the mistakes that so many people make is that, since they are in the "Working" group, they must really like to work for you. This is not necessarily the case with some working dogs. A number of the rare breed working group dogs were bred to work independent of any instruction from man. This generally can make this group of dogs more "free thinking" than others. Are German Pinschers trainable? Absolutely, but you need patience and a bit of craftiness on the owners part.
German Pinschers are extremely people oriented. They really want to be with you. They make excellent companion dogs (for real dog people), and they can be very protective. Not only of their family (good), but also of their own things (not good). You simply have to set fair parameters and be consistent.
Here is something you must be aware of: Assume that the German Pinscher loves its family, (understands that when the family is gone, it owns everything -- and when the family is home it owns nothing), it will protect its people. However, it will not differentiate between good old fun rough housing (with the kids screaming and flailing) and the person actually being in real trouble. It is likely to bite the offender either way. And German Pinschers don't spend alot of time trying to figure out whether to bite or not to bite. I think that the German Pinscher will pretty much go for the bite option every time. Now I'm not saying that the German Pinscher is quick to bite anyone, just that they are bred to protect.
I've had this breed longer than anyone else in the US -- going on 20 years -- and I've never had anyone bitten. But that is because I'm really aware of what is going on with my dogs and with anyone that is visiting. FOR EXAMPLE: When my grandson, Alexander, was six he frequently came to visit. When he wanted to go out in the front yard (which is fenced with wrought iron), we always put Rocky (my first German Pinscher) out to "watch over" him. Now understand, not play with, but watch. One day Alex's mother (my daughter Traci) was trying to get Alex to do (or not do -- doesn't matter) something. When she finally reached for Alex, to get him to look at her, she was made immediately aware of a low grumbling noise coming from the vicinity of Alex's feet. She looked down, and there sat Rocky on Alex's feet, watching over him. Traci said "You know mom, Rocky was telling me 'I sure hate that I'm going to have to bite you, but I will if you touch Alex' ". German Pinschers take their watching very seriously.
German Pinschers can never be trusted to stay in the yard, unless you have a dog tight fence. Remember they are instinctive "ratters". That means that they will chase anything that is moving quickly. I also raise Maine Coon cats and both the German Pinschers and the cats get along just fine in the house. One German Pinscher and his friend the cat would probably be OK in the yard. But if the cat runs, it certainly can be another story (with a not good ending for the cat). My cats are strictly indoor cats.
Rocky -- Multi Ch. Blazers Kaiser v Rockingham -- shown at 11 years
with 3 month old poodle puppies.
Blazers Kaiser v Rockingham is a famous veteran dog in the United States. He
was born August 6, 1985 and is GPCA registered dog number 11. Rocky is an
International and Mexican Champion and has his Mexican P.C. (equivalent to
a US Companion Dog - obedience title). Rocky is in German Pinscher pedigrees
all over the U.S., also in Canada and Nicaragua. He was the first German
Pinscher in the U.S. to be OFA'd; he is OFA Excellent. Rocky's eyes were
certified clear at the age of nine years 2 months (he is CERF # GRP 5/94-110).
Rocky had a very stoic personality; he got along with many breeds of dogs
and spent most of his time hanging out in the house with my Maine Coon cats. Doing
the thing that German Pinschers were bred for, killing vermin, Rocky
died at the age of twelve, while killing a rattlesnake in the front yard.
Rocky's Pedigree
GPCA, WWKC, SKC and ARBA Champion Blazers Intrepid (a Rocky son) is the sire of
Dual Champion Rollin Roc Fraulein SD Erika, GPCA Puppy of the Year 1994. His
get include several group and best in show winners.
Mexican, International Champion Blazers Lyra.
SKC Int. Champion Lafite des Charmettes -- Pirate
Pirate and Magnus enjoying January in Southern California.
GPCA Ch. Blazers Magnus -- waiting for toy.
Magnus not waiting for toy.
Magnus returning toy.
Magnus's litter sister, lives in Canada with her owners Gord & Shirley Bracey.
