The acquisition of a puppy is a serious event for every person. Indeed, in the house appears not just an animal, but a true friend and family member. Such a dog is an excellent companion and guard. These two valuable qualities rarely coexist in the same breed. This is what makes Austrian pinschers so popular with people of all ages and temperaments. However, before you go for a new friend, you need to find out everything about his breed, character, as well as the rules of maintenance and care.
Breed features
Dogs of this breed have good stamina, fearlessness and a strong disposition. They are very active, playful and do not like to sit in one place. The Austrian Pinscher is a truly unique breed. In Austria, these dogs are protected by the local association, which protects the bedrock from extinction and capture. All this thanks to the unique performance of animals. The country has more than 12 nurseries that guard Austrian Pinschers and prevent the breed from shrinking.
Origin history
This breed was bred around the 18th century. The proof is paintings that depict noble people surrounded by these very dogs. A fairly long period of time of the standard pincher was separated from the shorthair. Only decades later, the subspecies of the rocks were combined into one. Emil Hauk participated in the discovery of these dogs. It was he who, in the 20th century, went on an expedition to the lands of Austria to find the breed. Breeding began in 1921 in their home country.
After some time, the Association of Dog Breeders recognized the breed as an Austrian Shorthair Pinscher and announced this to the whole world. Unfortunately, these dogs are not popular at all, except within Austria. Cheerful, active and funny dogs of this breed won the hearts of local residents for a long time, but have not yet gained fame around the world.
Even after a huge period of time, modern dog handlers cannot say for sure which breed Austrian Pinschers came from. At home, many call them Shorthair Terriers, so some believe that this breed came from the German Pinscher. Dogs have always been actively used in farming for the protection of livestock, as well as for hunting small game: rabbits, foxes, etc. They guarded farms and stables. Austrian pinschers were never decorative. Over the years, the breed developed, and with its help new species were discovered. One of the most popular breeds descended from the Austrian pinscher is the Doberman.
Breed in the modern world
Now these dogs are considered a rare species of pinschers, which are allocated in a separate branch. Description of the breed of Austrian Pinschers is impossible without mentioning their friendly nature. These are obedient, loyal, intelligent, fearless and courageous dogs. They know how to love their master with all their heart.
Thanks to the tremendous support of local nurseries and lovers of this breed, the Austrian Pinscher retained absolutely all of its pristine qualities, which were famous in ancient times. These dogs have always been among the most hardy, active and loyal among other guard breeds. It is also important that in addition to their advantages in the workplace, these dogs have a cheerful and good-natured disposition, making them wonderful companions for humans. Devotion and kindness in these dogs goes well with their guard and guard qualities.
The appearance of dogs
Looking at the photos of Austrian Shorthair Pinschers, we can conclude that they belong to the category of medium-sized dogs. The weight of the dog is from 12 to 18 kg, depending on gender. Females weigh less than males and are more compact in size. The growth of males varies within 50 cm, and bitches - 35 cm. Dogs have a very unusual color. It is he who distinguishes them from German pinschers and other service dog breeds with similar external data. Austrians can be yellow, dark red or brown. Dark colors should always give a reddish tint. The dog may also have a tiger coat with white spots on its legs or chest.
Dogs of this breed have a stocky skeleton, as well as a wide chest. This is the first thing that attention falls on when looking at a photo of an Austrian pincher. Description of the breed always begins with the most pronounced parts of the body of the animal. The pincher’s head is always like a pear. The eyes are very large, expressive and dark in color. The muscles of the dog are dry, well expressed under the skin. The ears and nose are small. Dog owners can choose to stop them or leave them hanging - any choice will not affect the appearance of the animal.
The tail of the Austrian pinscher is not long and resembles a ring. It is not stopped, but left in this form. The dog’s neck is short, strong and muscular. All paws are long. Such breed standards were officially designated in Austria back in 1981. So far, no innovations or changes have occurred in the breed of the Austrian Pinscher. The photo of the dog of the Austrian Pincher, presented below, only confirms this fact.
Character and temperament
The main features of the character of a dog of this breed are considered to be quick wit, activity, liveliness and devotion. They are very attached to their master and cannot imagine their life without him. As for the incredulity, then they show it only to strangers. The primal instinct of these dogs is protection. They will always treat strangers cautiously, since any stranger to them is a potential offender to their beloved master.
Austrian smooth-haired pinschers have good contact with children, but will not allow them to hurt themselves during games. Therefore, leaving a child with this dog, you need to be sure that the child will not offend the animal and allow himself to be superfluous. Despite the love of one owner, they will not ignore other family members. These pets love to flatter themselves, play and have fun with all the people close to them. They will trust everyone who constantly lives and communicates with them. But the Austrians will never go to the one who is negative towards them or the owner.
