The Pinscher is not a single breed, but a whole group consisting of five types of dogs. The largest among them are Dobermans, and the smallest are dwarf representatives. All these varieties are united by common features of appearance and temperament. Originally intended to guard and catch rats, today these dogs are wonderful companions and loyal friends.
General information about the origin of the breed
Pinschers belong to the group “Pinchers, Schnauzers, Molossians and Swiss Cattle Dogs”, the subgroup “Pinchers and Schnauzers”. These are service dogs that are quite suitable for training, and these qualities give reason to compare them with shepherd dogs.
The homeland of pinschers is Germany. Initially, they were moderately socialized dogs, excellent assistants to farmers and stagecoach owners.
There are two versions of the origin of the name of the breed. According to the first, the word “pinch” means “pinch”, “biter”. Traditionally, representatives of this breed had their tails and ears “plucked” (cropped). But it is possible that the second version is closer to the truth - a small, belligerent dog could not cause much harm, but it could easily pinch the leg.
The breed received official recognition in 1879 and immediately gained popularity in Europe. In 1895, German dog handlers founded the first Pinscher Club. Today there are five known species of pinschers.
Pros and cons of the breed
Before getting a Pinscher, be sure to weigh the pros and cons so you don’t regret your choice in the future. The advantages of the breed include:
- devotion to the owner;
- developed hunting and territorial instinct;
- courage, fearlessness and stable psyche;
- high intelligence and quick wit;
- friendly attitude towards children (the only exception is the Affenpinscher);
- cleanliness;
- ease of care (you will only have to tinker with the Affen’s long hair).
Make sure that the advantages that are important to you outweigh the disadvantages.
The negative aspects of pinschers include:
- pronounced aggression towards strangers and other animals;
- dominant character;
- stubbornness;
- the need for regular physical activity and long walks.
The Pinscher is suitable for people leading an active lifestyle. He happily accompanies his owners on runs and while cycling. Because of its mobility and attachment to humans, a four-legged dog cannot live next to an inveterate homebody or a workaholic who is rarely at home. The lack of frequent and high-quality walks, as well as regular communication with the owner, negatively affects his psyche.
German
German Pinschers are considered the progenitors of all types of Pinschers, since they appeared in Germany back in the 18th century. The exceptions are Austrian and dwarf cats, with whom the “Germans” bred at the same time. It is believed that representatives of this breed descended from swamp dogs that were common in the southwest of the country.
Pinschers have a colossal capacity for work, which allowed them to tirelessly look after the owner’s property and run after carts. They were officially recognized in 1884.
Today, German Pinschers (standard) are not a common breed.
Visually, they are similar to both Doberman Pinschers and Miniature Pinschers, with the exception of size. Their height does not exceed 50 centimeters, weight - 20 kilograms.
The character of German Pinschers is kind, sociable and at the same time serious. Dogs are fanatically devoted to all family members, but they are very persistent and domineering, so they obey only a decisive and firm person. Harsh training methods are not accepted. Walking and physical activity are an integral element of education for them. The main feature of German pinschers is the ability to jump up to 1.5 meters in length.
Training and education
Training should begin at 4 months, and upbringing should begin from the very moment the puppy gets into a new family. After all, if you delay the start of the educational process, you can end up with a wayward and uncontrollable dog.
The basis of education must include training in basic skills:
- getting to know your own place;
- accustoming to a daily routine, diet;
- getting used to the leash and collar;
- training and consolidation of core teams.
The dog is very jealous of its things, even people - its owner and members of its family. It is necessary to teach your pet to calmly react to loss. Otherwise, all objects in the living area will belong to the pinscher, and not to the person. Also, in the absence of proper training, the dog will be able to rush at strangers or animals.
At the age of 5, male dogs may begin the so-called transition period. At this time, the dogs are trying to take over the family and gain leadership. Attempts at dominance should be strictly suppressed; there is no need to indulge your pet or ignore such antics. Within a few months, the aggression will disappear, and the pet will remain a loyal and good-natured animal - if you react to unusual behavior in a timely and correct manner.
You cannot punish or publicly scold a dog. This degrades her self-esteem. A pet's resentment can result in damage to valuable items.
Austrian
The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher was bred in Austria from local dogs and old-type pinschers. This breed, officially recognized in 1928, is practically unknown outside its homeland.
