Pinscher Breeds

The Pinscher breeds are a type, or family of dogs, that originally functioned as ratters, guardians, and working farm dogs. The name pinscher translates from German as to pinch or catch and is believed to describe how the dogs work when killing rodents and other vermin. Today these dogs are mainly used as companions and they make great pets. So here are all the Pinscher dog breeds and what you’ll want to know about each of them.

German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is often confused for both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman Pinscher dog breeds. However this medium-sized canine’s ancestry is much older than both of them, in fact, it’s one of the oldest German breeds.

And while not as popular or well-known it was actually used in the creation of both the Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher, along with several of the other pinscher-type dog breeds. This is a muscular and athletic canine that once functioned as a rat catcher although it is highly versatile and can perform a range of tasks.

Doberman Pinscher

This Doberman is world-renowned as a guard dog and police dog. Created in Germany by Friedrich Louis Doberman, a tax collector and dog warden, this eye-catching and highly protective canine was also once used for large vermin control, hunting, and assisting soldiers in both world wars.

Outside of North America, the Doberman Pinscher dog breed is known simply as the “Dobermann.”  This is a large dog that is loyal to its owner and extremely intelligent.

Miniature Pinscher

Despite what you may have heard, the Miniature Pinscher is not a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher breed is actually several hundred years older than the Doberman and is believed to have been created by using the German Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, and the Dachshund.

This small German breed was originally a barnyard ratter. Today these high-energy little canines make fine companions and excellent watchdogs that are perfectly suited for apartment life as long as they are given play sessions and exercise daily.

Austrian Pinscher

Not often seen outside of their homeland of Austria, these dogs are descended from ancient Austrian country pinschers. They traditionally functioned as all-around farm dogs, guardians, livestock herders, and ratters. The Austrian Pinscher is known for being patient with other animals and young children.

The Austrian Pinscher differs from other pinscher dog breed types in its appearance and proportions, it is a stocky medium-size dog with a pear-shaped head. It is considered to be more powerful than the German pinscher breeds as well.

Przykuta/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.5

Affenpinscher

When it comes to looks this little German canine is very different from the other pinscher dog breeds and almost all other dog breeds for that matter. Its round head and eyes, short muzzle, whiskers, beard, and underbite make this dog look similar to a monkey.

In fact, the breed’s name Affenpinscher means “monkey pinscher,” in German. While it is a small toy breed it has a big dog attitude and has no fear when threatened. The sturdy little Affenpinscher was originally used to control the rodent populations in stables.

Standard Schnauzer

In the past, the Standard Schnauzer was actually considered to be the same breed as the German Pinscher, just a wirehaired variety. At that time it was known as the Wirehaired Pinscher while the German Pinscher was known as the Smoothhaired Pinscher, and it wasn’t uncommon for both varieties to be born in the same litters.

It functioned as a guard, vermin hunter, and herder.  Later on, other breeds such as the Poodle and Keeshond were mixed in to perfect the breed we know today as the Standard Schnauzer. This medium-sized dog is renowned for its intelligence and was used to create the two other Schnauzer breeds the Miniature Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer.

Danish Swedish Farm Dog

This breed originated in the area that is today eastern Denmark and southern Sweden. These small working dogs were originally used for hunting, as rodent catchers, and guardians. While at first glance the Danish Swedish Farm Dog looks more terrier-like with its compact and rectangular-shaped body and proportionally small head, it is considered to be one of the Pinscher dog breeds.

The breed has been known by several different names including the Danish Pinscher among others.  This is a boisterous little dog that makes an excellent family pet that loves children and usually along with other dogs.

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