Judging the German Pinscher

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, June 2018 issue.

Judging the German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is not a small Doberman or a large Min Pin. Rather, the breed’s origins trace back to the Standard Schnauzer. During various stages of its evolution, the German Pinscher has been described as having both a Schnauzer type and a Doberman type. The Schnauzer type was the heavier dog with more substance, while the Doberman type was the dog with less substance and more elegance. The ideal is most likely somewhere in between.

As a relatively young breed in the United States, with a number of foreign imports still being added to the gene pool on a regular basis, there are times when, at first glance, German Pinschers around the ring might not appear to be members of the same breed. Thus, it is very important that each dog be judged against the Breed Standard rather than compared to each other. Too often, the “odd man out”—the one that just does not resemble the others entered that day—is actually the most correct German Pinscher. This is a common occurrence in more recently recognized breeds.

While established breeds may vary by geography, newer breeds represent variations occurring worldwide. The German Pinscher presents a square profile with well-developed muscles. The body is compact and strong while conveying an athletic, agile appearance. Moderation and balance are key to the breed. The elegantly arched neck blends smoothly into the shoulders, extending into a straight topline with a faint curve over the croup, creating a slight slope towards the rear. There should not be any one feature that draws undue attention, and the same applies to the dog’s undercarriage. The forelegs are straight, with the brisket descending to the elbows and ascending gradually to the rear with a moderate tuck-up.

No part of the German Pinscher is exaggerated. With a short, single coat lying close to the body, the breed is smooth from head to tail. Some German Pinscher coats are coarser, but a hard coat is not penalized, although it should not approach the wiriness of the Standard Schnauzer. The head resembles a blunt wedge from both the front view and in profile, composed of parallel planes. The muzzle is parallel and equal in length to the top skull, with a slight but distinct stop. Some dogs have a hair lick across the nose bridge, which is not a fault but may prompt a second look, as it is not common in other breeds.

The chest, viewed from the front, appears oval, and the ribs are well sprung. The German Pinscher is a slower-maturing breed, and dogs under two or three years may appear immature in some areas. The most misunderstood part of the breed standard is the topline. Unlike others in the Working Group, the German Pinscher topline does not start at the withers. Instead, the shoulders create a slight slope towards the rear. The visual topline starts behind the withers and extends in a straight line to the tail base. If the dog clamps its tail down, or if the natural tail is at rest, a slight curve will be seen over the croup.

There has been discussion about size within the breed, with the standard calling for 17-20 inches at the withers. There is no disqualification for height outside the standard, though it is a fault. The standard also specifies that quality should take precedence over size. Because there is no height disqualification, dogs cannot be wicketed in the ring, and any size assessment is merely an estimate. German Pinschers can be deceptive in size, with heavier-boned dogs often appearing larger than they actually are. Size varies widely within the breed, and the tallest or smallest dog in the ring should not be presumed incorrect.

The moving German Pinscher should display good reach and drive, covering ground smoothly with a firm, level back that does not sway, roll, or roach. Currently, common structural issues in the breed include front construction problems, such as straight shoulders and insufficient chest breadth and depth. Short upper arms, which can interfere with proper movement, are a defect that many breeders are working to address.

When examining the German Pinscher, it should be remembered that this is a medium-sized breed examined on the ground. They generally do not enjoy someone leaning over them. It’s best to approach them from the front. Most German Pinschers will stand for examination once introduced. However, some may dislike having their bite examined, as it can be uncomfortable. The breed standard calls for full dentition, and while most will tolerate having their lips parted, many do not like having their jaws opened fully. Since the breed stands around knee level, judges must open the mouth wide, tilt the head, and maneuver it to see all teeth, which may be uncomfortable for the dog.

The German Pinscher is an active, alert, intelligent, and inquisitive breed. This does not always make them ideal show dogs, as some find it difficult to stand perfectly still. They may exhibit their characteristic curiosity, twist, turn, or even perform endearing antics, showing their natural enthusiasm and outgoing nature.

Judging the German Pinscher also involves assessing the natural dog. While most U.S.-bred German Pinschers are cropped and docked, many imported dogs retain their natural ears and tails due to foreign regulations. The standard allows for both natural ears and tails, though showing these dogs can be challenging. Judges who are unaccustomed to the natural look may find it unusual. One judge noted on seeing a natural German import, “I hate the ears and I hate the tail, but I cannot deny the dog.”

Generally, the German Pinscher is still developing in the U.S. Since its introduction, there have been strides in stabilizing temperament. While early imports were sharper, modern breeders are focusing on selective importation to avoid gene pool limitations and continue developing the breed while preserving its working nature.

For more information, please visit the German Pinscher Club of America’s official website.