Medium-sized dog: height at the withers - 40-50 cm, weight - 16-18 kg. The body is squat, strong, the tail is densely covered with hair and curls into a ring. The coat is thick, short, close to the body, with undercoat. Common colors include fawn, reddish-brown, and black with red spots. White markings are allowed on the chest, muzzle and tip of the tail.
The character of Austrian Pinschers is cheerful and energetic, but they are too stubborn and prone to dominance, so they are very reluctant to recognize leadership in a person. Possible difficulties in training. Representatives of this species are successfully used for hunting rabbits and foxes. For a dog to develop harmoniously, it needs space and good physical activity.
FCI classification
All representatives of Pinschers belong to group No. 2 according to the FCI classification, which, in addition to them, includes schnauzers, Swiss cattle dogs, molossoid dogs and mountain dogs. Pets of this species belong to section No. 1; the birthplace of most breeds is Germany.
Pinschers were originally bred to fight rats and mice and lived on farms and stables.
The name given to the breed comes from the word "pinch", presumably due to the fact that the pets' ears and tails were cropped.
The first representatives of pinschers were medium-sized dogs; a little later, large varieties were bred to protect homes and property, and then miniature ones, which acted as companions and family pets. After crossing with terriers and some other breeds, pinschers became the basis for breeding schnauzers, from which they were completely separated only at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Currently, all pinschers can live in an apartment as a pet; some successfully serve in law enforcement agencies.
The entire group has a similar appearance:
- Short, shiny coat, often black and tan;
- Elongated muzzle with strong teeth;
- Muscular but dry body;
- Drooping or cropped ears.
These are dogs with a strong character, energetic, active, and easy to train.
Affenpinscher
The Monkey Pinscher, as this breed is sometimes called, is very popular in its homeland of Germany and France. By the way, the word “affen” translated from German means “monkey”.
Belgian griffins, pinschers, pugs, as well as rural dogs of the schnauzer type took part in the formation. Affenpinschers received official recognition in 1896.
A distinctive feature of representatives of this breed is a small and flat “monkey” muzzle, long, shaggy and coarse hair with a thick undercoat (its length is 2.5 cm). The dogs are medium in size. Their weight is no more than 6 kg, height - 28 cm. According to the standard, the color can only be black.
The character of Affens is active, strong-willed, and stubborn. Despite their small size, they are very brave and zealously protect the territory and property they own, and can show aggression. Not recommended for families with small children. They need long walks and physical activity.
Existing varieties of pinschers
According to the FCI standard, pinschers are included in the same section as schnauzers. These dogs are a variation of them obtained by crossing Wire Coated Pinschers and Terriers. At the end of the 19th century, schnauzers were considered a separate breed.
Most of the recognized pinschers are smooth-haired. Exceptions include the Affenpinscher and the Austrian Shorthair.
Dwarf or miniature
The Miniature Pinscher is one of the miniature representatives, bred by crossing German Pinschers with Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds. Despite the lack of a direct family connection, the appearance of the four-legged dog is almost identical to the Doberman Pinscher. The main difference is height and weight, which are 25-30 cm and 4-6 kg, respectively.
Miniature pinschers are distinguished from other pinschers by their longer limbs, which provide record jumping ability. The maximum height of his jump is 5 times his height!
Despite its modest dimensions, the miniature pinscher is very hardy and fearless. Initially, it was used exclusively for exterminating rodents, but then it was also adapted to accompany crews.
Doberman
Doberman is the largest representative. Its maximum weight reaches 45 kg. The dog received its name in honor of its founder, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
When breeding the breed, the emphasis was on an angry disposition, fearlessness and trainability. These qualities made it possible to use the new pinscher for work in the police, where he was involved in the search and detention of criminals.
In addition to its impressive size, the Doberman is distinguished from other pinschers by its elegance. The outlines of his body are as harmonious and graceful as possible, which makes it difficult for unscrupulous breeders to deceive him. Thanks to its impeccable anatomical structure, any flaw is immediately noticeable.
German
The genes of the German Pinscher are present in every recognized species, since this dog is the ancestor of the breed. There is no exact information about its appearance, but, according to research, the closest relative of the quadruped is the Lagotto Romagnolo, or Italian water dog. Initially, dogs were bred for hunting and protecting private property, and then they were introduced to guarding mobile cargo.
Due to World War II, the number of German Pinschers was reduced to 7 individuals. The breed was preserved only thanks to the efforts of breeders. The size of this dog is larger than that of a miniature, but smaller than that of a Doberman. Otherwise, it is almost identical to them.
Affenpinscher
The weight and height of the Affenpinscher are the same as that of the Miniature Pinscher. This is the most unusual representative among pinschers. It is distinguished by long, coarse hair, the presence of a fluffy beard, expressive eyes and hanging ears that are not docked.
At first glance, this funny four-legged creature looks more like a monkey than a dog. The amazing resemblance to primates is even spelled out in the name of the breed, since the German word affe translates as “monkey.”
The main purpose of breeding Affenpinschers was to hunt rodents, but European aristocrats quickly promoted these adorable little ones to companions. When creating these pinschers, pugs, griffons and schnauzers were used.
Austrian Shorthair
Like the Affenpinscher, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is also a strong breeder. Despite its close relationship with the German Pinschers, Austria is considered its homeland. In Russia it is almost impossible to find representatives of this breed.
Austrians use this dog for a wide variety of work:
- fox hunting;
- protection of livestock and property;
- extermination of rodents.
Another important difference is the presence of a thick undercoat and developed guard hair. These qualities are necessary for working as a shepherd in adverse weather conditions.
Doberman
This type of pinscher was bred in the mid-19th century by Friedrich Louis Dobermann, in whose honor the breed got its name. Dobermans are nothing more than an enlarged copy of miniature pinschers. To form the breed, German pinschers, Beaucerons, Rottweilers, as well as some types of hunting dogs were involved. Reached official recognition in 1863.
Dobermans are characterized by a strong physique, which combines strength, grace, and proud posture. These are large dogs, whose weight varies from 35 to 45 kg, height at the withers - from 60 to 70 cm. The coat is short, thick, straight, without undercoat. The standard allows only two colors - black and brown.
Dobermans have a very temperamental character, but they are too smart to show their emotions. These are unusually brave dogs, excellent guards and devoted companions to humans. In case of danger, they always fight back the ill-wisher. They have high intelligence and are easy to train, which allows them to be used for work in government agencies - police, customs.
Character
Briefly describe the German Pinscher using the following definitions: family-oriented, intelligent, energetic, friendly, balanced, loyal and very cheerful.
The excess energy and innate hunting instinct of the German Pinscher suggests that such a dog requires competent control and proper education.
The pinscher does not tolerate discourtesy, he is a zealous owner and does not like to share his own: toys, food, a bowl of water... Therefore, it is important to establish a trusting relationship between the pet and household members.
The pinscher will not attack first. In response to an attack, he will respond with all fury, defending his territory, himself or family members with their property. He is wary and distrustful of strangers.
If there are small children in the family, they should not be left alone with the Pinscher. The dog is very active and can harm the baby with its movements. Teach older children the correct attitude towards the Pinscher. The pet will not tolerate children's pranks for long; it demands respect and justice. If a child establishes a relationship with a German Pinscher, the dog will become his best friend, a faithful guard and a tireless play partner.
Gets along well with pets. But it is not recommended to keep small rodents (rabbit, guinea pig, ferret...) in the same area together with an ideal rodent hunter.
It is worth listing the character traits of the German Pinscher: cunning, manipulator, adventurer, dominator.
Excessive kindness during training and raising a pet is unacceptable. You risk raising a spoiled, wayward, uncontrollable dog that will cause a lot of trouble for its owners.
miniature pinscher
In Germany, miniature pinschers began to be bred at about the same time as the German ones. These babes instantly became popular both in their homeland and abroad. And this fact is explained not only by its attractive exterior, but also by its talent in terms of catching rodents and selflessly protecting the owner’s property. Today they are just adorable dogs that have turned into pets. The first miniature pinscher fan club was opened in 1895 in Germany.
Miniature Pinschers are very temperamental, and their aggression and tendency to fanatically guard their territory sometimes leads to problems. They are unusually active and mobile, it feels like they have a hidden motor inside them that allows them to move continuously. Dogs are quite intelligent and quick-witted, but they are difficult to train and show at shows due to their excitability and excessive energy.
Externally, dwarf pinschers are similar to Dobermans, but have miniature sizes: weight - up to 6 kg, height - up to 30 cm. Colors: red, brown, black and tan.
Application
Previously, pinschers were intended for hunting small animals and exterminating rats.
However, today's pinschers are not inferior in their agility and mobility, and can easily keep you company on an amateur hunt or a long walk.
The dog's friendly disposition, which can be compared to that of a rabbit dachshund or affenpinscher , makes it an indispensable friend for the whole family.
