Australian Short Haired Pinscher

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Austria where it was commonly used as an all-around farm dog. These dogs are known by several different names including Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, Austrian Pinschers and Osterreichischer Kurzhaarpinschers While the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher was not recognized as a breed until 1928, it is thought that they have been around for centuries working on the farms of Austria. It is believed that the these dogs were the result of crosses between German Pinschers and various local dogs of the time. Dogs of these types were mainly used to guard and herd livestock, guard homes, and kill rats in barns. It was in about 1928 that the breed was named Osterreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher, which translates to Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher. Today, the breed is recognized by the Austrian Kennel Club, United Kennel Club and Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 26 and 40 pounds fully grown. They have short hair that can be black and tan, red, black, brown, brindle, or yellow with white markings. They have short drop ears, a square muzzle, a muscular neck and a tail that can be docked or left long.

Personality

This is an active breed that enjoys running outdoors. They are also extremely loyal to their human families and will alert them if there are any strangers about. Although they are quite gentle with their human family members, they are not always good with other household pets. While Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are quite active dogs, they can also be very gentle with their human families. If you decide to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to be sure to play with it often and provide it with plenty of room to run and explore.

Breed Characteristics

Australian Short Haired Pinscher Build Information

Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 26 and 40 pounds fully grown. They have short hair that can be black and tan, red, black, brown, brindle, or yellow with white markings. They have short drop ears, a square muzzle, a muscular neck and a tail that can be docked or left long.

Behaviour and Personality

This is an active breed that enjoys running outdoors. They are also extremely loyal to their human families and will alert them if there are any strangers about. Although they are quite gentle with their human family members, they are not always good with other household pets. While Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are quite active dogs, they can also be very gentle with their human families. If you decide to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to be sure to play with it often and provide it with plenty of room to run and explore.

Appearance

Due to its short coat, the Austrian Pinscher requires very little grooming other than an occasional brushing and bathing. However, you will want to be sure to check your pet's nails regularly and trim them with a pliers-type nail clipper when they grow too long. Additionally, be sure to check its ears occasionally for any excess wax or inflammation.

Australian Short Haired Pinscher Common Health Conditions

Most Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are extremely healthy dogs that can live as long as 14 years if they receive proper care. However, the breed can be prone to a few health issues including canine hip dysplasia and hereditary heart problems. Additionally, some Austrian Pinschers have been known to develop epilepsy.

Australian Short Haired Pinscher Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

While this dog is a true working breed, the UKC classifies it as a terrier. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers excel at many sports including flyball, agility, obedience and herding. Paintings from the late 1700s depicted dogs that looked like Austrian Pinschers.