The First Standard

The very first dog show was held in England in 1859 and the kennel club studbook was established in 1873. Continental shows began soon after, but consisted mostly of imported English dogs. German dogs were bred for function on the farm, and it was not until 1876 that the first wirehaired pinscher was entered at a German dog show. Comments at the time noted how few of the characteristics of the breed really were consistent. In 1884 a standard was developed, and by 1890, a show in Stuttgart had an entry of nearly 100 smooth and wirehaired pinschers.