Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, "King of the Toys"�, is a tiny dog with a great big personality. Fearless and protective, this little dog can be a delight for the owner who is committed to training and strong leadership. Also known as the Zwergpinscher or commonly "Min Pin"�, the adult stands 10 to 12 ½ inches and has a smooth, short coat. Colors include black and tan, red fawn (also called "stag red"�), chocolate and tan, and red. The Miniature Pinscher, once a working dog, traditionally has its tail docked and ears cropped, although ear cropping is longer required for show by the American Kennel Club. This breed is solidly built, sturdy and compact. The AKC lists the Min Pin in the Toy Group. American dog show enthusiasts will expect a characteristic high-stepping gait in the breed, in which the wrist bends as the leg thrusts forward. However, this is considered a fault in Europe since the original working dog did not have such a gait. The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany; the word "zwerg"� literally means "dwarf"�. Like many pinscher-type breeds, it is derived from the ancient German Pinscher. Primarily in the United States, the misconception exists that the Miniature Pinscher is a miniature Doberman Pinscher. But although the breeds share a genetic history through the German Pinscher, they have little else in common. It is also sometimes confused with the typically black and tan Manchester Terrier. The Miniature Pinscher, which predates the Doberman, can be found in artifacts and paintings which suggest that the breed is at least several centuries old. Actual documentation begins in 1836, when a German dog expert wrote about the breed as the "dwarf Pinscher"�. At that time the Min Pin was still a working dog; used primarily to hunt vermin, it was a dog who lived outdoors and kept rats out of the barn. The word "pinscher"� in German refers to the action the dog makes when pouncing on the prey and pinching it with a quick, hard bite. It is believed by most dog experts that the Min Pin was developed from the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound, along with the German Pinscher. Originally, it carried a slightly wiry, rougher coat. Documentation from the mid-1800's refers to two types of the breed: the original wiry coat, and the smooth coat. As the breed gained favor as a household companion and was less considered a utility dog, the smoother coat became more popular. By the time the breed was introduced into America, the smooth short coat was common. The Miniature Pinscher was registered with the AKC in 1925, and the Miniature Pinscher Club of America (http://www.minpin.org) was formed in 1929, and referred to the dog simply as the "Pinscher"� (the Doberman was already the "Doberman Pinscher"�). In 1972 the name officially became the "Miniature Pinscher"� in the U.S., as it was in most English-speaking countries. The Miniature Pinscher is naturally healthy as a breed. Where health issues do occur, they tend to be one of those more common to this breed: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, Thyroid (hypo-thyroid), heart defect, various eye diseases, epilepsy and cervical disc disease. Taking care to find a dog from a reputable, experienced breeder can go far in eliminating possibilities of your dog developing eye and orthopedic issues; keeping the dog's weight low will also discourage heart disease. The degree to which Legg-Calve-Perthes is hereditary in Min Pins is currently being researched. The Min Pin is easy to keep. The short, dense coat needs only an occasional brushing with a firm-bristled brush. This breed has naturally clean personal habits, and shampooing is rarely needed. A wipe-down with a warm, wet washcloth will usually be enough. Miniature Pinschers are moderate shedders. This breed will be fine in an apartment, where it will be active. However, because of its high level of intelligence, a daily walk and change of scenery will be necessary to prevent behavioral problems which can result from boredom and pent-up mental energy. Miniature Pinschers tend to become too cold, and should be outfitted with protective clothing in cold weather. They often hide under a blanket for warmth, and the owner should always be mindful of this so that the dog isn't injured by an owner tumbling into bed. If you have a yard, make certain that your Min Pin is protected by a strong, high, sturdy fence. This breed is especially good at finding an escape! Because they were originally bred to chase down and bite small animals, they tend to like to pounce upon and chew small objects; emergency trips to the veterinarian due to choking or obstruction are far too common, and owners should take care to keep small attractive objects well away from this breed. The Min Pin is a hardy, tough little dog and you will find it playful and active even in old age. The average life-span is 15, and it is not uncommon for this dog to live to be older. The Miniature Pinscher, although small, is a formidable dog who will be a great watchdog and needs a strong pack leader in an owner. This breed is full of spirited self-possession which can turn to dominance; if you do not establish firm boundaries and leadership while the dog is young, you may likely have a little monster on your hands. But when trained well from the beginning, this stout-hearted little dog is fun, active, loyal and courageous. Min Pins are great family dogs and love children. They have a high energy level and are naturally curious: they will be where the action is. Children should always be cautioned to treat the Min Pin with kindness so as not to invite a nip, which can be common in the breed. The Miniature Pinscher will make itself the guard of your home and property. Your being a strong leader will prevent this dog becoming aggressive with other dogs, or overly suspicious of visitors to the home from which it assumes it must protect you! Due to its high energy, intelligence, and superior trainability, you may enjoy such activities with your Miniature Pinscher as competitive obedience or agility.

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