Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher
Breed Description

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is known by several names throughout its history and across different regions. The breed's original German name is Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher, which directly translates to Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher in English. In modern Austria, the breed is officially called Österreichischer Pinscher, or simply Austrian Pinscher. Other variations include Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher and Austrian Short Haired Pinscher. Some historical references may refer to these dogs as Austrian Farm Pinschers or Austrian Working Pinschers, reflecting their traditional role on Austrian farms. The breed should not be confused with the German Pinscher, Miniature Pinscher, or Doberman Pinscher, despite sharing the pinscher designation.

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher represents one of Europe's most endangered canine breeds, with a fascinating history rooted in Austrian agricultural traditions. This medium-sized working dog embodies the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and versatility that made it invaluable to Austrian farmers for generations. Standing proudly with an alert expression and confident bearing, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher presents a picture of robust functionality combined with unmistakable charm.

Physically, these dogs display a well-balanced, rectangular build that speaks to their working heritage. Their distinctive pear-shaped head sets them apart from other pinscher breeds, creating an immediately recognizable profile. The breed's double coat provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions, while their sturdy construction enables them to work tirelessly in challenging environments. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers carry themselves with pride and purpose, every movement reflecting their deep-seated working instincts.

The breed's temperament combines fierce loyalty with remarkable intelligence, creating dogs that form exceptionally strong bonds with their families while maintaining the independence necessary for farm work. These characteristics have enabled the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher to excel in various roles throughout their history, from livestock guardian to vermin controller, always adapting to meet the specific needs of their human partners.

Perhaps most remarkable about the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is their resilience as a breed. Having faced near extinction in the mid-20th century, with only a single registered dog remaining by the 1970s, these dogs have slowly rebuilt their numbers through the dedicated efforts of Austrian breed preservationists. Today, while still critically rare with only 6-12 breeding animals worldwide, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher continues to demonstrate the exceptional qualities that made them beloved farm companions for centuries.

The breed's rarity makes each individual Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher precious, representing not just a companion animal but a living piece of Austrian agricultural history. Their continued existence depends on careful breeding programs that prioritize genetic diversity and health while maintaining the distinctive characteristics that define this remarkable breed. For those fortunate enough to encounter an Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, the experience offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of European farming life.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed's extreme rarity and limited presence outside of Austria has prevented AKC recognition. However, the breed's working heritage and distinctive characteristics would likely place it in the Working or Non-Sporting group if recognition were pursued in the future.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI recognizes the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher under standard number 64 in Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type), Section 1.1 (Pinscher). The standard describes a medium-large, strongly built dog with a pear-shaped head and powerful, short muzzle. The ears should be rose-shaped or V-shaped, held erect or semi-erect. The body should be thick-set with a powerful neck, wide and well-developed chest. The coat is short and hard with undercoat, coming in colors of red, black, brown, fawn, brindle, or black and tan, often with limited white markings on face, chest, feet, and tail tip. Males should measure 44-50cm at withers, females 42-48cm, with proportionate weight distribution.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC has recognized the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher since 2006, classifying it in the Terrier Group due to its historical role as a rat catcher and farm dog. The UKC standard emphasizes the breed's working heritage and describes it as a fearless, attentive dog that takes its guarding duties seriously. The standard notes that the breed requires firm, confident leadership and is not suitable for passive owners. Physical characteristics align closely with FCI standards, with emphasis on the breed's sturdier, more rectangular build compared to the German Pinscher.

Other Organizations

The Austrian Kennel Club (Österreichischer Kynologenverband) was the first organization to formally recognize the breed in 1928 under the original name Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher. Their standard focuses heavily on temperament, describing the ideal dog as playful, not inclined to hunt, but serving as an "incorruptible guard." Arche Austria (Ark Austria), the organization dedicated to preserving endangered Austrian breeds, maintains breeding guidelines that prioritize health and genetic diversity while preserving breed type. Their standards emphasize the critical importance of maintaining the breed's working ability and characteristic temperament while ensuring genetic sustainability in this extremely limited population.

The history of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher reads like a tale of survival against overwhelming odds, representing one of the most dramatic stories of breed preservation in the canine world. These remarkable dogs trace their lineage to ancient working dogs that inhabited Austrian farms for centuries, serving as invaluable partners to agricultural communities throughout the Alpine regions.

Archaeological evidence suggests that pinscher-type dogs have been present in Central Europe for thousands of years, with early examples appearing in artwork and historical documents dating back to the medieval period. The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher specifically developed from these ancient landrace dogs, which were selectively bred by Austrian farmers to create the perfect all-purpose farm dog. These early ancestors were prized for their ability to control vermin, guard property, and assist with livestock management, roles that required intelligence, courage, and unwavering loyalty.

