Austrian Pinscher

Also known as: Kurzhaarpinscher, Österreichischer Pinscher, Österreichischen Kurzhaanigen Pinscher

In Austria this dog spent centuries as an all-purpose farm worker, catching vermin, guarding the yard and riding along on the farmer's cart. The frame is small, up to 18 kilograms, compact and quick on its feet. The short, smooth coat needs minimal grooming. The breed nearly died out by the mid 20th century and was rebuilt from the surviving village dogs, which is why it remains rare even at home today. Alert and vocal, it takes to guard duty naturally without any specific training. Loyal with family, wary of strangers. It needs clear leadership or it tends to start making its own decisions. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Austrian Pinscher: how old in human years?

42–50 cmHeight
12–18 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Tornjak

FCI group: Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
FCI section: Section 1.1: Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Pinscher
FCI: 64
Country of origin: Austria

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 42–50 cm

Females 42–48 cm

Weight

Males 12–18 kg

Females 12–18 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

smooth, short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Austrian Pinscher's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Austrian Pinscher's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 3/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 2/5

Guarding & Alertness

Austrian Pinscher's guarding and alertness traits are high.

Guarding instinct 3/5
Watchfulness 5/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Austrian Pinscher's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Austrian Pinscher

The letterbox flap hasn't even closed and the whole street already knows someone has called. The Austrian Pinscher grew up on Austrian farms, where his job was to guard the yard, announce every arrival and keep the rodents moving, and that alertness is still very much in him. He is an excellent watchdog with opinions he likes to voice, so if you live in a flat with thin walls, start teaching him to manage the barking from the first days.

He is lively and hardy, and enjoys long walks, ball games and tasks that make him think. He learns reasonably well but has a mind of his own, so short, varied sessions with plenty of praise work better than sternness. Well exercised and kept busy, he can live in a flat, though a garden with a sturdy fence would suit him better.

He is devoted and affectionate with his family, while strangers get a long, careful look before they are accepted. He gets on with children who know to respect a dog's quiet time, and with other dogs when he has met plenty of them from puppyhood. A typical Austrian Pinscher day: a morning walk, half a day keeping a watchful eye on the yard, then games in the evening and a good chat with you on the sofa.

Grooming and coat

The Austrian Pinscher wears a short, smooth, dense coat that sits close to the body like a well-cut jacket. It asks little of you: a rubber mitt or bristle brush once a week, and the loose hair ends up on the brush instead of the sofa. He sheds lightly, and the coat holds on to very little dirt or smell, so the occasional bath is plenty.

The bigger job is the routine check after walks. Run a hand over the coat for ticks, look at the ears and feet, and trim the nails if they don't wear down on their own. A short coat keeps him less warm than it looks, so don't be surprised how quickly he asks to go home on a bitterly cold day.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (18 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 225 g of dry food a day, from €12,33 a month For a neutered, normally active 15 kg dog. Calculate for your dog