Miniature Pinscher

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Miniature Pinscher Breed Profile

The Miniature Pinscher, also know as the Min Pin, is a well-balanced, sturdy, compact little dog that is short-coupled and smooth-coated. They have short smooth fur that comes in colors of black, blue, red or chocolate. They have short naturally erect or drop ears, and most are often cropped, as is the tail docked. They resemble tiny Doberman Pinschers, although entirely unrelated. Min Pins are dogs who are proud, vigorous and alert. They have a lot of spirit and pizzazz; a bundle of energy. They are fun loving extroverts who are great in the show ring or make clever companions. Miniature Pinschers do well as a house dog who are at their best being the family watchdog. They have a bark that won't quit when they suspect danger is near, and they are always looking out for their family. Miniature Pinschers are not small Dobermans, but they sure can act like them. They are protective, robust and confident in nature. Affectionate and loving with their owners, their owners are their main protective priority. These little dogs are usually wary with strangers, and aggressive with other dogs. Vibrant, vivacious and perky, they are always on the go for the person or family who wants to go with them.

Other Names: Reh Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, Mini Pin, Min Pin

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 10 - 12.5 inches.
Weight: 8 - 10 lbs.

Colors: Black, blue, stag red (red with an intermix of black hairs), or chocolate. They can also come in combinations of black and tan or chocolate and tan, with tan markings on the chest, legs, face and eyebrows.
Coat: Hard, smooth, straight and short coat.

Temperament: Miniature Pinschers are lively and alert. They are very protective and watchful, making them good watch dogs. They are noisy dogs, barking at anything unusual. Mini Pins are perky and upbeat, but can be aggressive with other dogs and wary around strangers. They will react to provocation. They are not guard dogs, however, and would probably only be able to bite someone's ankle. Although protective, they are naturally sweet dogs. They are loyal and mostly inside dogs. They are strong-willed, difficult to train, and very curious. This breed is not for the weak-willed, or for the old woman who wants to spoil her puppy. They will take over the house if given the chance.
With Children: Yes, they are good with children provided they are not pestered. Also make sure the children know that this dog is very small and fragile.
With Pets: Yes, good with other pets, but can be dog aggressive.
Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High. Min Pins are a fearless protector of the home.
Guard-dog: Very Low.

Miniature Pinscher Care and Exercise: Miniature Pinschers should be combed, brushed or rubbed on their smooth coat regularly to remove loose hairs. This should also make the coat shine. Shampoo only when necessary. Teeth should be checked and cleaned often. The Miniature Pinscher needs vigorous exercise for a little dog. Give them the opportunity to run and play in the yard or daily walks on a lead are suggested.
Training: Miniature Pinschers learn very quickly and should be given the opportunity to take puppy classes. Pay special attention to housebreaking as they need firm training or they may soon run the home.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Very Low. Mini Pins need consistent and firm training. Problem Solving - High. They are a very intelligent breed, even though they can be disobedient.

Activity: Very High. Mini Pinschers are extremely active and energetic.
Special Needs: Exercise, socialization, supervision with children and training.
Living Environment: An apartment is adequate as long as some form of exercise is given. Remember, they can be very noisy. An owner of a Miniature Pinscher needs to want to take on a challenge as they are one cantankerous little dog. The best owner for this breed would be an active, patient family or individual living in the suburbs or the city.

Miniature Pinscher Health Issues: Patellar luxation, eye problems, cardiac problems, cervical (dry) disc, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease, and thyroid problems.

Life Span: 14 - 15 years.
Litter Size: 2 - 4 puppies.

Country of Origin: Germany
Miniature Pinscher History: Known only to have existed in Germany for at least about 100 years, Mini Pins are said to have descending from the German Pinscher, then crossed with the Italian Greyhound and Dachshund. The Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller Doberman, as some may think. They are not in fact even related. The Miniature Pinscher has existed before the Doberman. In a painting that is in the Louvre, Paris, was dated to be from 1640 A.D., indicates a small Mini-Pin looking dog. Miniature Pinschers were bred to be a ratter and a good barking watchdog, that which they have truly proven themselves to be. In their native country they are called Zwergpinscher. "Zwerg" in German means "dwarf" or "midget". They have also developed the name Reh Pinscher, which refers to the little roe deer that live in the Rhineland forests. In 1890s, the German Pinscher-Schnauzer Club was formed and pinschers of all sizes were accepted. The smaller ones became popular, and soon the world of German Pinschers were breeding them to be smaller and smaller. The breed developed and was officially recognized by Germany in 1870, and the current form of the breed was developed around 1895. Popularity rose and then fell with World War I, but dedicated fanciers took on the breed to increase its numbers again after the War. It made its way to America in the 1920s and began showing off its high stepping gait (called hackney) in the show ring. In 1929 the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was formed, and in Britain the breed grew much slower in popularity. Due to the ear cropping ban, the breed was not as successful as it was in America. Also in 1929 was the breed accepted into the AKC, and breeders had set out to breed them to have naturally erect ears. First listed as a Terrier, the Min-Pins' identity in the AKC soon changed to Toy, and the breed has since been crowned the "King of Toys".

First Registered by the AKC: 1929
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC

Miniature Pinschers

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