The Austrian pincher is a medium-sized breed of dog very little known that was formerly used as a versatile working dog. These dogs are animals that like to browse and discover new things, as well as play a lot with their own due to the high level of exercise they need. For this reason, it is important that they have large spaces where they are not in danger so that they can play and expend their energy, and that they live better in large places such as houses or apartments with a garden.
If you are thinking of adopting an Austrian pinscher, don't miss this breed file on our site in which we are going to explain everything you need to know about this breed of dog, which most people think is related to the miniature pinscher, but whose origin is not really well known.
Origin of the Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is a very rare breed of dog The ancestors of this breed were used on Austrian farms to herd livestock, herd it and eliminate rats and other vermin. Some authors think that this dog is related to the German Pinscher and, therefore, to the Miniature Pinscher, but almost nothing is known about its ancient history. Modern history is better known, as the current breed standard was defined in 1928. At that time it was called the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher.
The changes in agricultural activities and the Second World War caused almost total damage to the breed. By the end of the war the Austrian Pinscher had practically disappeared. Later the breed was recovered from a few specimens, and by crossing with other breeds of dogs, but even today this pinscher remains virtually unknown
Physical Characteristics of the Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is a medium-sized, well-proportioned and strong dog The height at the withers in males is between 44 and 50 centimeters while that in females is 42 to 48 centimeters. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, so it has a rectangular profile. Both the back and the loin are short and wide, but the croup is elongated. The chest is deep, wide, long and barrel-shaped.
The head is pear-shaped with a broad, domed skull. Both the median sulcus and the naso-frontal depression (stop) are well marked. The nose is black and the snout has a straight nasal cane. The eyes are large, round and dark. The ears are small, set high and "button shaped". The tail is strong and medium.
The coat is double layered and thick. The inner layer is made up of a very dense fleece. The outer coat is bushy, straight, tight and can be short or medium. Accepted colors are wheaten yellow, brownish yellow, fawn red, and black with tan markings. It may also have white spots on the chest, snout, throat, neck, nape, legs and tip of the tail.
Austrian pinscher character
These dogs are very dynamic and curious. They are playful and affectionate with their own, but reserved and even biting dogs when they meet strangers or in strange situations. They also tend to be aggressive towards other dogs.
Due to their distrustful temperament towards strangers, they are usually excellent watchdogs, but it is very important to socialize them as puppies to prevent them from being aggressive as adults. Properly socialized they can tolerate strangers, other dogs and even other animals, but they will never be highly sociable dogs like Labrador retrievers or golden retrievers.
Austrian Pinschers are usually barking dogs and their bark is very powerful.
Austrian pinscher care
Caring for the coat does not usually give much trouble, since it is enough to brush the dog twice a week and bathe him only when he is dirty.
The Austrian Pinscher needs to do a lot of exercise (although you have to be careful when jumping because of its propensity to hip dysplasia). For the same reason, and because of its tendency to bark, it does not adapt very well to life in apartments or in densely populated cities. You need a large garden where you can exercise or, better yet, live in a rural property where you can enjoy more freedom. Likewise, after each walk it is advisable to carry out a superficial examination of our pet to see if any type of parasite such as ticks has bitten it or has caught its hair.
As with all pets, it is necessary to feed our Austrian Pinscher properly so that it does not suffer from pathologies such as being overweight or high blood pressure due to poor nutrition.
Austrian Pinscher Education
It is also important to involve them in dog training from an early age so that they learn self-control. Especially dog obedience training. Different methods can be used with this breed, but the most effective methods are those that follow positive training, such as clicker training.
Austrian Pinscher He alth
This breed originated as a working breed, so it had to be tough and resilient. Although it is currently one of the relatively he althy breeds, it is prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease, as well as some conditions such as cataracts.
It is also necessary to check the ears of the Austrian Pinscher regularly to check and prevent infections or fungi due to the humidity that accumulates there, and also to keep the relevant vaccination schedule for each dog up to date.
