Pinchers: characteristics, types, selection and care

Many lovers of four-legged pets want to see a dog in their house, which will become not only the guard of their home, but also a loyal friend for the whole family. But faced with the choice of pet breed, many are lost, not knowing which one to stop at.

One of the very bright, cheerful and easy to train dog breeds is a pinscher. This is a relatively heterogeneous group, uniting many varieties (Austrian, Japanese, and so on), which provides a variety of sizes, colors and proportions. The International Federation of Dog Handlers (FCI) classifies the Pinscher group under the section “Pinschers, Molossians, Swiss Shepherd Dogs and Schnauzers”.

Regarding the word "pinscher" there are two theories of etymology. The first refers to the German language (pinscher), and the second to the English verb to pinch, that is, pinch, pinch. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the dogs of this breed were stopped by their ears.

At an earlier time, pinschers were widespread. mainly in Central and Western Europe (Alsace, Holland, north of Switzerland, Baden and Bavaria counties). In 1835, Dr. H. G. Reichenbach, in his book on dogs, compiled the first description of a pinscher.

At the first officially organized exhibition of dogs in 1878 in Hanover, the pinschers were presented to the general canine public, and 2 years later Richard Strebel developed the world's first pinscher standard.

In 1895, Josef Bertha founds the Pincher Club., the task of which is to distinguish pincers and define them into independent breeds.

The FCI distinguishes 5 officially recognized species of the Pinscher breed: Dobermans, German and dwarf, Austrian, and affenpinchers. Some names may be known as royal pinscher, miniature pinchers and others.

They all have common features - all types of developed, athletic muscles, strong skeleton, all have endurance, mobility, love and know how to jump high. The pincher's hair is always short, so in cold latitudes it is difficult to arrange a pet's year-round living outside the house.

By temperament, these dogs are mobile, close to the sanguine person. And also they are distinguished from other breeds by courage, vigilance, wariness towards strangers. Perhaps the manifestation of aggression to other dogs. Dogs of this breed have excellent instinct, hunting and territorial instinct. But absolutely all of them need a good upbringing, since the excess energy inherent in these animals, without control, can turn into some destruction.

A relatively rare breed of breed, derived from local species of dogs, which were dubbed marsh, and older pinschers. Since the Austrian pinscher is mainly associated with farming, the breed was on the verge of extinction when they were no longer used in the local economy. After the Second World War, the number of this species of breed has fallen, but still partially preserved to our times.

In 1928, the Austrian Pincers recognized as an independent breed, which is characterized by squat and stocky. Consider the characteristics of this type:

• in withers they can reach up to half a meter;
• have shaggy and curled tail;
• on average, animals weigh up to 18 kg;
• pear-shaped head and broad skull;
• short muzzle has a pronounced transition to the frontal part;
• lips fit snugly;
• a large nose, expressive dark eyes and ears, which can be both standing and hanging;
• powerful neck, barrel-shaped long rib cage;
• despite the short back and wide lower back, the dog has strong limbs and a high tail;
• the coat is rather dense, there is a thick undercoat;
• the hair itself is smooth, short hairs, which in rare cases can reach medium length.

This breed is characterized by such qualities as diligence, hard work and cheerfulness, but they perceive a person not as a master, but as an equal, equal inhabitant of your home. Usually they are used in farming, but they can also be trained in hunting, for example, in foxes.

As for health, it should be noted that dogs of this species very rarely get sick., have a keen mind and have a playful, ardent temperament.

Distributed in Western Europe. It is believed that they were once separated from the schnauzers, and that pugs, older pinscher breeds and Belgian griffons were also involved in the development of this breed.

This breed was recognized in 1896 and to this day has a clear established characteristics.

• The height of the animal can be up to 30 cm at the withers, and the desired weight - no more than 6 kg;
• The coat is a not too long pile, the length of which reaches 2.5 cm. And there is also an undercoat.
• For this breed, only black colouration is allowed (the variants are “black with gray”), brown, black with red tan. But previously, gray, tan, gray brown, dark brown, red colors, as well as white paws and chest were allowed.
• The animal has large and dark eyes, erect pointed ears.
• The jaws are closed and may somewhat protrude forward.
• This type is characterized by a lean body with a deep chest and limbs parallel to each other.
• The structure of the hind legs is characteristic - the angles of the joints are not very pronounced, so it seems that the paws are placed directly under the body.

