Miniature Pinscher Profile

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

Country of origin: Germany

Dog Group Kennel Club: Toy

General appearance: 

This shorthaired toy breed does not require much maintenance when it comes to the coat. Acceptable colors for this breed are as follows, solid clear red, stag red, Black and Rust, Chocolate and rust. The Miniature Pinscher is most commonly seen in Stag Red and Black and rust, however other colors are available.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 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.

Colours: clear red, stag red, black and tan

Size:

Bitch    25–30 cm (10–12.5 in)

Dog     25–30 cm (10–12.5 in)

Weight:

Bitch 4–6 kg (8–12 lb).

Dog  4–6 kg (8–12 lb).

Temperament:

This breed needs proper exercise, as they are very inquisitive and vigorous. This breed is recommended for households with only well-behaved children and would do well with other pets if properly socialized. Miniature Pinschers are very loyal, alert, and playful. This breed does require proper socialization as a puppy, as they can be weary of strangers. They are peppy little dogs that enjoy the company of their 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.

Movement: Co-ordinated to permit a true hackneyed action

Care and training:

Miniature Pinschers have a very spirited personality, which requires energy and patience. A very low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Wipe down with a cloth daily to remove excess hair would be sufficient for this short haired and average shedding breed. This should also make the coat shine. Shampoo only when necessary.

This breed needs proper exercise, as they are very inquisitive and vigorous. This breed is recommended for households with only well-behaved children and would do well with other pets if properly socialized. Very headstrong, this dog requires consistency and firm handling otherwise may become somewhat of a tyrant. Pay special attention to housebreaking as they need firm training or they may soon run the home.

Overall Exercise:40 - 60 minutes per day.
Although a very small dog, this is still a sighthound and it does love to run. This breed can adapt to flat dwelling, provided it is allowed to run once or twice a day.

Feeding requirements: An easy and non fussy. Do not over feed this breed.

Exercise: Low 

Grooming: Low

Noise: Med

Personal Protection: Med

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Med

Compatibility With Other Animals: Med

Suitablity for Children: Med

Often docked? Yes

Average litter: 2 - 4

Life expectancy (yrs): 14 - 15

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

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.