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The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher, also referred to as the Osterreichischer Kurzhaarpinscher, is a dog of Austrian descent. They were originally bred to guard the flocks and farms that they called their own. They are an older breed. Some people have found pictures of the dog from as far back as the 1700s, though they may go even further back in time than that. Today, they are also kept as family pets and companions.

This breed is accepted for registry in the DRA, the APRI, the ACR, an the FCI. They are classified under the "pinschers" dog category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the monetary value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her.

According to breed standards, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher should be between 26 to 40 pounds in weight when fully matured. They should remain between 14 and 20 inches tall, when measured from the ground to the withers. Males will almost always be larger than females, in both height and weight. The head is wedge-shaped and the muzzle somewhat short. The breed has a well-muscled and nicely proportioned body. The silky ears are held in the flopped or dropped position and are placed somewhat high on the head. The nose is black. The eyes are almond and slightly round in shape, holding an expression of sensitivity and intelligence. The tail may be docked, but if left natural, it will be curled up over the back of the dog.

The Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher has a double coat of short fur. The breed can come in several colors, those being fawn, black, red, brown, brindle, or black and tan. Some white markings may be seen and as long as they are not excessive, they still meet the breed standard. Their grooming is quite easy. A weekly brushing with a stiff, rubber-bristled brush and a shampoo if absolutely needed will suffice. When well-maintained, the coat of this dog will have a beautiful sheen to it.

Austrian Shorthaired Pinschers are highly intelligent dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is good human to canine communication. Training must be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. They should never be allowed to take on the role of the "alpha" in the home. If this behavior is allowed, the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher can become dog aggressive. If you are firm, consistent and calm, the dog will usually respond well to training and learn quickly.

These dogs have an enormous amount of energy and stamina. They must have at least a brisk walk daily and some time for running and playing off the leash. This breed should be kept stimulated, both mentally and physically, to prevent them from becoming bored, which can lead to some very undesirable behaviors. A bored dog may become destructive or even aggressive. They also are naturally prone to barking and may become obsessive about it if they are bored. Another trait that this breed has is the instinct to nip at the heels of those in the home. They are trying to herd them, but this should not be acceptable behavior.

They love being with their family and friends, and tend to do fine with both children and some other animals, as long as they are well-trained and socialized. They are excellent watch dogs, being very loyal to those that they care about. They will also guard the family fearlessly. This is not to imply that they are aggressive, only that they are quite willing to protect. They are affectionate and loving, as well as charming and playful once they feel comfortable with someone. The average life expectancy of the Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher is around 12 to 14 years.

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