Temperament is very playful, and energy is disproportionate to size. Even affenpinscher can go far in the protection of its territory (even show teeth), so this breed is not a good choice for families with small children.

Inherited the name of his breed from its creator Friedrich Louis Doberman. During his lifetime, the dogs of this breed were called Thuringian Pinschers, and after his death they now acquired the well-known popular name.

Oddly enough, it is the Dobermans that are a large copy of the Miniature Pincher, and not vice versa. Frederick Louis Doberman used to create the Beauceron breed, standard German pinschers, rottweilers and some dogs whose breeds belong to hunting species.

Note a number of characteristics of this breed.

• The withers animals reach 70 cm, and the average normal weight - 45 kg.
• From above, the dog's head looks like a dull wedge: the forehead is flat, there is a noticeable transition between the forehead and the muzzle of a small size.
• The muzzle itself is deep, wide and the lips are tight to the jaw.
• The teeth are white and form a scissor bite.
• The eyes are medium in size and dark in color. But for certain shades of wool (ashy, brown), lighter iris colors are permissible.
• Dobermans do not stop ears, moreover, they are located on the highest point of the skull.The neck is dry, muscular, the withers are well defined and rather high.
• The back is rather strong and not very long, and the powerful loin is moderately convex.
• The animal has a wide chest with an oval across, the belly is tucked up, and forms a curvature.
• The limbs are strong and long relative to the body.
• The coat has no undercoat, and the coat itself is a straight, hard and rather short pile.

Dobermans are famous for their temperament, but despite the complex nature, the dog of this breed is able to cope with impulses of aggression on its own. They note the high mental abilities of these dogs and the potential for dog training.

The oldest breed of pinschers, who took part in the formation of other breeds (except for the Austrian species, which had a formation in parallel with the German one). Their appearance dates back to the XVIII century, and the place of origin is considered the south-west of the country. This area is characterized by the spread in earlier times of “marsh dogs”, which have characteristic external features inherent in some varieties of pinschers.

In addition to the name "German Pinscher", this breed is also called standard. Turning to history, the pinschers were not originally a separate line of development with schnauzers - puppies from one litter were divided into smooth-haired (and nicknamed pinschers) and hard-haired, which were later called schnauzers.

Later breeders came to the conclusion that it is most expedient to separate these two breeds, because even the Pinscher pedigrees included only the Pinschers, and only the Schnauzer pedigrees.

In 1884, the breed was officially identified by the German Pinscher, and the standard was approved 4 years earlier., with the subsequent revision in 1895 and another in 1923. It is noteworthy that due to the proximity of the Schnauzers and the German Pinschers, the standards of their breeds are very close - they differ almost exclusively in wool.

German Pinschers are very funny and playful dogs.in need of education and the early establishment of social contacts with the owner. The German pinscher brought up in such a way is absolutely non-aggressive towards his family and friends, but it is still better not to risk and not to leave him alone with the kids, otherwise the pinscher may inadvertently injure the child. Nevertheless, under the supervision of adults, the German Pinscher plays well with children, as he has remarkable patience and forgives the children a lot of liberties about himself.

German Pinscher deftly plays on the weakness of the owner, trying to captivate him with his affairs, distracting him from his pranks. If the maneuver failed, the pinscher tries to bribe the master with sincere repentance. Therefore, one should be more careful with the charms of this undoubtedly charismatic dog. German pinscher get along well with other pets and are often able to engage them in their work, showing the qualities of a mass collector.

Among the German Pinschers, the so-called harlequin pinschers are distinguished. This is another branch of the German Pinscher breed, distinguished by its special color - the so-called merle. Harlequin pinschers are characterized by merle of different forms - white base color + black lace spots.

They appeared at about the same time as in Germany they began to breed "ordinary" pinschers. On the hand of these kids played that they are no less effective in catching rodents and no less selflessly protect the owner and his property, but they eat an order of magnitude less.

The tsvergpincher brighter character of the breed, more expressive temperament. This creates certain difficulties in the process of dressing and exhibition. Watchdog instinct in these dogs wakes up to 5 months, and already from this time, when a stranger appears in the house, the dog tends to take a place between the stranger and the owner, protecting him.

Miniature Pinscher not very fond of attention, and they have no need for constant affection. These dogs have a very well-defined family circle, and if your pinscher is not the only pet, then soon he will try to establish his supremacy in the hierarchy of pets. But this pinscher will not realize through fights.

From the owner, he requires a strong hand and an iron will, otherwise he will simply not obey him.

