Passion for dogs, sport, show and breeding combined
The International Schnauzer Pinscher Union (ISPU) is the worldwide umbrella organization of national breed clubs dedicated to Schnauzers and Pinschers. It brings together organizations from many countries that share a common commitment to responsible breeding, the promotion of dog sports, and the preservation of these traditional breeds.
The ISPU represents the interests of breeders, owners, and enthusiasts of Schnauzer and Pinscher breeds at an international level. A key objective of the union is to strengthen cooperation between member clubs and to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience in breeding, training, and sporting activities with dogs.
An important part of the ISPU’s work is the coordination of international events, in particular the annual ISPU Show and ISPU World Championship.
In addition, the ISPU develops recommendations and guidelines on topics such as breeding practices, dog shows, judging systems, and dog sports. The work of the union is based on the international regulations of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which are recognized by all member clubs.
As a non-profit organization, the ISPU is committed to promoting responsible dog breeding, fair sporting competition, and animal welfare. Through the international cooperation of its member clubs, the ISPU helps ensure the quality, health, and future of Schnauzer and Pinscher breeds worldwide.
Our History
“The ISPU was founded on March 19, 1977.”
The ISPU was founded on March 19, 1977. Heinz Höller, chairman of the German Pinscher Schnauzer Club (PSK), initiated the founding process, and according to the established rules, the first chairman of the ISPU is always also the first chairman of the PSK.
In addition to Germany, the following countries participated in this meeting: Sweden, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Yugoslavia, and others.
After this eventful day, it wasn’t until 1990 that the very first ISPU Show could take place – in Cologne.
The first ISPU World Championship for Giant Schnauzers was held two years later in Switzerland.
“First ISPU Show was held in 1990 and the first ISPU WM in 1992.”
Both the show and the World Championship have been held annually in different member countries ever since. Initially, the number of participants was rather small, with only 23 dog handlers, but over the years the event has grown in popularity, with the number of participants rising to 60.
In 2005 a contract of cooperation was signed between ISPU and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). It states the common goal of cooperation and support between both organisations concerning cynology. Foremost it states the implementation and compliance with the worldwide scope of the FCI standard for the breeds overseen by the world federation, in accordance with the standard requirements of the breed’s country of origin.
“A new category will be held in 2026: companion dog sport.”
In 2017, the regulations were changed: Starting that year, the World Championship also included tracking as category for competition, and all Schnauzer breeds were now eligible to compete.
In 2020, all events had to be canceled for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new category, “companion dog” sport, will be introduced in 2026.