Instructions
Look at the general appearance of the German Pinscher. This is a medium sized breed with a short coat and an elegant appearance. The build is strong and square and set on a moderate but muscular body structure.
Check that the size and proportion of the German Pinscher is correct. The male and female should be 17 to 20 inches in height at the shoulder. The height as measured at the withers is the same as the length of the body, as measured from the prosternum to the rump.
Make sure the head is powerful and elongated. This breed should have a sharp, alert and responsive expression. The medium-sized eyes are oval and dark, but do not give the appearance of bulging. The ears are high-set and symmetrical. They are carried erect when cropped. If they are uncropped, they have a v-shape and a folding pleat. The muzzle is equal in length to the topskull. The nose is full and black.
Look at the neck and body. The elegant, strong neck is of moderate thickness with an elegantly arched nape. The tight, close-fitting skin prevents wrinkles, sagging and dewlap at the throat. The back is short, firm and level and leads to muscular loins. The body is compact and strong, giving it much more flexibility and agility. The sloping shoulder blades lead to a moderately wide chest that appears oval when viewed from the front. The tail is moderately set and carried above the horizontal. It is usually docked between the second and third joints.
The front shoulders from a 45 degree angle to the horizontal and a 90 degree angle to the upper arm. This angulation allows maximum forward extension of the front legs. The front legs are well-boned and set moderately apart. The elbows are close to the body. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are short, round and compact and have dark pads and nails. The toes are closed and arched like a cat’s foot. The rear thighs are well-muscled and balance with the well-angulated forequarters.
Feel the short, dense coat. It is smooth and lies close to the body, and gives the German Pinscher a shiny look. The colors include Isabella (fawn) and red, and may be various shades of stag red (red with intermingling black hairs) and blacks and blues with red or tan markings. There may be markings on the cheeks, lower jaw, lips, above the eyes, on the throat and forechest and on the forelegs, feet and below the tail.
How to Identify a German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is an intelligent breed with highly developed senses, fearlessness and endurance. The German Pinscher is alert and very watchful of strangers. Usually, this dog will not show unprovoked or unwarranted viciousness. Aggressive behavior towards another dog is part of this breed's temperament, and is not deemed aggressive behavior. This breed makes a great watchdog and companion.