In the process of growth, the miniature pinscher shows remarkable curiosity, but at the same time is very prudent and very intelligent. If you do everything right - in the process of education you will get the right dog, which will not be too aggressive, while showing diligence and remarkable mind.

In 1880 the first standard of the miniature pincher breed was established, in 1895 a club of admirers of this breed was founded.

• The height of the mini-pinscher is up to 30 cm, and the weight is up to 6 kg.
• Zwergpinchery very dexterous, hardy, have an athletic build for their proportions. Forms are predominantly square, and more fragile and graceful outlines are regarded as defects.
• The nose has a black lobe, which is easily displaced, the back of the nose is even.
• The eyes of these dogs are dark and very expressive.
• The ears are either standing V-shaped or hanging in the same shape. At hanging - ends adjacent to the cheekbones.
• The neck is slightly curved and short, smoothly turning into withers. The back is small and strong. The croup is rounded, the transition to the tail has fuzzy outlines.
• The rib cage is rather wide and oval. Limbs strong, strong and graceful.
• Wool hard, smooth and shiny.

According to the standard, the miniature pinchers can be red and black and tan, and the burners should have a rich color and a certain localization - above the eyes, on the breast, wrists, inside of the hind legs, below the base of the tail. Their gait is similar to that of a horse - raising its front legs high, which is why the breed got a specific nickname - “the poor pony's riding pony”.

There are Russian, Australian and Japanese versions of miniature pinchers. But it is worth being careful when choosing a puppy of this variety, since very often they are given out for purebred miniature pinscher a toy terrier or a mixture with other small breeds.

To the choice of puppies should be approached very responsibly:

• you should choose a reliable place to buy a puppy - proven friends, a shelter with a good reputation or breeders who have a positive reputation in the circles of dog breeders;
• it is advisable to go to this business with an experienced dog breeder, who has knowledge in dog breeds, who is able to pick up tricks and find tricks in various sentences;
• you must familiarize yourself with the breed standards of the current revision.

If the bitch is fattened, sleek and gives the impression of a contented dog life, then she will most likely have puppies the same. In turn, if the dog does not eat properly, does not receive the necessary care, then it can run its puppies. Next you should look directly at the puppies. Pay attention to their interaction with each other, how they play, eat, solve conflicts. Sluggish puppies or puppies inactively eating food should cause alertness.

Then you need to choose a puppy for your character. There are two ways to do this.

• The first is to kneel down and call the puppies to yourself. First, the most courageous and curious will come up, then - a little less daring, of which you should choose. But note that in this situation, both aggression and excessive cowardice are not welcome.
• The second is to scare the puppies, stomping their feet loudly. Of those who do not retract, you can choose your pet.

Once you have looked after a particular puppy, you should do a detailed examination. It is necessary to evaluate the bite of the dog, whether there is any discharge from the mouth, what is the condition of the mucous membrane, as well as the teeth. It is important to inspect the dog's fur, claws, eyes and ears, as well as evaluate the dog's gait.

The mucous areas should be pale pink, the conjunctiva of the eyes should be clear, without a vascular grid. The ears should be clean, without separating any liquids, and the coat should be uniform, shiny, dense, having a color without bald spots.

And also should consider your ability to keep the dog. If you want a not very voracious pet for apartment living, then the miniature pinscher is your option.

Doberman preferably maintained in a private house, providing it with regular meals. The remaining breeds of the Pinscher group are characterized by a more moderate appetite, and they are quite suitable for you.

Pinscher puppies are suited to different names depending on the gender, character or outstanding features of the dog. There is a general set of tips applicable to choosing a dog name.

• You should carefully look at the dog, maybe it has features of appearance that can push you to the answer to the nickname question.
• The result can bring observation of the character and behavior of the pet. Perhaps in his manners there will be some features worthy of perpetuating the nickname.
• The name should be harmonious and easily digestible. The abundance of consonants (especially hissing) sounds is hard for an animal to memorize.
• The name should not be too fanciful - it is difficult, and can cause ridicule in the eyes of others.
• The name must match the overall trait of your dog.

The girl can be called, for example, Yasin, Amin, Bardi, Vesta.

Such names as Janes, Winston, Lucky, Loki, Schuster and others will suit the boys.

Most pinschers are quite capable of living in an apartment, but for Dobermans it will be difficult. All Pinschers are more hierarchical than average dogs, so it’s especially important to prove with them who is the boss.

