The Austrian Pinscher is a medium-sized, versatile farm dog originating from Austria. Not to be confused with the German Pinscher, the Austrian Pinscher is a distinct breed known for its robust build and energetic nature. Historically, these dogs were used across their native Austria for herding and guarding livestock. Their most useful role however, is perhaps when putting their strong protective instincts to work, as they are not only very proficient at this, but also dedicated and unwavering in the role.
These are rare dogs, and while more common in Austria than anywhere else, even in their homeland they are not particularly populous today.
The Austrian Pinscher is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the USA and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), where it is classified in Group 2, Section 1, Pinscher and Schnauzer type. Domestically, it is recognized by the Austrian Kennel Club (Österreicher Kynologenverband) who created the first standard for the breed in the early 20th Century. They are not currently recognized by many of the major national kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK.
History & Origins Of The Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is a versatile breed with roots tracing back to the Austrian countryside in the 19th century. Originally bred for farm work, they were adept at herding, guarding, and pest control. They almost completely died out by the turn of the 20th Century, as demand for the type of dog plummeted in their native Austria.
Significant and dedicated breeding efforts began around 1921, due initially to the work of Emil Hauck, who had a keen interest in reviving the specific breed type. Originally these dogs were believed to have been bred from German Pinschers and other local working type dogs. Hauck aimed to revive the breed to a standard that easily differentiated the Austrian Pinscher from other local landrace pinschers.
The breed was formally recognized in 1928 as the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher (Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher) but was decimated from the ravages of the Second World War. By 1972 there was only one registered dog of the breed remaining.
Though recognised domestically by the Austrian Kennel Club (ÖKV), and by the FCI, the Austrian Pinscher is still very rare, classified by Ark Austria (Arche Austria) as a highly vulnerable breed, and is in the care of several dedicated breeders to try and carefully revive and protect the survival of the breed.
Since 2006, these dogs have been recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the USA, as part of the Terrier Group of dogs, but is in need of significant effort to revive numbers enough for more widespread recognition and acceptance.
Quick Facts About The Austrian Pinscher
- Vigilant Guardian – The Austrian Pinscher is a dedicated and watchful protector. They have a sharp alertness and natural watchdog abilities. In the breed standard, they are described as an ‘incorruptible guard’ and it is such a good way to describe their watchful instincts. They can’t be bought off by strangers with food or reward. steadfast in their role, they are always on guard, ensuring the safety of their family and their home.
- Energetic Companion – Bursting with energy, the Austrian Pinscher is at their best in active environments. They are lively and love to play and run. Generally, they are well suited to families who enjoy an active lifestyle and are happy to take them along, rather than leave them at home.
- Loyal and Loving – Devoted to their family, Austrian Pinschers form strong bonds with their loved ones. They are affectionate and incredibly loyal, and this extends to friends of the family too, once they are determined not to be a stranger. They do love a cuddle and will happily seek them out for themselves if not getting enough attention.
- Intelligent Learner – With their high intelligence and eagerness to please, Austrian Pinschers are quick learners. They respond well to training in a variety of different disciplines, including agility and obedience. Their hunting instincts are not fully developed, so they are less likely to give chase to small animals off the leash.
Characteristics Of The Austrian Pinscher
The Austrian Pinscher is often compared to breeds like the German Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher due to their shared ancestry and similar appearance. However, distinct differences exist in their temperaments and roles. The Austrian Pinscher is known for its versatility and adaptability in farm work, while the German and Miniature Pinschers are more specialized in their roles.
In Austria, the breed is locally known as the ‘Österreichischer Pinscher,’ which is the German translation of its English name. In the FCI standard both translations of this formal name are used to identify the breed, but it’s Austrian/German translation is the officially recognized name. The breed is also sometimes referred to as the Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher or Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, which was its original name until the early 21st Century. Internationally, ‘Austrian Pinscher’ is more commonly used, with no widely recognized nicknames.
Austrian Pinscher Puppies
Austrian Pinscher puppies typically come in litters of four to six. Up to eight is possible, but not common. Once born, it’s crucial for these pups to stay with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop essential social behaviors. New owners should be patient, as this period is vital for the puppies’ growth, foundational learning and socialization.
