Pictured above are  tallest to smallest

The Doberman  

The German Pinscher

The Minature Pinscher.

The German Pinscher

 The German Pinscher originated in Germany and is included in the origins of the Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and the Standard Schnauzer. The Wire Haired and Smooth Haired Pinschers, as the Standard Schnauzer and German Pinscher were originally called, were shown in dog books as early as 1884. 

These medium-sized dogs descended from early European herding and guardian breeds and were not related to the superficially similar terriers of Britain.

The Dobermann

Click for link to the Dobermann Club Of NSW 

Origins & History
The  breed originated in the town of Apolda. Thuringen, Germany and was created by Herr Louis Dobermann. There was a need for sharp, fearless watchdogs and he set about selectively breeding using a combination of the old German Pinschers coupled with Rottweilers and local Sheperd dogs. Later infusions included Greyhound and Manchester Terrier. In 1899 the breed was officially named Dobermann Pinscher and it kept this name until after World War II when the word "Pinscher" (meaning terrier) was dropped in 1949.

General Appearance
Males are approximately 69cm (27") tall at the shoulder, females 65cm (25"). Weighing around 32-36 kg (70-79 lbs). Colours are black, brown, blue and fawns, all with rust red markings. The blues and fawns are less common.

Purpose
We are ideal personal companions and can be excellent watchdogs. We have been used with great success as police rescue, sniffer, guard and as guide dogs.

Temperament
We are energetic, determined, fearless, loyal and obedient. We are naturally very protective but require an owner able to give us some type of control so we can fit happily into the family.

Training
We are highly intelligent and benefit greatly from training which should begin at an early age, 4 months otherwise, undisciplined, we may become too much of a handful. Obedience is best taught by my owner. The Dobermann Club as well as many obedience clubs, conduct training classes which also allow me to socialise with other dogs.

Exercise
We must have a large well fenced garden to live in and we enjoy as much exercise as you can give. A long daily walk is essential to maintain muscle tone as well as mental stimulation.

Maintenance
Our care is minimal as we have a short smooth coat. A daily grooming with a brush or damp cloth will help to keep my coat clean and shining. On a weekly basis my ears should be cleaned and my toenails trimmed. 

The Minature Pinscher

Click here for link to the Min Pin Club of Vic

Origins and History 

It is believed that the Miniature Pinscher (or Min Pin as he tends to be called) evolved from the ancient German Pinscher family of dogs, which ultimately produced a number of breeds recognised by the Kennel Club today. Originally called the Reh Pinscher as Germans thought he resembled the small red 'roe' deer that populated the forests, the Min Pin was a smaller version of the more common middle-sized dog known since the 16th century as the German Smooth Hair Pinscher. In 1836 Dr H G Rinchenbach, a German writer, stated that the Min Pin was the result of a cross between the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. The Min Pin was an adept ratter and mouser, and it is believed that the name 'Pinscher' was taken from either 'pincer' or 'pincher' in the English language, referring to the dogs' tendency to kill vermin quickly by grabbing and holding fast.

Appearance

Between 10 and 12" high at the shoulder blades, the Min Pin is a small and compact dog that is both sturdy and elegant. He has a lustrous smooth short coat and can be red, black and tan, chocolate and tan or blue and tan in colour. A hackney-like gait is a particular characteristic of the breed.

Temperament

The UK Kennel Club breed standard describes the Min Pin's temperament as 'fearless and alert' and says that 'he is lively and high-spirited with quick reactions, and has a keen sense of hearing which makes him a good little guard dog'. The Min Pin is certainly an active dog. He likes to be busy and tends to be very curious. This means that it is very important to ensure that you do not leave small objects within reach of your Min Pin (and never underestimate the lengths he may go to to get hold of something he has his eye on!). It is essential to ensure that your garden is secure with no small gaps in or under fences. Also take great care when opening doors or windows as your Min Pin can slip through in a flash.

He enjoys going out for walks, although a coat may be a good idea in cold weather. He should always be taken out on a lead until he has been trained to return to you on command and therefore an extending lead can prove to be a useful purchase.

The Min Pin is bright and intelligent and some people have enjoyed considerable success with their Min Pins at both obedience and agility. He does have a mind of his own, however, so a patient and persistent trainer is essential!

A Min Pin can make a delightful companion for an adult or child as long as he is treated with respect. Children must not be allowed to grab at him, hit him or treat him roughly in any way. A full-grown Min Pin is still a very small dog and while he can bounce around from sofa to chair to floor with ease, dropping him from the same sofa could well result in injury.

Following both World wars, the breed was nearly lost. There were no new litters registered in West Germany from 1949 to 1958.  Werner Jung is credited with single-handedly saving the breed. He searched the farms in Germany for typical Pinschers and used these along with 4 oversized Miniature Pinschers and a black and red bitch from East Germany. Jung risked his life to smuggle her into West Germany. Most German Pinschers today are descendants of these dogs. Some pedigrees in the 1959 PSK Standardbuch show a number of dogs with unknown parentage.

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