Although the miniature pinscher may resemble the Doberman pinscher, it is not a small descendant of the larger dog. In fact, the miniature pinscher has been depicted in works of art that dates back to the 1600s, which is roughly 200 years earlier than the origin of the Doberman. The miniature pincher originated in Germany, where it was further developed during the 1800s, and the breed’s popularity became an international sensation. Originally used on German farms to control rodents and other vermin, the American Kennel Club first registered the miniature pincher as a member of the terrier group in 1925. The dog was reclassified into the toy group in 1930.
The Miniature Pinscher is often confused for a mini Doberman, but this is actually a much older breed. This dog breed is the most athletic of toy breeds and has long legs, with a square and compact body. Mini Pins have long, strong muzzles and small oval eyes. Their ears are folded forward, and sometimes cropped. They have dense, short coats. They need to be brushed regularly. Their ears should be checked regularly for infections.
Personality
The Mini Pinscher is a very energetic breed that has high energy. Mini Pins are real teddy bears and love to snuggle. They are very confident and love to be in motion. The Mini Pin is very playful and inquisitive, but can be stubborn, bold and independent. They need to be walked everyday so they can exert energy. They’re not suited for families with children as they are possessive of toys and food. They are often territorial and aggressive towards other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Pinscher |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 14-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Min pin, Zwergpinscher |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Miniature Pinscher Build Information
The compact miniature pinscher resembles a downsized version of a Doberman pinscher, standing only 10 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 11 pounds. The smooth coat may be black with rust markings, red with black hairs, solid red or chocolate with tan markings. The ears are pointed and stand erect, and the tail is docked to a nub that stands erect. The Miniature Pinscher is often confused for a mini Doberman, but this is actually a much older breed. This dog breed is the most athletic of toy breeds and has long legs, with a square and compact body. Mini Pins have long, strong muzzles and small oval eyes. Their ears are folded forward, and sometimes cropped. They have dense, short coats. They need to be brushed regularly. Their ears should be checked regularly for infections.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Both |
Behaviour and Personality
Miniature pinschers are fearless and alert watchdogs. Lively and energetic, the breed is spirited and playful and needs regular walks and play sessions to expend some of its energy and curiosity. Miniature pinchers get along with older children and are affectionate with their families. They are wary of strangers and they will boldly challenge other dogs. They possess many habits that are typical of terrier breeds, including excessive barking, digging and chasing small animals, including cats. Miniature pinschers are intelligent, but they are also assertive and willful, which can make training and housebreaking a challenge. The Mini Pinscher is a very energetic breed that has high energy. Mini Pins are real teddy bears and love to snuggle. They are very confident and love to be in motion. The Mini Pin is very playful and inquisitive, but can be stubborn, bold and independent. They need to be walked everyday so they can exert energy. They’re not suited for families with children as they are possessive of toys and food. They are often territorial and aggressive towards other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | High |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The sleek coat of a miniature pinscher requires little grooming. Wiping the coat once a week with a grooming mitt will remove loose and dead hairs to reduce the amount of shedding on furnishings, floors and clothing. The teeth, conversely, should be brushed daily to minimize tartar buildup and prevent periodontal disease, which can adversely affect internal health.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Chocolate, Red, Red-Black Brindle, Rust, Tan |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
Miniature Pinscher Common Health Conditions
Miniature pinschers live average lifespans of 15 years. Some health conditions that the breed is prone to having include patellar luxation, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, diabetes, mucopolysaccharidosis, progressive retinal atrophy, optic nerve hypoplasia, glaucoma and congenital deafness.
Miniature Pinscher Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a lively little dog with a spirited, playful, alert and curious nature, consider the miniature pinscher. The miniature pinscher originated in Germany. The miniature pinscher is commonly referred to as a min pin, and it is also known as a zwergpinscher. The miniature pinscher is a spunky and entertaining bundle of energy that doubles as a fearless and effective watchdog. The miniature pinscher stands 10 to 12.5 inches tall and weighs 8 to 11 pounds. Miniature pinschers have high energy levels. Miniature pinschers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a miniature pinscher is 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