The breed's formal development began in the 19th century when Emil Hauck, a passionate dog enthusiast and researcher, became concerned about the disappearance of traditional Austrian farm dogs. In the early 1900s, Hauck encountered what he believed were remnants of an ancient Austrian dog type that had been identified in 1843 by H. von Meyer as Canis palustris, or "dog of the marshes." Though this was not an actual species designation, it represented an attempt to classify the distinctive working dogs found throughout the Austrian countryside.

Recognizing the unique characteristics and historical importance of these dogs, Hauck began a dedicated breeding program in 1921. His goal was ambitious: to preserve and standardize what he saw as Austria's indigenous pinscher breed, separating it from other regional landrace dogs and establishing clear breed characteristics. This work was meticulous and methodical, as Hauck carefully selected breeding pairs that displayed the desired traits while maintaining the working abilities that had made these dogs so valuable to Austrian farmers.

The Austrian Kennel Club officially recognized Hauck's efforts in 1928, formally acknowledging the breed under the name Österreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher, which translates directly to Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher. This recognition was significant not only for the breed but also for Austrian national pride, as it represented the first officially recognized dog breed originating from Austria. The name was chosen specifically to identify the breed's Austrian origins and to distinguish it from the German Schnauzer, which at that time was known as the rough-haired pinscher.

The early decades of official recognition showed promise for the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher. Breeding programs expanded throughout Austria, and the dogs continued to serve their traditional roles on farms while also gaining recognition as excellent companion animals. The breed's reputation for reliability, intelligence, and protective instincts made them popular not only with farmers but also with urban families seeking a loyal and capable guardian dog.

However, the devastation of World War II nearly destroyed the breed entirely. The war years brought widespread disruption to breeding programs throughout Europe, and many breeds suffered significant population declines. For the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, the impact was catastrophic. The combination of food shortages, displacement of populations, and the general chaos of war meant that maintaining breeding programs became impossible for most enthusiasts.

By the 1970s, the situation had become critical. Registry records showed that only a single Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher remained: a dog named Diokles of Angern. This lone survivor represented the entire genetic legacy of a breed that had once been integral to Austrian rural life. The breed appeared destined for extinction, joining the countless other animal varieties that had been lost during the tumultuous 20th century.

The salvation of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher came through the dedication of modern breed preservationists who refused to accept defeat. Working with Diokles of Angern and carefully identifying other dogs in the region that showed characteristics consistent with the original pinscher type, these committed individuals began the painstaking process of breed reconstruction. This work required exceptional skill and knowledge, as they had to balance the need for genetic diversity with the requirement to maintain the breed's distinctive characteristics.

The modern recovery effort has been supported by Arche Austria (Ark Austria), an organization specifically dedicated to preserving endangered Austrian livestock and dog breeds. Their involvement brought scientific rigor to the breeding program, employing genetic testing and careful pedigree analysis to maximize the health and diversity of the small breeding population. This approach has been crucial in preventing the inbreeding depression that often affects breeds with extremely small populations.

Today, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher remains critically endangered, with Arche Austria reporting only 6 to 12 breeding animals worldwide. Each dog represents not only an individual companion but also an irreplaceable genetic resource for the breed's continued survival. The current breeding program prioritizes health, temperament, and breed type in equal measure, ensuring that rescued Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers maintain the working abilities and characteristics that made their ancestors so valuable.

The breed's survival story serves as both an inspiration and a warning about the fragility of genetic diversity in domestic animals. It demonstrates how quickly breeds can disappear when external pressures disrupt traditional breeding systems, but also shows how dedicated individuals can preserve genetic heritage even when facing seemingly impossible odds. The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher's journey from near extinction to cautious recovery represents one of the most remarkable conservation success stories in the canine world.

Modern Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers carry the legacy of their ancestors while adapting to contemporary life. While few still work on traditional farms, they retain the intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts that made them indispensable partners to Austrian farmers. Their history reminds us that behind every breed lies centuries of careful selection and partnership between humans and dogs, creating genetic legacies that deserve preservation for future generations.

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher was developed as the ultimate multi-purpose farm dog, embodying centuries of selective breeding aimed at creating a versatile working companion capable of performing numerous essential tasks on Austrian agricultural properties. Their functional design reflects the practical needs of rural communities that required dogs capable of handling diverse challenges while maintaining unwavering loyalty to their human partners.

