German Pinscher

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

German Pinscher

A red German Pinscher
Other names Deutscher Pinscher
Country of origin Germany
Traits

The German Pinscher is a breed of dog.

The German Pinscher originated in Germany and is included in the origins of the Dobermann, the 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 Great Britain.

Contents

[edit] Description

[edit] Appearance

The German Pinscher is a medium sized dog usually weighing between 25-45 pounds and typically 17-20 inches in height. Colors for this breed include black and tan, red, fawn, and blue and tan. For all countries where the FCI standard applies, only black and tan and solid red are allowed colors.

There are also a few colors for this breed that became extinct during the world wars of the twentieth century. These include solid black and salt-and-pepper as well as harlequin.


[edit] Temperament

Because of the German Pinscher's high prey drive, they should not be trusted off lead. Once they set their sights on a bunny rabbit or a mouse, they will not stop until they have attained what they have set out after.

A well bred German Pinscher will be of an even temperment, a loving companion. Though in seeking to add a German Pinscher to your family, one should be mindful of the temperment of the puppy's parents, as not all German Pinschers are well suited house dogs. Temperament is hereditary.

A well bred German Pinscher can be trusted with small animals and children, though no dog should ever be left unsupervised with either. If the puppy shys away when you meet it, or you are unable to touch the mother, find a better breeder.

German Pinschers want to be part of the family. They are not happy kept outside, or in a kennel situation. They are happiest on the couch and in bed with the people they love.

They are highly intelligent, quick learners who do not enjoy repetition in training. Once they understand what you want, they want to move on to learn something else.

[edit] History

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. Nobody took a coach when a German Pinscher took care of it. They lived in homesteads where they were used to kill rats on their own. Even today you can observe German Pinschers searching for and finding rats without being trained in open areas and in homesteads.

The German Pincher was originally born in the same litter as the Standard Schnauzer. Over time, breeders decided to separate the 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 has been noticed. Credit is attributed to Werner Jung for collecting several of the breed in 1958 to continue the line. The German Pinscher came to 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 not 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. Though the breed was near extinction in the 1950's, by the end of the 20th century, numbers were near 1000 in North America.

The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the Canadian Kennel Club[1] in 2000. The CKC named Ch Othello des Charmettes it's first Champion on April 20, 2000. The German Pinscher gained full acceptance by the American Kennel Club [2] in 2003. The AKC named Ch Riward's Rollin Rocs Rusty (Jambo de la Capelliere[3] x Windamir's Zarra) it's first Champion on January 8, 2003.

In 2004, the German Pinscher competed at it's first Westminster Kennel Club[4] 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).

Since gaining first acceptance, the popularity of the breed has grown. Long time fanciers see this as a downfall rather than a benefit. The German Pinscher is a true terrier breed and should be respected as such.


Wikimedia Commons has media related to: