German Pinscher

A working dog, German Pinschers are known for their vermin hunting skills and instinctual desire to protect home and family. The German Pinscher's natural hunting abilities give them a keen sense of prey, drive and determination. The German Pinscher is of strong will and mind and can be manipulative and stubborn when they want their own way.

The German Pinscher originated in Germany and is included in origins of the Doberman, Miniature Pinscher and other Pinscher types. However, the German Pinscher has always been more closely associated with the Standard Schnauzer. In fact, it is thought the Standard Schnauzer was originally referred to as the Wire Haired Pinscher. The Wire Haired and Smooth Haired Pinschers or the modern day German Pinscher and Standard Schnauzer are shown in books as early as 1884.

It was officially designated a distinct breed in Germany where the first Pinscher Club was formed. At the time the short coat was the main emphasis and coloration varied. The breed came close to extinction as a result of World War I and World War II. Werner Jung is credited with saving the breed in 1958 using a German Pinscher bitch that was fortunate enough to get pas East Germany’s iron curtain.

A working dog, German Pinschers are known for their vermin hunting skills and instinctual desire to protect home and family. The German Pinscher’s natural hunting abilities give them a keen sense of prey, drive and determination. The German Pinscher is of strong will and mind and can be manipulative and stubborn when they want their own way. They are territorial and can be quite possessive of their owners and property. Highly intelligent with expressive animation the German Pinscher commands attention as it conveys the impression that this dog is ready to go to work and learn the desired task at hand. Willing learners, they make wonderful multipurpose companions with firm but gentle and consistent discipline. German Pinschers are high-energy that enjoy adventure in any form.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	1 hour a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Short
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Small garden

	General Appearance Well balanced, smooth coated, medium size with elegant and flowing outlines but strong and well muscled.
	Characteristics Alert, good-natured, playful. Loyal, watchful and fearless.
	Temperament High-spirited and self-possessed.
	Eyes Dark, of medium size, oval and directed forward. Eye rims tight.
	Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Elegant and strong. Neither short nor stout. Nape well arched. Skin of throat tight without dewlap.
	Forequarters Well laid shoulder with good but flat muscle. Forelegs straight viewed from all sides, parallel elbows are close to body.
	Body Chest moderately wide with flat ribs. Brisket extends below elbow. Body Forechest extends beyond point of shoulder. Compact and short coupled. Length of body approximately equal to height at withers. Back short and slightly sloping. Slightly rounded croup.
	Hindquarters Seen from behind parallel, with sufficient width. Upper thigh slanted and strongly muscled. Good length and bend of stifle, hocks turning neither in nor out.
	Feet Well arched, compact and cat-like with dark nails. Turning neither in nor out. Tough, hard pads.
	Tail Customarily docked. Docked: Docked to three joints. Set and carried high. Undocked: Set and carried high with an upward sweep. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.
	Gait / Movement Well balanced, smooth coated, medium size with elegant and flowing outlines but strong and well muscled.
	Coat Short and dense, smoothly fitting, glossy without bald spots.
	Colour All solid colours from fawn (Isabella) to stag red in various shades. Black and blue with reddish/tan markings. In bi-coloured dogs sharply marked red/tan markings desirable. Markings distributed as follows: at cheeks, lips, lower jaw, above eyes, at throat, at forechest as two triangles separated from each other, at metatarsus, forelegs, feet, inner side of hindlegs and vent region.
	Size Height at withers 43-48 cms (17-19 ins).