Judging the German Pinscher
Judges and The German Pinscher (also read the extended breed standard).
Thank you for researching about the German Pinscher.
The German Pinscher temperament is closer to the Terrier breeds that are hunters, ratters and guards.
When judging the GP, approach needs to be done with confidence, the show of nervousness will alert the dog and they may feel threatened or a need to guard their owner. Talk to the owner rather than the dog, so the dog sees you and their owner are calm. Show your hand and make sure the owner is prepared for you to mouth the dog or ask them to mouth it for you (I prefer this as its a hygiene issue for me about going from dog to dog). All German Pinschers will reluctantly mouth.
Please allow the dog handler to finish stacking the DOG, PLEASE, before approaching the dog.
A firm training routine is required to get them to stand in the show ring from very young. They are hunters with a strong prey drive and self protective instinct. And yes they fidget in the ring. (I will break the stack and let my dog turn and restand at times in group). They have no interest in your enticing treats or pats. They are arrogant to anyone but family.
Strong and intelligent they should not be nervous or fearful to you, if your approach is considered normal and handling is not rough, but firm to the touch.
As puppies they are wriggle butts and love you to bits, but as they mature they will usually ignore you.
Gaiting should be free, straight and in no way have hackney action. Their gait is smooth with head relaxed into a forward and down position for speed. (see pictures in breed standard) their head is not held high on the move. The ears are flat back in most cases, as they are focused on what they are doing.
Our breed standard in Australia calls for Rotary action with STRONG rear drive. Rotary without the strong drive will look odd and incorrectness will be apparent. Most other countries do not have the rotary action in the breed standard.
This breed is not an exaggerated breed with big forchests over angulation like the Dobermann has become. Our breed has a forchest that extends beyond point of shoulder but no more. A great well laid back shoulder with the strong forelegs under the shoulder when standing placement. the stifle is well turned with upper and lower thigh of athletic long type, well muscled but not exaggerated.
The greatest fear of the GP breeder is to see them start looking like a large MIN PIN (something we have tried very hard to rid the breed from) or a smaller Dobermann- exaggerated.
The breed should be an obvious German Pinscher.
The FCI breed standard gives 95 - 100 degree angulation and this is correct. The US (incorrectly, in direct conflict with all other standards) places it at 90 degrees.
Square dogs. without exaggerations for working dogs. They can go all day trotting as this is their true gait.
These dogs should look and be true hunting dogs, sleek, elegant but strong looking. Fine dogs are not part of this breed. Many US dogs are loosing bone for a confused fineness considered elegance. Well boned dogs are strong and can still be elegant dogs.
Eyes are oval not round or almond shaped. Ears are folded and tails should be the sabre shape or at most a C shape, not curled.
Sizing-Dogs and Bitches have no difference in sizing in the German Pinscher.
You can have a smaller dog against a larger bitch and as long as both are with in the 17- 19 inch or both the same size in a BOB line up , both are correct. Other breed standards world wide have 20 inch heights, (we are the only breed standard that still has 19 inches) instead of 20 inch heights. (so most breeders have an allowance of 1 inch) over standard for exporting dogs.
Size is becoming an issue with regards to excessive heights over standard. Please consider this in the ring. Some dogs have been know to be 3 inches too tall and is highly undesirable and will contribute to the downfall of type of the GP.
Under 17 inches is a highly undesirable height.
Stacked in the ring-They are a fidgety breed. Bred to be active they find standing still boring/ hard work and tedious (especially for long group or in show waiting times). They want to go, go, go.
They have no interest in you as the judge and are only there because of their owners love for them and theirs for the owners and treats. If you want to see alertness in the GP in a show ring them bring a squeaky toy kept in your pocket, not furry, as they are so eager they will try to snatch it from you (I learnt from experience on that one).
This breed is a sound, agile breed that can excel under the knowledgeable judge in the ring! The wins attributed to the breed are growing and the breeds excellence is beginning to shine in Australia and our home bred dogs are excelling overseas and under international judges visiting us.
The critiques the breed is getting is highly valued and shows its integrity world wide.
Thank you to all the judges for the awards given to this breed and the acknowledgement it brings with it, that the breed is competitive in the show ring world wide!
The German Pinscher vs Dobermann article may be of use to those interested.