Be sure to set the rules and framework for both the pet and for yourself. - Pinschers have a heightened sense of justice, therefore they will not follow the rules established by those who are not ready to follow them and keep order. And even in this case, some Pinschers will perceive you as a maximum, as an equal partner, only larger.

It is very important to provide such leisure for your child, who will enjoy all his strength, because unreleased energy can be transformed into destructive potential - shabby sofas, nibbled chairs and broken pots with flowers.

Encourage your dog's rush to active games, especially if the situation is not in danger of destruction. Therefore, on the street should be laid out with your dog to the maximum, then at home the pet will be calm and balanced.

Keep in mind that the Pincher's wool does not allow them to winter outside - some Pinschers cannot walk without clothes in the winter, it doesn't matter if you have a dog or a puppy. And at temperatures below +7 degrees, some types may even need shoes. And if there is heat and bright sun outside, you may also need light clothing - to protect the dog from sunburn, and be sure to have water.

Keep in mind that you have other pets. Ideally raising a pinscher with other animals from puppyhood will make it easier for him to adapt to the family and get used to them.

You must immediately be puzzled by the appointment of a place to sleep, eat and temporarily determine the place of the toilet, since at first the pinscher will energetically search for where to do his business, where to eat and where to sleep.And if you do not choose a place in advance - the puppy will be harder to get used later.

From the diet for the most part depends on the health of the Pinscher, since a well-fed dog is very rarely sick. Pincher can be fed with both natural food and dry food, but only with one. If you choose natural food, then you must include raw beef, horse meat, hypoallergenic poultry meat.

The amount of meat should be from 60 to 80% of the diet. The rest will mainly consist of cereals and vegetables, but dairy products and multivitamin preparations can be added periodically. Twice a week, you can replace meat with fish, cleared of bones.

Here are a few pincher nutrition guidelines.

• Adaptation. If you take a puppy from breeders - carefully listen to what kind of lure they introduced during the weaning period from the mother's milk in order to feed the most similar food.
• Constancy If you initially chose one thing (canned food, dry food or natural food) - stick to this until the end.
• Caution. New products should be introduced gradually.

A serving should be strictly for one meal. For every kilogram of body weight you need 25 grams of food in a single portion. When cultivating the eating habits of a pinscher, it is necessary to teach that feeding takes place at the same time, and after 15 minutes there may be no food, so you should not pick your nose and turn up your nose.

From 8-10 days after receiving a puppy from breeders, new products are introduced into its diet, gradually, being careful. The frequency of feeding is approximately as follows:

• up to eight weeks - up to 8 times a day;
• up to three months - 5;
• up to four - 4;
• up to five months - three times a day;
• for half a year and until old age, the dog is taught to take 2 meals a day with unlimited drinking.

As for dry food, you should know that for digestion of a dog, premium and super premium premium foods, veterinary diets, and holistic feeds will be ideal.

Pinchers are pretty unpretentious in matters of hygiene. But this does not mean that you can ignore the pet in terms of care. The animal should be bathed at least once a week, and also it should be cleaned with a massage brush so that it removes old hair, epithelium elements, and also disperses subcutaneous and intracutaneous blood flow.

Shampoos need special proteins containing to make the coat look more well-groomed. For dogs with sensitive skin, you can use special hypoallergenic balms that eliminate dry skin, which can be caused by shampoo.

It is necessary to regularly cut the claws in order not to hurt the floors, the furniture, as well as the animal itself if the claw breaks too long. It is also necessary to regularly inspect the eyes, ears and condition of the teeth of the pet, if necessary, to clean.

Training begins long before the basic commands are learned from learning how to build discipline in a dog-owner relationship. By all means, the first teams learned by a Pinscher puppy should become “place” and “fu” / “not”, but one should not be too strict with the puppy. You must show patience and perseverance, demonstrate determination to become the leader of the pack.

Since pinschers are predominantly sanguine in temperament, they will easily learn the commands, but to consolidate will have to try a little. These dogs are very creative and welcome the game form of training. Therefore, if you arm yourself with rewards in the form of caresses and snacks, as well as your dog's favorite toys, you can speed up the process significantly.

It is important to maintain, cultivate and direct the territorial instinct and property instinct in the right direction so that the pinscher is a good defender of your home.

Proper treatment with a pet, good education and proper care will turn your dog into a true friend, loyal and loyal family member.

Interesting facts about the Doberman breed, see the following video.