Dog habitat
Despite the fact that the dog is medium in size, it is better not to purchase it for life in the apartment. Austrian pinschers are very active, they constantly need room for running around and pampering. By their nature, they are very freedom-loving and without space quickly begin to lose their positive qualities and performance. In a cramped space, they become passive, sad, and in some cases even aggressive. To live a full life in a city apartment, they need to walk and run in the fresh air for at least 5 hours a day. Such a luxurious walk can provide not everyone.
That is why a country house is considered the best place to live a dog of this breed. Only there will the dog maintain its physical shape and fully display instincts. From the photo of the Austrian pinscher, we can safely conclude that it is in the open territory that the animal feels as happy as possible. The house should have a wide area so that the dog can walk freely and run along it without a leash. Only in such conditions will the Austrian develop well and show his best natural characteristics. It is advisable to make an insulated aviary on the site so that the dog can rest in it without being on the chain. The Austrian pinscher is an excellent security guard, watchman and just a friend who will protect his master and his house around the clock.
Breed content
If a dog of this breed is not raised, it will grow up very stubborn and wayward. Therefore, everyone who decided to acquire an Austrian should be ready for constant training and dog training. Her master should have perseverance and patience. Otherwise, this union will not bring pleasure to either an animal or a person. Only in strict discipline will an Austrian grow up to be a good watchman and faithful friend. It is recommended to purchase a dog of this breed for those who prefer a healthy lifestyle and constant physical activity. With this pet you can go jogging and even go hiking.
Animal training
In order for the dog to bear fruit, it is very important to remember that this breed is very susceptible to praise. Therefore, this is what must be used in daily training as an incentive to complete all teams. A dog must not be punished, much less beaten. This will only violate her psyche and will develop aggression and fear inherent in this breed. The dog’s favorite toy is the most ordinary ball. This can be seen in the photo of the Austrian pinscher on the street. He will be happy to run after him while playing outdoors.
Dog care
As for the care of representatives of this breed, then they need a minimum. It is only necessary to wash the dog as it gets dirty (about once a month), and also comb out excess hair once or twice a week. To comb out you will need rubber gloves and a slightly wet towel. If you do not rid the pet of excess hair, it will begin to shed too much and spread throughout the district. Cleaning the room from it will be much more difficult than combing the dog once a week.
We must not forget that these pets are prone to the appearance of excess weight without proper physical activity. Thinking about what weight the puppy of the Austrian pinscher is normal, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. He will immediately determine the presence of excess subcutaneous fat and adjust the diet. It is very important to pay attention to the weight of the dog since puppyhood. So you can prevent possible obesity and various diseases that it entails.
It is also necessary to carefully monitor the teeth of the pet. So that this does not bring difficulties in the future, you should accustom the dog to cleaning even at the age of the puppy. If this moment was missed, it is necessary from time to time to take a little friend to the veterinarian to remove tartar in the oral cavity. You can also cut the claws of a dog there. The owner of the dog should carefully monitor the condition of the eyes, nose and ears of the dog. Most often, various infections primarily affect the condition of these organs. If any abnormalities are found both in the appearance of the dog and in its behavior, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.
Dog food
When purchasing a pet of this breed, it is necessary to make sure that its nutrition is balanced. In order for the weight of the puppy of the Austrian pincher to increase according to his growing up, you should feed the animal only with fresh and high-quality food. The basis of the diet should be meat. Each serving should be supplemented with fresh vegetables, as well as cereal cereals. In addition, it is necessary to give the puppy vitamins and minerals that will replenish the supply of necessary nutrients in his growing body.
Of course, before giving supplements to your pet, you must consult your doctor. He will be able to determine the portion sizes and frequency of feeding a small puppy or adult dog. The baby needs to be fed in smaller portions, but often. An adult dog needs large portions, but two bowls of food per day will be enough for it. It doesn’t matter if it is a puppy or already an adult dog - nutrition should always be balanced and rich in nutrients. Only a properly selected diet is the key to the normal growth of the dog, its health and development.
Breed diseases
The dog was bred in pure nature and countryside, so good health is inherent in its genes by nature. This breed perfectly resists many diseases and has a strong immunity. Austrian pinschers were bred in difficult conditions back in the 18th century, so they will feel great in any climate. Breeders raise these dogs with a minimum deviation from the original breed indicators and do not mutate their genes. Therefore, today's Austrian pinscher is practically no different from the original dogs of this breed.
However, like any other creature, these dogs are sick. Most often, diseases attack them already in old age. Animals are prone to cardiovascular disease. Heart failure is inherited by these dogs, so it is impossible to eradicate this pathology. Blame for this lies with illiterate breeders who make mistakes when breeding dogs. Also, heart problems can occur in a pet with improper feeding and a sedentary lifestyle.
In addition, the Austrian is prone to the appearance of demodicosis and cataracts. In the absence of an active lifestyle, dogs develop joint dysplasia. If you properly care for the animal, feed it balanced and walk a lot, the dog will live a long and healthy life.