Description: The German Pinscher is a medium to small sized dog standing up to 20 inches in height and weighing between 25 and 35 lbs. They have a square body that appears muscular and powerful with a short glossy coat. Their coat can be black and tan, fawn, blue, red and tan, although only black & tan and solid red are allowed for show.

In some countries it is common practice to have the German Pinschers tails docked and their ears cropped however this has been banned in most European countries. They have a long neck with a blunt wedge shaped face with oval shaped eyes.

History: The German Pinscher is thought to have developed from European herding and guardian dogs, and can most likely trace its roots back to the 1500's. They are from the same stock as the standard schnauzer and before the breeds were separated it was not unusual for them to come from the same litters. While separating the two breeds a dog could not be called a German Pinscher unless it was a third generation, of smooth haired dogs. This was to make sure that none of the wire haired (Schnauzer) traits were left in the dog.

During the wars they suffered a loss of three varieties; this included the salt and pepper colored, the harlequin and the solid black. In 2003 they were recognized by the AKC and have been used of farms as vermin destroyers, to heard livestock, as a watch dog and as a family pet. To this day their numbers are still low though breeders are trying to improve this.