The German Pinscher needs relatively little grooming, and you’ll be pleased with how little they shed. Here are some grooming tips for your German Pinscher:

• Brushing: Plan to brush your pup’s coat once a week with a bristle brush. This will not only keep the coat healthy but will also benefit the skin underneath with a massage. Many dogs find this soothing, and it can be a great way to reward your pup during training.
• Ear cleaning: During your weekly brushing sessions, give your dog’s ears a once-over. Check them for dirt and wax, sniff for any strange smells (which could indicate infection). If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears. Check their eyes, too, and gently wipe away any gunk with a wet washcloth or cotton ball.
• Bathing: This pup will only need a bath once every four to six weeks.
• Nail trimming: Bath time is a good time to give their nails a trim—the bathwater makes the nails softer and easier to trim.
• Dental care: Their teeth need to be brushed daily. Start while your German Pinscher’s a puppy, if possible, so they’ll get used to it faster. And once each year, have your vet—not a groomer—give them a thorough cleaning and exam to check for good oral health.

The German Pinscher breed is highly intelligent but can be strong-willed; so the earlier you start obedience training, the better. (Obedience training includes basic commands like sit, stay and come and how to walk nicely on a leash.) A German Pinscher puppy needs a confident and calm leader who understands the consistency and patience needed to work with willful breeds, which is why they’re better suited for people with previous dog experience.

These dogs were bred to hunt vermin, so it’s important to always keep them on a leash when not in an enclosed area, like a fenced yard. No matter how well you train your German Pinscher, if they decide something needs chasing right now, they’ll be off on the hunt—and they won’t look both ways before crossing the street. These dogs are speedy, too; you won’t be able to keep up—unless maybe you’re Usain Bolt or Florence Griffith-Joyner.

Early socialization is important to help your pup be more comfortable around other dogs and people. (But, let’s be honest—they’re never going to be as friendly as a Golden Retriever.) This means you’ll need to take your German Pinscher puppy out on walks and let them experience new people, pets and situations. Start while they’re young, and they’ll grow up thinking it’s normal to be around new people (and understanding there’s no need to defend you). Puppy preschool is a great place to help with socialization skills. Here, puppies learn to play nicely with each other, and they get to meet new (and not “dangerous”) people all in one setting.

German Pinschers typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to choose a formula for their stage in life (puppy, adult or senior). Look for a statement on the packaging that says it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Be sure to include the treats you give during all those training sessions (and just because they’re adorable) in your overall mealtime plan, too. Even an extra pound or two can create health issues, like heart disease and diabetes, for your pup later in life. If you notice your dog’s getting a little thick around the middle, talk with your vet. They’re in the best position to help you put together an exercise and meal strategy to help your pup lose the weight and maintain their nutritional needs.

How much exercise does the German Pinscher need? A lot. Plan on at least one hour (if not more) every day. This on-the-go breed was born to run and hunt—two traits that demand high energy—and you’ll need to burn through all that energy on the daily.

These dogs are super smart and super athletic, so find different activities that play to both of those strengths. If you’re looking for a running partner, your German Pinscher dog is a great reason to get out of bed (early!) in the morning. A few walks during the day are good, too, but always make sure they are on a leash when outside a fenced yard. Teaching your pup fun tricks, like play dead or shake, can be a great way to keep their brain engaged, as well as to bond with your bestie.

If you’re competitive, consider getting your German Pinscher involved dog sports like agility, obedience, rally (similar to obedience) and tracking competitions. These activities work both the mind and the body, and as an added bonus, you’ll get to show off your dog to a whole new audience.

Don’t forget to engage their brains when they’re inside the house, too. Leave a few puzzle toys around for them to solve (and dish out a yummy treat when they’ve solved it!).

German Pinschers need confident, calm and patient leaders to show them the ropes; this dog is not ideal for a first-time pet parent. This breed is very active and needs someone who will take them on lots of adventures to make sure their wiggles are all wiggled out. If you’re looking for a dog who wakes up and thinks about their next nap, the German Pinscher is not the right choice for you.

German Pinschers prefer tranquil settings over a lot of raucous activity. When properly socialized, they can do well with older kids who won’t alarm them with random squeals. They can get along with other dogs, too, and possibly cats they’ve known since they were a puppy. But small pets, like rabbits, are no dice. These working dogs were bred to hunt, and these types of pets are guaranteed to fire up their their hunting and chasing instincts.

They do well in homes of any size—apartments to homes with a fenced yard—as long as you’re able to give them the daily exercise they need. But all off-leash play must be done in a fenced yard. As long as you’re able to give them the activity and leadership they crave, these pups can be good pets.