FAMILY PET - German Pinschers make excellent house dogs. They are the happiest when allowed to live with the family. They are very clean and have little doggie odor. Grooming is minimal and the German Pinscher coats have been affectionately described as "perma-press" with very little shedding. They do like to chew, so give them lots of toys to play with. They get along with other animals in the house if they are raised with them.

PROTECTOR - While they look like a small Doberman Pinscher, combining traits of intelligence, strength and valor, the German Pinscher is a remarkably social and human oriented creature. It is usually gentle with members of the family, yet makes a brave watchdog. While not looking for a fight, the GP will not typically retreat from an aggressive encounter and is quite capable of giving a good account of himself.

CHILDREN - German Pinschers can be a suitable breed for older children because of its native loyalty to its human companions. This is not to say that all German Pinschers show immediate fondness for all children. If not properly socialized, they can exhibit wariness. Some German Pinschers who are sensitive to high pitched sounds may find the voices of some children irritating and display aggressive behavior.

Children in the household should be taught how to properly approach dogs and should never be left unattended with any dog. Not all dogs like everyone they meet, and GPs being highly intuitive, may show dislike of a particular person. If that is the case, it is best to simply remove the dog from the room. German Pinschers are generally not a good choice for families with very young children.

That being said, once you have gained the love and trust of a German Pinscher, you will learn new meanings for friendship, understanding and companionship. There is love and loyalty that will enrich your family for the many years. Its soulful looks and clownish stunts can brighten the gloomiest day. It asks only for kindness for its utter devotion to your family's welfare.