Alt Names: None Country of Origin: Germany

History: The German Pinscher originated in Germany and is included in the origins of the Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and the Standard Schnauzer. The Wire Haired and Smooth Haired Pinschers, as the Standard Schnauzer and German Pinscher were originally called, were shown in dog books as early as 1884. These medium-sized dogs descended from early European herding and guardian breeds and were not related to the superficially similar terriers of Britain.

There were more colors in the 1959 German breed standard, including two more associated with schnauzers -- pure black and salt n' pepper, (the "silberpinsch") -- as well as the colors we know today. These colors became extinct during the war years. The 1973 breed standard only lists the current colors.

Following both World wars, the breed was nearly lost. There were no new litters registered in West Germany from 1949 to 1958. Werner Jung is credited with single-handedly saving the breed. He searched the farms in Germany for typical Pinschers and used these along with 4 oversized Miniature Pinschers and a black and red bitch from East Germany. Jung risked his life to smuggle her into West Germany. Most German Pinschers today are descendants of these dogs. Some pedigrees in the 1959 PSK Standardbuch show a number of dogs with unknown parentage.

In the late 1970's and early 1980's, German Pinschers began entering the United States and bred in small numbers. Dogs have been imported from Germany, England, Sweden, France, and Czechoslovakia.

Appearance: The German Pinscher is a medium size, short coated dog, elegant in appearance with a strong square build and moderate body structure, muscular and powerful for endurance and agility. Energetic, watchful, alert, agile, fearless, determined, intelligent and loyal, the German Pinscher has the prerequisites to be an excellent watchdog and companion.

The ideal height at the highest point of the withers for a dog or bitch is 17 - 20 inches. Squarely built in proportion of body length to height. The height at the highest point of the withers equals the length of the body from the prosternum to the rump. Muscular with moderate bone.

Temperament: The German Pinscher has highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training, fearlessness, and endurance. He is alert, vigilant, deliberate and watchful of strangers. He has fearless courage and tenacity if threatened. A very vivacious dog, but not an excessive barker. He should not show viciousness by unwarranted or unprovoked attacks.