How to Groom a German Pinscher

Historically, farmers used German Pinschers as vermin hunters and watchdogs. These dogs also helped herd livestock. German Pinschers make excellent companions and are lively, yet obedient. They have been an official breed in Germany since 1879. They don't require much grooming, simply a monthly general grooming and a full grooming every 12 weeks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber brush
• Natural bristle brush
• Conditioner
• Chamois cloth
• Cotton balls

1. Brush the dog's coat regularly to remove dead or unshed hair.

2. Use scissors to carefully clip the whiskers if desired.

3. Brush with rubber brush while bathing to remove extra shed hair which hasn't fallen off.

4. Apply a final coat conditioner after the bath. This can improve the dog's overall general appearance. Spread conditioner sparingly on the coat, and distribute it over the body using a natural bristle brush.

5. Rub the conditioned areas with a chamois cloth if you wish to give the dog an even brighter gloss and sheen to his coat.

6. Use cotton balls to keep water out of the dog's ears while bathing.

Tips & Warnings

• These dogs have a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years.
• German Pinschers are in general a very healthy breed with no major hereditary health problems. Of course, you should still take your dog regularly to the veterinarian for checkups.
• This breed usually weighs between 25 to 35 lbs. and ranges in height from 16 to 19 inches.
• These dogs are average shedders.
• In the U.S., dog fanciers consider German Pinschers part of the Terrier Group, while in the U.K., they are part of the Working Group.