small Breed Dogs
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Miniature Pinschers
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs





What you Must Know BEFORE Getting a Puppy

Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice...Read More
Average Weight:  8-11 pounds (3.62 to 4.98 kg)
Average Height: 10 -12. 5  inches (25.4 - 31.75 cm)
Pronounced: Min-e'-ah-chur Pin-chur
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Germany

Description

This breed is sturdy and compact.  With males, the height equals the length.  Female Miniature Pinschers, may be slightly longer.  The skull appears flat and the head is narrow with tapers.  The eyes are slightly oval, bright and very dark.  The hears stand erect and may be cropped or uncropped. (Many countries ban the practice of cropping dog ears or docking dog tails).  The tail is set high and again, is usually docked in countries which allow it.

When this dog walks, its step is high and has an "easy' gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in the front of the body, the paw bending at the ankle.

Colors

Miniature Pinschers have interesting colors.  Solid clear red, stag red (this is a red with an intermingling of black hairs), black with sharply defined rusty red markings or chocolate ( this is a creamy brown) with rusty red markings.
Personality

The nickname for this breed is Min Pin.  And any owner of a Min Pin will first tell you that this small dog breed absolutely loves and often insists on sleeping in their owner's bed.  Just about all Miniature Pinscher dogs do this.  Therefore, if you are looking for a dog who will be happy sleeping in a crate or a doggie bed, this may not be the breed for you.  If you are looking for a pup who will be under the covers waiting for you, look no further!

This small dog is very active, always on the move, adventurous and fairly feisty.  He is not always friendly with strangers, although an owner can work with this via Socialization training.

Origin & History

While there is no definitive proof, the most well known theory is that this breed descended from the German Standard Pinscher.  Documentation shows that this breed was called the Zwarg Pinscher with means "Dwarf".  The Red Pinscher may have been introduced into breeding program to develop the stag red color that Miniature Pinschers now have. 

Many debate that the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound were used to develop this breed. It is certain that this breed originated several centuries ago in Germany and was at first used as a "Ratter" ( as many dogs used to do, long ago they hunted down rats and mice in homes and factories).  In the early 1900's this dog was only found in Germany and Scandinavia.  The AKC recognized Miniature Pinschers in 1925, at at that time put it into the Terrier Group.  In 1972, the breed was moved into the Toy Group and its official name changed from Pinscher (Toy) to Miniature Pinscher.
Health

There are not too many genetic health issues.  Any owner should be aware of:
  • Patella luxation (slipped kneecap)
  • Cervical dry disc (ntervertebral disc pressing on or around the spinal cord in the area of the neck)
  • Legg-Calve Perthes disease (degenerative canine disease of the hip bone)
  • Thyroid issues
  • Heart defects
  • Eye problems
Exercise

Miniature Pinschers need daily exercise to release pent up energy and to maintain good health. While always enjoying a walk with is master, this breed is known for being fairly creative when left alone in an enclosed yard to exercise. 

He will  chase butterflies, push a ball with his nose and then run it, etc.  However, we do highly suggest owner/dog interact to create a great a great bond.

Grooming

The short coat is generally very easy to maintain.  A bath every 2 weeks and a brushing every few days is all that is needed.  Daily tooth brushings should be done in order to prevent sometimes tragic dental infections.

Shedding is not that hard to keep under control.  When the dog sheds, the coat should be wiped with a washcloth soaked in lukewarm water.  This seems to be the best method to take away loose hairs.

Care & Training

This dog does not do well in very cold climates and is most certainly an indoor dog.  This breed is not meant to live in any sort of outside dog house or kennel. 

Because this breed is so unbelievably attached to its owner, you may need to use Desensitization Training in order to be able to leave that bed that your dog shares with you and exit the home without your Min Pin giving you the "puppy dog eyes" and begging you to stay. Min Pin Owners - See Much More Information
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