When it comes to types of pinscher dogs, there is no doubt that most are familiar with breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, the Affenpinscher, and the Miniature Pinscher. However, this group includes other dogs that are not so popular, often underestimated.
Keep reading below to find out how many types of pinscher there are, what the common characteristics are, and how they differ. Find out which of all the pinscher breeds could be the best pet for your home.
Table of Contents
How many types of pinscher dogs are there?
The International Cynological Federation (FCI), the largest canine organization in the world, recognizes 6 pinscher breeds in total. They are:
- Dobermann
- German pinscher
- Pinscher miniature
- Affenpinscher
- Austrian pinscher
- Danish-Swedish farm dog
It is worth clarifying that there may be other related dogs, commonly classified as pinschers, but that lack official recognition. An example of this is the pug pinscher, a hybrid dog that is obtained by crossing a miniature pinscher and a pug.
Did you know…? There was a time when the FCI recognized a small dog called the Harlequin Pinscher; however, the breed was officially retired after its apparent extinction after World War II.
1. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher was the basis for the development of other Pinscher-type breeds, including the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher. That explains the strong resemblance between the 3 dogs of separate breeds.
The early breeders of the German Pinscher were looking for a dog with a superior work ethic, as well as a strong prey drive to eradicate vermin, specifically rats. The effectiveness of this new breed made the Pinscher gradually become a very popular working dog.
His crossbreeding with other dogs gave rise to the different pinchers that we know today.
Today, the German Pinscher is an excellent companion dog, capable of adapting to most families. Generally not recommended for families with young children or who cannot provide the level of exercise you need.
It is an active, energetic, brave, and intelligent companion. He is very good as a home guardian.
Many refer to the German Pinscher as the ” Original Pinscher or Standard Pinscher “. It is said that it is the common ancestor of such representative pinscher breeds as the miniature pinscher and the Doberman pinscher.
- Origin: Germany
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Height: 41-48cm
- Weight: 11-16kg
- Colors: black and tan, red, brown, blue
- Temperament: even-tempered, familiar, courageous, vivacious, loving
- Energy level: High
- Hypoallergenic: No
2. Doberman pinscher
Possibly the most popular of all pinschers. The Doberman is a medium-large dog with a slim and athletic build, as well as muscular. The short black coat, tan markings, and cropped upright ears are some of its most distinctive features.
Given the origin of the breed and its relationship to dogs such as the Beauceron, German Pinscher, and Rottweiler, the Doberman is classified as a type of Pinscher, but this particular breed does not have much of a track record as a ratter.
Originally bred for protection, surveillance, and even used as a police dog, its main role was that of a guard dog. No wonder he is regarded today as one of the best guard dogs out there.
His sharpness and bravery did not prevent him from evolving into an excellent family dog. Few dogs are said to be as loyal as the Doberman Pinscher. This breed is distinguished by its great protective instinct, as well as its ability to adapt and intelligence.
The ideal Doberman is neither aggressive nor overly shy. This is an alert and courageous but calm pinscher.
- Origin: Germany
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Height: 61-71cm
- Weight: 32-45kg
- Colors: black, brown, blue, red (always with tan markings)
- Temperament: alert, protective, energetic, courageous, intelligent, loyal, obedient
- Energy level: High
- Hypoallergenic: No
It may interest you: How many types of Doberman are there? Images + Colors of the Breed
3. Pinscher miniature
This type of pygmy pinscher could be described as a smaller version of the original pinscher. It is said to be descended from breeds such as the German Pinscher, the Italian Greyhound, and the Dachshund. Contrary to popular belief, this dog is not a miniature Doberman.
Like other pinschers, it was originally bred to hunt vermin, both in homes and stables. Likewise, it was highly valued as a lap dog, becoming one of the most popular toy dogs from the beginning of the 20th century until the First World War.
Today, the Miniature Doberman Pinscher remains a much-loved pet. He exhibits a cheerful, playful, cunning, and very outgoing personality. He usually gets along with everyone, whether it’s another dog, a child, a cat, or a stranger.