In terms of cost, Austrian Pinscher puppies can vary widely, and they are extremely rare to find outside of Austria. In the United States, prices generally range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the breeder, lineage, and demand. In Europe, prices typically range from €600 to €1,200 and in the UK, if you are lucky enough to find one, you can expect to pay comparatively between £500 and £1000. Due to their rarity, prospective owners may need to join a waiting list with reputable breeders to secure a puppy. They are not a particularly popular breed as yet, but as and when they reach recognition with some of the major national kennel clubs, this may become more of a frequent issue.
They are also incredibly rare, so any prospective owner has not just a responsibility to the dog, but a wider responsibility to the survival of the breed.
Appearance
The Austrian Pinscher has a stocky, muscular build with a pear-shaped head. Their eyes are large and round, and their small button ears give them a distinctive look. Their tails are usually carried high and curled when alert. They have a slightly longer body compared to their height, giving them a balanced appearance.
In terms of size, they typically stand between 16.5 to 20 inches tall at the withers, with males slightly taller than females. Across the sexes they typicalls weigh between 26 – 40 lbs with a strong, athletic frame that exudes agility and strength.
Their overall physique, coupled with a confident and lively expression, illustrates their historic role as both a dependable farm dog and a loyal family companion.
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 44 – 50 cm (17.5 – 20 in) | 42 – 48 cm (16.5 – 19 in) |
| Weight | 12 – 18 Kg (26 – 40 lbs) | 12 – 18 Kg (26 – 40 lbs) |
Coat
Their coat is thick and double-layered, with a close lying short to medium-long outer coat and a dense undercoat. They don’t shed too much during most of the year, but more so during the moulting seasons.
Color
Austrian Pinschers come in several colors, including russet gold, brownish-yellow, stag red, or black with tan markings. White markings are also common on the chest, muzzle, neck, feet, and tip of the tail. The white markings while common, are not required to meet the breed standard, and an absence of markings is perfectly acceptable.
Temperament
Known for their assertive and lively nature, Austrian Pinschers are highly intelligent and trainable. They are very loving and devoted with their families and are protective, often suspicious of strangers. While classed as a working dog, their hunting instincts are not well developed but their guarding instincts are without fault. They are not a breed that does well with loneliness or small spaces and, if under stimulated, can turn to destructive behaviours. So they need an active family rather than busy owners that have little time to spend with them.
Lifespan
The Austrian Pinscher typically lives between 12 to 14 years, though some may live longer with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.
Known Health Issues
Though generally healthy, the Austrian Pinscher can be prone to several health issues, including:
Hip Dysplasia – This genetic condition involves a misalignment of the hip joint, which can lead to arthritis or lameness.
- Treatment: Weight management, controlled exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms. Severe cases might require surgery.
Patellar Luxation – This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing pain and lameness.
- Treatment: Mild cases may be managed with physical therapy, while severe cases might need surgical correction.
Heart Conditions – Austrian Pinschers can be susceptible to heart issues like mitral valve disease, affecting heart function and leading to heart failure.
- Treatment: Regular veterinary check-ups, medications, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage heart conditions.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A hereditary eye disorder that leads to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.
- Treatment: While there is no cure, antioxidant supplements and supportive care can help manage the condition.
Allergies – They may suffer from allergies causing skin irritations or gastrointestinal issues.
- Treatment: Identifying and avoiding allergens, along with medication and special diets, can help alleviate symptoms.
Daily Life
Food and Diet
Austrian Pinschers have plenty of energy and need a diet that supports their active and lively lifestyles. They typically need about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry kibble or wet food equivalent every day, divided into two meals. The diet should be rich in protein and healthy fats to maintain their muscle mass and overall health. Ideally, the diet should be rich in meat but have minimal fillers to ensure they get the necessary nutrients.
Puppies need more frequent feeding—three to four smaller meals per day to support their growth and high energy levels. As they mature, transition to two meals per day, adjusting the quantity based on their activity level and metabolism to maintain a healthy weight.