To avoid mischief on the part of the puppy, you need to engage in its upbringing already at the earliest stages of life. The breed is characterized by an excessive amount of barking. But this problem also needs to be eliminated in early childhood simply by communicating with your pet.
How to buy a puppy
It is advisable to purchase a pinscher puppy from nurseries, where they will provide all the necessary documents for it and inform the future owner about the specifics of feeding and vaccinations.
The puppy must be active, inquisitive, and friendly. Excessive aggression, cowardice, and lethargy are not acceptable. But the most important thing, of course, is health. The future family member should have shiny, glossy fur, clear eyes, straight strong legs, and a moderately well-fed tummy.
The cost of German and miniature pinscher puppies is 20,000-25,000 rubles. However, if buying miniature pinschers due to their popularity does not present any difficulty, then German ones are rare for Russia. Dobermans are a little more expensive - from 25,000 to 40,000 rubles. The price for Austrian Pinscher puppies is even higher, on average - from 40,000 rubles. The most expensive are Affenpinschers. A puppy from a kennel will cost the future owner 70,000-100,000 rubles.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
The miniature pinscher does not need any special care. He won’t catch a cold if you walk in the cold in winter (of course, if he is insulated with dog clothes), and he won’t get poisoned if he doesn’t eat anything “forbidden.” But, like any other animal, it can face a number of diseases.
The basic indicator of a dog's health is its nose. Veterinarians say that if it is wet, it means the animal is healthy and does not need help. This is partly true. The dog is clearly sick if, in addition to a dry nose, he:
- He eats little.
- Frequently defecates.
- Refuses to eat.
- Looks weakened.
In this case, he will need professional help. To protect your pet from plague and other dangerous diseases, it must be vaccinated on time. The veterinarian will give him vaccinations at 1.2 and 2.5 months.
Health, illness
In general, pinschers are considered hardy and healthy dogs with strong immunity. The average life expectancy is 10-15 years (depending on the species: for Dobermans - 10-13 years, for Affenpinschers - from 12 to 14 years).
The most common diseases include:
- dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
- dislocations of the knee joints;
- Legg-Peters disease (joints) and, as a complication, arthritis;
- Wobbler syndrome (spinal cord pathology characterized by impaired coordination of movements);
- thyroid disease (hypothyroidism);
- ophthalmological diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, etc.);
- heart murmurs;
- skin diseases (dermatitis, allergies).
Liver pathologies are common among Dobermans, as representatives of this breed are prone to bloating. Miniature Pinschers are prone to congenital deafness, obesity and epilepsy.
Reproduction and lifespan
The service life of a Pinscher depends entirely on the quality of care for it. If you feed your pet well, treat it on time, and systematically comb and wash it, it will live to be 15-16 years old.
The breeder of Pinschers must be well aware of their exterior in order to be able to distinguish a mongrel from a high-breed representative of the species. A bitch is mated to a male only during her heat, because there the chances of conceiving offspring are higher. This is done on neutral territory.
A female miniature pinscher bears her offspring for 65 to 70 days. There can be 1 puppy or several in a litter. Rarely are more than 5 small pinschers born. It is advisable that a veterinarian be present in the house during the birth of the dog.
Content
Pinschers are easy to care for. Hygiene procedures boil down to weekly combing or wiping the short coat with a damp mitten. Bathe them when they get dirty.
Affens, which, unlike other types of pinschers, have long hair, need to comb their coat once every 2-3 days using a furminator, and bathe once every 2-3 months. To keep the coat looking neat, it is advisable to visit a grooming salon. You can't cut your hair, they will look awkward.
For all types of pinschers, the necessary hygiene procedures are daily wiping the eyes with a damp disc, cleaning the ears and trimming the nails once a week.
You need to walk often and for a long time so that the dog is properly tired; this breed is unusually active. Walks - 2-3 times a day, lasting at least 2 hours. You can let your dog off the leash only when he learns to adequately respond to commands and carry them out.
Short-haired pinschers tolerate heat well, but in cool weather they may experience discomfort. For the autumn-winter season, it is advisable to purchase warm clothes.
General features and characteristics of the Pinscher breed
Despite intraspecific differences, all pinschers share similar exterior and character traits. The first include:
- drooping or cropped erect ears;
- a wedge-shaped head with a pronounced stop;
- elongated muzzle and strong teeth with a scissor bite;
- developed sternum;
- lean body with well-defined muscles;
- short tail, suggesting docking;
- short, shiny coat of dark color.