- Origin: Germany
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Height: 25-30cm
- Weight: 4-5kg
- Colors: Black and Rust, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Rust, Chocolate and Tan, Red
- Temperament: cunning, energetic, friendly, playful, outgoing, proud
- Energy level: Medium-high
- Hypoallergenic: No
4. Affenpinscher
Among all the pinscher dog breeds, the Affenpinscher is the most different. This diminutive dog has some very unique characteristics, including the inquisitive personality of a terrier and the furry appearance of a monkey.
Although it may not seem like it, the Affenpinscher is indeed a type of Pinscher; however, the breed was not directly derived from the German Pinscher. It is believed that it was bred from the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon, two highly skilled ratters of the time.
Unlike the larger Pinscher Mousers, this one specialized in exterminating vermin in the kitchen, not in factories or stables. In other words, it was developed as a mouser for urban and domestic environments.
The funny affenpinscher is always ready to play. He is funny, mischievous, and trusting by nature. He loves spending time with his human family. Of course, as the owner, you must learn to manage his sense of humor and his insatiable curiosity.
- Origin: Germany
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Height: 23-30cm
- Weight: 3-4kg
- Colors: black, black and tan, beige, red, gray
- Temperament: adventurous, curious, fun, playful, headstrong
- Energy level: Medium
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
5. Austrian Pinscher
Perhaps the Austrian Pinscher is one of the Pinscher breeds that not everyone has heard of. In fact, it doesn’t even look like the typical pinscher dog. But let’s not get carried away by appearances because, in effect, this dog originated from the German pinscher.
Apparently, it is the result of mixing with different local farm dogs. While he did inherit his pinscher father’s prey drive from him, he wasn’t as obsessed with catching vermin. It is known that he was used for other jobs, for example, the protection of cattle.
Today’s Austrian Pinscher is still very active. It is the ideal type of dog for people who live on farms.
Her lively and caring personality is irresistible. She likes to play and show affection to her family. On the other hand, she exhibits an alert, vigilant, and protective demeanor. Some owners describe it as the perfect balance between work and play.
- Origen: Austria
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Height: 42-50cm
- Weight: 12-18kg
- Colors: black and tan, yellow
- Temperament: alert, assertive, devoted, friendly, lively, playful
- Energy level: High
- Hypoallergenic: No
6. Danish-Swedish farm dog
Formerly known as the Danish Pinscher, this farm dog was commonly seen on farms in both Denmark and Sweden. There it was used to graze, protect and control vermin populations.
The Danish-Swedish Pinscher is believed to have originated from crossbreeding between other Pinscher breeds and the White English Terrier. But the truth is its origin is not entirely clear.
It is a versatile, intelligent, lively, and easy-to-train dog. He enjoys work and challenges. He often excels at dog sports and any type of activity that involves obedience and agility. He is also very good at therapy and tracking dogs.
As if that were not enough, it is excellent as a family pet.
Although many often confuse it with a terrier, the Danish-Swedish farm dog is considered to be a type of pinscher.
- Origin: Sweden, Denmark
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years
- Height: 30-39 cm
- Weight: 7-12kg
- Colors: black and white, white and brown, white
- Temperament: alert, intelligent, outgoing, expressive, attentive
- Energy level: High
- Hypoallergenic: No
The case of the standard schnauzer
Some sources indicate that the schnauzer originated from the German Pinscher, and therefore should also be included in the group of pinscher-type breeds. It is even said that the current standard schnauzer is more closely related to the German pinscher than the Doberman pinscher itself.
Although registered by the FCI in the same section as pinschers, the schnauzer and its two variations are considered a separate sub-group.
Recommended: How Many Types of Schnauzer Are There? Characteristics and Differences
What kind of dog is the pinscher?
Before delving into the different breeds, it is worth defining what it means for a dog to be of the pinscher type.
The term “pinscher” refers to a group of breeds originally bred as ratters. In addition to hunting rodents, these dogs were used as multipurpose guards and farm dogs. The ability to perform different tasks made the pinschers gradually gain popularity and recognition.
Over time, crossbreeding and selective breeding gave rise to the different pinscher-type dogs that we have today.
