GERMAN PINSCHER

COUNTRY: Germany
WEIGHT: 25-35 pounds
HEIGHT: 16-19 inches
COAT: Short, but coarse
COLOR: Black/tan or red
OTHER NAMES: Standard Pinscher
GROUP: Terrier








As old as the British terriers, the German Pinscher does not possess the same immediate ancestors, although its prototypes probably converged in Europe prior to the Celtic invasion of the British Islands in the centuries before Christ. Pinscker means biter in German, referring not to the dog's temperament but to its abilities against adversaries. The German farmer's terrier was slightly larger than its English counterpart. It was a clean, alert guardian, used for home protection and vermin control. The German Pinscher was too large and long legged to go to ground but, nonetheless, could hold his own against anything above ground, even being a manstopper, if necessary.

The breed was officially recognized in Germany in 1879 and has been protected and promoted since 1894 by the German Pinscher-Schnauzer Club. During the years around the turn of the century, both smooth (pinscher) and coarsehaired (schnauzer) pups appeared in the same litters. The club initiated the policy of requiring proof of three generations of pure smooth coats for registration. This quickly helped set type and made them a distinct breed from the Schnauzer.

Over the years, new breeds were created in Germany and others introduced from foreign countries. The Doberman Pinscher and Miniature Pinscher gained acceptance worldwide, and the Standard Schnauzer found favor at home and abroad. The Standard Pinscher, however, fell into obscurity in its homeland and is now nearly unknown elsewhere. There were only ten litters registered in Germany in 1985. Despite the small numbers, interest has been growing lately to preserve this fine breed. There are a handful in the USA, where there is an organization to promote them, and their numbers are once again increasing.

German Pinschers are rough-and-tumble dogs who like a scrap and need a fair amount of exercise. They also need to know who is boss. But within these parameters, they are clean, alert and adaptable to new situations and are eager to please their "pack leader."

Great companions for children, the Pinschers are energetic and large enough for hours of play. Yet they are small enough for easy care, and grooming requires a minimum of fuss. American breeders state the dogs naturally maintain direct eye contact when playing, and are incredibly quick and fast, which means they have retained their capabilities as ratters as well.

Ears are traditionally cropped to a moderate length, much like a pet cut on a Doberman Pinscher, and the tail is docked short when the whelp is just a day or two old. The Pinscher's sleek coat usually is seen in the traditional black and tan, although various shades of red are also allowed