Primary among their traditional functions was vermin control, a role that earned them recognition as exceptional ratters and general pest eliminators. Austrian farms, with their grain storage areas, livestock feed supplies, and numerous outbuildings, provided ideal environments for rodents and other unwanted creatures. The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher's size, agility, and natural hunting instincts made them perfectly suited for this critical work. Their ability to work independently, making decisions about when and how to pursue pests, demonstrated the intelligence and initiative that farmers valued highly.

Livestock guarding represented another crucial aspect of their functionality. These dogs developed an intuitive understanding of farm animals and their needs, learning to differentiate between normal livestock behavior and potential threats. Their protective instincts, combined with excellent judgment, allowed them to serve as reliable guardians for cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry without becoming overly aggressive or disruptive to normal farm operations. This balance between protection and practicality made them invaluable to agricultural communities.

Property protection constituted perhaps the most visible of their functions, with Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers serving as alert sentries for farmsteads throughout their native region. Their naturally suspicious attitude toward strangers, combined with their intimidating bark and confident demeanor, made them effective deterrents against theft and intrusion. However, their protective instincts were tempered by remarkable discrimination, allowing them to distinguish between genuine threats and normal visitors or activities around the property.

The breed's herding capabilities, while secondary to their guarding and vermin control functions, proved valuable in managing livestock movements around farm properties. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers learned to assist with moving cattle between pastures, guiding sheep to shelter, and managing the daily routines of farm animal care. Their natural authority and calm confidence allowed them to work with livestock without creating stress or disruption, making them reliable partners in agricultural operations.

Beyond their working roles, Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers served as loyal family companions, integrating seamlessly into the domestic life of farming communities. Their intelligence and trainability made them suitable for interaction with children, while their protective nature provided security for families in rural settings. This dual role as working dog and family member required exceptional temperament and adaptability, qualities that became hallmarks of the breed.

Modern Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers retain these functional instincts despite the dramatic changes in agricultural practices over the past century. Contemporary owners often report that their dogs display natural behaviors associated with their traditional roles, including alertness to unusual sounds or movements, protective responses toward family members, and investigative behaviors around their territory. While few modern dogs actively pursue their ancestral occupations, their genetic programming continues to influence their behavior and preferences.

The breed's functional heritage also influences their exercise and mental stimulation requirements. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers thrive when given jobs to perform or problems to solve, reflecting their history as working dogs who needed to make independent decisions and take initiative. Owners who provide challenging activities, training opportunities, and purposeful work often find that their dogs are happier and better behaved than those who treat them solely as passive companions.

In contemporary settings, Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers can adapt their functional abilities to modern roles such as therapy work, competitive dog sports, or specialized training activities. Their intelligence, trainability, and desire to work with humans make them suitable for various contemporary applications that provide mental and physical challenges. The key to successfully integrating these dogs into modern life lies in understanding and respecting their working heritage while channeling their capabilities into appropriate contemporary outlets.

The behavioral profile of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher reflects centuries of selective breeding for specific working traits, resulting in a complex and fascinating personality that combines independence with loyalty, intelligence with determination, and gentleness with protective courage. Understanding these behavioral characteristics is essential for anyone considering this rare breed as a companion, as their responses and instincts differ significantly from many modern dog breeds.

Intelligence dominates every aspect of Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher behavior, manifesting in their remarkable ability to assess situations, solve problems independently, and adapt to changing circumstances. These dogs demonstrate exceptional observational skills, quickly learning household routines, family patterns, and environmental changes. Their problem-solving abilities extend beyond simple training exercises to include creative approaches to challenges, making them both rewarding and occasionally frustrating to work with. This intelligence requires mental stimulation and purposeful activities to prevent boredom and associated destructive behaviors.

Independence characterizes much of their behavioral approach, reflecting their heritage as dogs who worked with minimal human supervision. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers prefer to think through situations rather than simply following commands, often appearing to weigh options before responding to requests. This independent streak requires patient, consistent training that respects their intelligence while establishing clear boundaries and expectations. Owners must learn to work with this independence rather than against it, developing partnership-based relationships rather than purely hierarchical ones.

Loyalty manifests intensely in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, but typically focuses on their immediate family rather than extending to everyone they encounter. These dogs form profound attachments to their primary caregivers, often displaying preference hierarchies within family units while maintaining affectionate relationships with all family members. Their loyalty includes protective behaviors that can manifest as wariness toward strangers, territorial responses to perceived intrusions, and alert behaviors when unusual situations arise around their home environment.

Alertness represents a constant behavioral state for Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, who maintain awareness of their surroundings with remarkable consistency. They notice changes in routine, unusual sounds, unfamiliar scents, and alterations in their environment that might escape less observant breeds. This heightened awareness makes them excellent watchdogs but can also lead to reactive behaviors if not properly managed through socialization and training. Their alert nature requires owners who understand the difference between appropriate vigilance and unnecessary anxiety.