Miniature pinschers are often compared to toy terriers due to the similarity of their color. In addition to a more powerful physique, the main difference is character. Toy terriers are completely alien to aggression. Their loud barking is just a way of communication. With its help, they meet not only uninvited guests, but also close friends of their owners. Pinschers do not trust strangers from birth, which makes them ideal guards.
The breed has the following character traits:
- Developed territorial instinct. Four-legged animals are used not only to protect private property, but also government facilities.
- Extraordinary devotion to the owner. Despite their aggression towards strangers, dogs adore their household members and unquestioningly follow their instructions.
- High intelligence. The Doberman takes 5th place among the smartest and most obedient dogs. His closest relatives are also distinguished by no less outstanding mental abilities.
- Courage and dedication. In case of danger, four-legged bodyguards protect their owners to the last.
- Hyperactivity and great endurance. Excess energy that has no outlet is fraught with serious destruction in the form of damage to furniture or other valuable things. For this reason, the animal requires regular exercise.
Unlike some guard dogs, pinschers never show aggression towards children.
Who is suitable for the apartment?
For an apartment it is better to choose a toy terrier. These are calmer dogs and love to sit on their owner's lap and arms. They are easily accustomed to a diaper or litter tray, and they do not have a strong odor. With good upbringing, they do not react to extraneous noise by barking and do not howl in your absence.
An energetic miniature pinscher needs more space; he will be more comfortable in a private home. If the fence is secure, the dog can be left in the yard to run around and get tired. But this does not cancel the mandatory joint walks and training.
Affenpinscher: history of origin, description and care recommendations
This is one of the oldest European breeds, the first mention of which dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. The official homeland of the Affenpinscher is the German port town of Lubeck, formerly part of the Hanseatic League. They were originally bred to kill rodents. According to experts, Brussels griffins, certain varieties of terriers and even Asian pugs took part in the formation of the breed. Be that as it may, today these interesting creatures enjoy the well-deserved love of world breeders and ordinary owners. In many cities there are nurseries for pinschers with the original monkey face.
These are small compact animals, whose height is 20-28 cm, and their weight ranges from 3.5-6 kg. On the dome-shaped head with a convex forehead and pronounced stop, there are huge round eyes and high-set ears. Under the square, muscular body with a straight topline and a developed, slightly flattened chest, there are two pairs of smooth, strong limbs. The entire body of the Affenpinscher is covered with coarse black hair. The animal's face must have sideburns, a beard and bushy eyebrows.
The Affenpinscher is an unpretentious dog that easily adapts to any living conditions. The only inconvenience associated with caring for this animal may be the need for regular trimming. Also, the owners of such a dog should be prepared for the fact that they will have to systematically trim the hair around their pet’s eyes. Otherwise, the dog will begin to lose vision.
Despite its miniature size, the Affenpinscher is very energetic. Therefore, he should have the opportunity to splash out the accumulated energy on walks in city parks. At the same time, it is recommended to protect him from contact with larger brothers so that they do not accidentally injure him.
If, after reading the above material, you decide to purchase such a puppy, we recommend that you contact a specialized nursery or a professional breeder. Because this is the only way you will be completely sure that you are paying a lot of money for a purebred puppy with all the relevant documents, and not buying a pinscher cross, from which anything can grow.
How to understand what breed?
You have a miniature pinscher in front of you if:
- the head is triangular, the muzzle is elongated, the ears hang slightly or stand up;
- the muscles are clearly visible under the skin, the dog looks strong;
- when viewed from the side, you can see that the head and neck are directed up and forward, with a clear downward slope from the withers to the croup;
- the coat is hard, short, close to the body;
- There are only two types of coloring - red or black and tan.
And here is the Russian toy terrier:
- the head is round, the ears are large and erect, the forehead is convex;
- fragile physique, thin and graceful limbs;
- the transition from the withers to the croup is imperceptible;
- long-haired or short-haired. The wool is soft;
- There are red, black, red and blue and tan dogs.
Which breed should I choose?
If you have a spacious cottage or house, you love active sports, and you have a fairly tough and strong character, then buy a pinscher.
If you are a patient and calm person, ready to give care and love, and have a lot of free time, choose a toy terrier.
IMPORTANT!
Don't forget that a dog is still a dog, no matter the size. She needs time, attention, care and care. You will have to constantly look after the puppies. Do you have the patience to care for a helpless creature? The animal will become a reliable companion and will bring many happy and funny moments if you make a thoughtful choice.
