German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is a medium-sized German breed developed in the late 1700s as versatile farm dogs, serving as ratters, watchdogs, and companions. They're ancestors of both Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers. Standing 17-20 inches tall and weighing 25-45 pounds, German Pinschers are muscular, elegant dogs with moderate bone.

They have short, dense, glossy coats coming in fawn to red, black and rust, or solid black. German Pinschers have elongated, wedge-shaped heads without excessive stop, oval eyes conveying intelligence and alertness, and high-set ears that are cropped or natural (folded). Their bodies are square and compact with well-developed chests and strong, straight backs.

These dogs have high-set tails traditionally docked but increasingly left natural. German Pinschers have clean, refined lines without loose skin or wrinkles. Their movement is efficient and ground-covering with strong rear drive.

These versatile dogs are athletic and agile, capable of impressive speed and jumping. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II, saved by a single German breeder who rebuilt the population. German Pinschers remain relatively rare compared to their descendants.