Energy levels in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers demand regular physical and mental outlets to maintain behavioral balance. These dogs require substantial daily exercise combined with purposeful activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Insufficient stimulation often leads to restlessness, destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or attempts to create their own entertainment through activities owners might find problematic. Their energy is best channeled through structured activities, training sessions, and interactive play rather than passive entertainment.

Territorial behaviors emerge naturally in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, who develop strong attachments to their living spaces and the people within them. These dogs typically establish mental maps of their territory and monitor for changes or intrusions that might require their attention. Their territorial instincts can include resource guarding behaviors, protective responses toward family members, and investigative approaches to new people or situations entering their space. Proper socialization helps moderate these responses while preserving their natural protective abilities.

Social behaviors vary depending on early experiences and ongoing exposure to different people, animals, and situations. Well-socialized Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers can develop appropriate responses to various social situations while maintaining their natural caution around unfamiliar circumstances. However, their independent nature means socialization requires ongoing reinforcement rather than early exposure alone. They typically prefer calm, predictable social interactions over chaotic or overly stimulating environments.

Communication patterns in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers include both vocal and physical expressions that reflect their working heritage. Their barking serves multiple purposes, from alerting to threats and communicating excitement to expressing frustration or seeking attention. Body language includes confident posturing when alert, relaxed positions when comfortable, and specific signals that indicate their emotional state and intentions. Understanding their communication patterns helps owners respond appropriately to their needs and concerns.

Play behaviors often incorporate elements of their working instincts, including stalking movements, pouncing actions, and investigative approaches to toys and activities. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers enjoy interactive play that challenges their minds as well as their bodies, often preferring games that allow them to use their natural abilities in controlled environments. Their play style tends toward purposeful activities rather than purely physical exertion, reflecting their preference for meaningful engagement over simple exercise.

Stress responses in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers can include increased alertness, repetitive behaviors, destructive activities, or withdrawal from normal interactions. These dogs are particularly sensitive to changes in routine, family dynamics, or environmental conditions that might indicate potential problems. Managing stress requires maintaining consistent routines, providing appropriate outlets for energy and anxiety, and ensuring they feel secure in their environment and relationships. Understanding their stress signals helps owners address problems before they become serious behavioral issues.

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher's integration into family life represents one of their most endearing qualities, as these dogs possess an intuitive understanding of family hierarchies, relationships, and dynamics that enables them to become deeply embedded members of household units. Their approach to family life combines their working heritage with remarkable adaptability, creating relationships characterized by loyalty, protection, and genuine affection for their human pack members.

Within family structures, Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers typically establish individual relationships with each family member while maintaining awareness of overall family dynamics. They often display preferences for certain family members based on shared activities, training relationships, or simply personality compatibility, yet remain loyal and protective toward all household members. This selective bonding reflects their intelligent approach to social relationships, as they assess each person's role within the family unit and adjust their interactions accordingly.

Children represent a special category within Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher family relationships, as these dogs often display remarkable patience and gentleness with young family members while maintaining their protective instincts. Their natural guardian tendencies extend to supervising children's activities, alerting parents to potential dangers, and providing companionship during play and quiet times. However, their protective nature requires careful management to ensure they don't become overly defensive of children or misinterpret normal childhood interactions as threats requiring intervention.

The breed's response to infants and toddlers typically involves curious investigation followed by gentle acceptance, provided proper introductions and supervision occur. Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers seem to understand the vulnerability of small children and adjust their behavior accordingly, often displaying remarkable restraint during interactions. Their protective instincts may manifest as positioning themselves between children and perceived threats, alerting parents to crying or distress, and providing calm companionship during nap times or quiet activities.

Adult family members experience different aspects of Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher personality, often finding themselves in partnership relationships that reflect the breed's working heritage. These dogs prefer adults who provide clear leadership, consistent routines, and meaningful activities that engage their intelligence and energy. They respond well to family members who understand their need for mental stimulation and provide training opportunities, exercise, and challenging activities that satisfy their working instincts.

Multi-generational households can present interesting dynamics for Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, who often adapt their behavior to accommodate elderly family members while maintaining their protective responsibilities. They may display gentler approaches toward older adults, providing companionship and alerting younger family members to health concerns or emergencies. Their ability to assess and respond to different family members' capabilities and needs demonstrates their exceptional emotional intelligence and adaptability.

