he German Pinscher (original name Deutscher Pinscher, FCI No. 184) is a medium-sized, breed of dog, a Pinscher type that originated in Germany. The breed is included in the origins of the Dobermann, the Miniature Pinscher, the Affenpinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and the Standard Schnauzer.

History

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. As the name would suggest the German Pinscher is believed to have been bred in Germany and have descended from early European herding and guardian breeds. The source of the German Pinscher can be followed back until 1836 when this breed surpassed the Mops in popularity. Pinschers were used as guard dogs for coaches. They also lived in homesteads where they were used to kill rats, a job they did instinctually and independently. This behavior did not need to be trained into the German Pinscher Even today you can observe German Pinschers searching for and finding rats in open areas and in homesteads. This high prey drive is a good reason not to leave a German Pinscher off lead outside of a fenced area. The German Pincher was originally born in the same litter as the Standard Schnauzer. Over time, breeders decided to separate the "varieties," changing the to actual "breeds". After three generations of the same coat were born, the Pinscher-Schnauzer club allowed them to be registered as their respective "breed". From 1950 to 1958 no litter had been registered. Credit is attributed to Werner Jung for collecting several of the breed in 1958 to continue the line. The German Pinscher came to breeders in the United States in the early 1980s, though accounts of singular German Pinschers appearing in the country before then have been noted. In 1985, the German Pinscher Club of America was started by various German Pinscher fanciers, most of whom are no longer active in the breed. At this time, the German Pinscher was shown in rare breed shows. They were also recognized by the United Kennel Club. The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the Canadian Kennel Club in 2000. The CKC named Ch Othello des Charmettes its first Champion on April 20, 2000. The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the American Kennel Club in 2003. The AKC named Ch Riward's Rollin Rocs Rusty (Jambo de la Capelliere x Windamir's Zarra) its first Champion on January 8, 2003. In 2004, the German Pinscher competed at its first Westminster Kennel Club show. The Best of Breed winner was Ch. Windamir Hunter des Charmettes(Windamir's Sayzar x Lot T Da Des Charmettes). The Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed was Ch. Windamir's Chosen One (Tanner's Morning Star x Windmir's A-blazin at RG's).

Appearance and Size

The German Pinscher is a medium sized well muscled terrier that looks like a smaller version of a Doberman Pinscher. The muzzle is straight and the ears are set high. They may be cropped or not. The tail is set high and docked and the feet are small and cat-like. The coat is smooth, glossy and short. Coat colors can be fawn, referred to as Isabella, various shades of red and black or blue with red or tan markings. The adult German Pinscher stands around 16 to 19 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 25 to 35 pounds.

Personality

A well bred German Pinscher will be a loving companion with an even temperament. Temperament is hereditary. When considering adding a German Pinscher to a family, it is advised to be able to meet and touch the mother of the puppy you are offered. German Pinschers are generally friendly dogs. They are highly intelligent, quick learners who do not enjoy repetition in training. A well bred German Pinscher can be trusted with small animals and children, though no dog should ever be left unsupervised with either.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "German Pinscher" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.