Older Austrian Pinschers may benefit from senior dog food, which provides a nutritional balance suited to aging dogs. These blends often have fewer calories, more fiber, and joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent obesity and support joint health as they age
Exercise
Austrian Pinschers have plenty of energy to burn and need at least 45 minutes to an hour of active exercise every day. In the ideal environment, they will have plenty of space to play freely, such as large yards or open fields. Activities like long walks, hiking, dog sports and playing fetch are all welcome methods for keeping them them physically fit and mentally stimulated, adding a bit of variety to their activity.
As a breed originally developed for farm work, they excel in tasks that involve guarding and herding. Introducing them to activities that mimic these tasks, such as agility training or advanced obedience, can be particularly beneficial for both the dog, and your relationship with them. Another reason to make sure they get enough exercise, is to prevent boredom and the development of destructive behaviors that can occur if they have pent up energy or frustration.
Family Compatibility
Austrian Pinschers are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family companions. They form close bonds with their family members and are especially good with children. To keep them well balanced and harmonious in the home however, they do need consistent training and socialization. These tasks are not just something you do when they are young, but need reinforced across their lives to ensure they remain well-mannered and adaptable.
They are best suited for homes with plenty of space to roam, as they are not well-suited to apartment living or small yards. Austrian Pinschers thrive in environments where they can receive plenty of attention and structured activities. As pups, they can be destructive if left alone in for too long, and as adults they really need the space to keep these destructive behaviours at bay. They can get on perfectly well in family life, but you need to know that they don’t do well in isolation or confined spaces and this is abundantly clear.
Training & Socializing
Training should start early with a focus on socialization. Austrian Pinschers can be wary of strangers, so exposing them to different people, places, and experiences from a young age is crucial. They are intelligent and eager to learn, but can also be independent and strong-willed.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best. Training sessions should be varied and engaging to keep their interest. They excel in advanced obedience training and dog sports, which can also help channel their energy positively. Consistent training helps manage their protective instincts and curbs excessive barking. You have to allow though, that these are guarding dogs by nature and even with the best of training, they will retain this bark to alert you to any potential threat or unwelcome presence around your home.
Grooming
Austrian Pinschers have a dense, short to medium-length double coat that needs regular, but not excessive grooming. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy and remove loose hairs, although more frequent grooming may be needed during shedding seasons to keep their coat free from dead hair and debris.
Bathing should be done as needed, typically every few months or when they get particularly dirty. Again, during shedding season more frequent bathing can help to remove moulting hair, but it’s important not to over bathe outside of shedding season. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important. Keeping their nails trimmed prevents discomfort and potential injuries, while clean ears and teeth contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Breed Traits
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
| Very loyal and affectionate to family | Not suitable for apartments or small homes. Will become destructive if confined or isolated. |
| Intelligent and adaptable | Very active bark, part of their guarding nature |
| Great guard dog, incorruptible | Wary of all strangers |
| Relatively easy to train | Needs an attentive owner |
Breed FAQs
Are they easy to train?
Yes, their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train.
Are Austrian Pinschers good with children?
Yes, they are generally good with children, especially if raised with them.
What breed group is Austrian Pinscher?
The Australian Pinscher is in Group 2 ‘Pinscher and Schnauzer Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs‘ and Section 1.1 ‘Pinscher‘, within the FCI breed standard.
Summary
The Austrian Pinscher is a versatile and lively breed, known for its intelligence and unwavering loyalty. As a devoted pet with a working background, they are great protectors with guarding instincts that are unwavering in thier role and their loyalties. They make excellent family companions as well as watchdogs, but need an active households that can meet their exercise and mental needs. They don’t do well on their own, or in confined spaces. Traditionally kept as working dogs, their need for space is clear, even as a puppy. With proper care and training, the Austrian Pinscher can be a delightful and devoted addition to any family. They are extremely rare however, even in their homeland. A prospective owner is taking in a great responsibility with one of these dogs, in protecting the security of the breed.
Ideally, an owner will provide plenty of time, a large home and life long training. They would also be willing to take part in professional and dedicated breeding programmes to secure the future of these loving pinschers for generations to come.