The presence of other pets within family units requires careful management with Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers, whose territorial and protective instincts can influence their relationships with cats, other dogs, and smaller animals. Early socialization and gradual introductions typically result in successful multi-pet households, though their working heritage may create challenges with pets they perceive as prey animals. Their relationships with other dogs depend heavily on individual personalities, proper introductions, and ongoing management of resources and territory.

Routine and structure play crucial roles in Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher family adaptation, as these dogs thrive when household schedules are predictable and their role within the family is clearly defined. They often assume responsibility for specific family routines, such as alerting to visitor arrivals, monitoring children's activities, or providing companionship during daily activities. This integration into family routines reflects their desire to contribute meaningfully to household functioning.

Family activities that include Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers tend to be more successful when they provide opportunities for the dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts. Hiking, camping, outdoor adventures, and activities that allow them to explore and investigate new environments often bring out the best in their personality while strengthening family bonds. These dogs particularly enjoy activities where they can work alongside family members rather than simply accompanying them passively.

Communication within families benefits significantly when Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are included as active participants rather than passive recipients of attention. These dogs respond well to family members who acknowledge their intelligence, include them in decision-making processes about activities and routines, and provide feedback about their behavior and contributions to household life. Their ability to understand and respond to family communication patterns makes them remarkably integrated members of household units.

Conflict resolution within families may involve Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers attempting to mediate or respond to tension between family members. Their protective instincts and loyalty to all family members can create internal conflicts when household disputes arise. Managing these situations requires ensuring the dog understands their role is supportive rather than interventional, providing reassurance during family stress, and maintaining consistent routines that help them feel secure despite temporary household disruptions.

The breed's adaptation to changing family circumstances, such as new babies, moving homes, family member departures, or major routine changes, typically involves initial stress followed by gradual adjustment when proper support is provided. Their intelligence and adaptability enable them to learn new family patterns, though they require patience and consistency during transition periods. Understanding their need for security and routine helps families support their Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher through various life changes while maintaining strong family bonds.

The health profile of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher presents a complex picture influenced by the breed's extremely small population, careful modern breeding practices, and robust working heritage. While the breed's near extinction created genetic bottlenecks that pose ongoing challenges, dedicated breeding programs prioritizing health have helped maintain relatively sound dogs within the limited population. Understanding these health considerations is crucial for potential owners and essential for breed preservation efforts.

The breed's working background contributed to general robustness and hardiness, as Austrian farmers traditionally selected dogs based on their ability to work effectively under challenging conditions. This natural selection for functionality has resulted in dogs with generally strong constitutions and good overall health when properly cared for. However, the dramatic population reduction during the mid-20th century means that modern Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers carry a more limited genetic diversity than their ancestors, requiring careful monitoring and management of hereditary conditions.

Current breeding programs emphasize health testing and genetic diversity to minimize inherited disorders while maintaining breed characteristics. The small breeding population means that every individual's genetic contribution is significant, making comprehensive health screening essential for breed preservation. Modern Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers benefit from advances in veterinary genetics that enable breeders to make informed decisions about breeding pairs while maximizing genetic diversity within the limited population.

Regular veterinary care becomes particularly important for Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers due to their rarity and the need to maintain detailed health records for breed preservation purposes. Annual examinations, routine vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care form the foundation of health maintenance for these dogs. Their medium size and active nature require attention to joint health, cardiovascular fitness, and weight management throughout their lives.

The breed's life expectancy typically ranges from 12 to 14 years, reflecting their medium size and generally robust constitution. However, individual longevity can vary based on genetics, care quality, exercise levels, and overall health management. Maintaining optimal weight, providing appropriate exercise, ensuring proper nutrition, and addressing health concerns promptly can contribute to longer, healthier lives for these dogs.

Exercise requirements directly impact Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher health, as these active dogs need substantial physical and mental stimulation to maintain optimal condition. Insufficient exercise can lead to obesity, behavioral problems, and related health issues, while appropriate activity levels support cardiovascular health, joint function, and mental well-being. Their exercise program should include both physical activities and mental challenges to address their working heritage and intelligence.

Nutritional needs for Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers reflect their active nature and medium size, requiring high-quality food appropriate for their age, activity level, and individual health status. Maintaining optimal weight is crucial for joint health and overall well-being, particularly as these dogs age. Their dietary requirements may change throughout their lives, requiring adjustments based on activity levels, health status, and individual metabolic needs.

Due to the extreme rarity of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, with only 6-12 breeding animals worldwide, breed-specific rescue organizations do not exist for this critically endangered breed. However, potential adopters interested in Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers or related breeds can find assistance through established organizations that work with pinscher breeds and general rescue networks:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - While Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are extremely rare in rescue situations, related pinscher breeds and working dogs with similar characteristics may be available through rescue organizations.