Miniature Pinscher: Key Characteristics of Breedname
Dog Breed

(MinPin)

Group: Terrier AKC Toy

Also known as: Zwergpinscher, Min Pin

About Miniature Pinscher               

Country of Origin, History of the Breed This Breed of dog originated in Germany and is not related to the Doberaman Pinscher. This is older than the Doberman Pinscher and its existence can be traced back to the 17th century. The breed descended from the Terrier breeds of Germany, which were used by farmers primarily to hunt rats in farms and stables. The word Pinscher is a German word meaning Terrier.

Miniature Pinscher is a cross between the German Pinscher, Dacshund and the Italian Greyhound. The breed was brought to the United States in the 1920s and became popular as a loving companion, across America within a short span.               

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Miniature Pinscher is a muscular, sturdy dog with a square, proportioned body. The dog has a flat, tapering skull and docked tails and cropped, erect ears. The dog has a well-balanced arched neck with a level topline. Pinschers have very dark, big expressive eyes and are elegant to look at.

Coat

Their coat type varies from solid red, stag red (with black hairs in between), to black-and-rust, or chocolate-and-rust.

The coat type is smooth, short, staright and hard in texture.

Height

Male : 10-12 inches
Female : 10-12 inches

Weight: 8-10 lbs for both males and females

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

This dog is sturdy, bold, fiery and proud. Pinschers are extremely agile and spirited dogs. They might be given to excessive barking. They are devoted and protective towards their masters. Their alertness makes them a good watchdog. These dogs need to be socialized from a very young age since they detest strangers and are often aggressive towards other dogs. Pinschers are inteligent and can be trained without much of a hassle.

Pinshers might develop behavioral problems if they are not handled firmly since these dogs might become temperamental and demanding.

Good with other dogs/ and other animals?

Pinschers need socialization from a very young age since they have a habit of getting on te wrong side of other dogs and animals.

Good with children?

They are good with small children but contant teasing can make them snappy. Households with matured adults can own Pinschers.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

They do best in households with yards to romp around freely. They have a habit of exploring surroundings and hence, the yards should be fenced. They are also active indoors.

Miniature Pinschers are sensitive to cold.

What kind of home would they do best in – one with kids, or any such specifications?

They are friendly with older children and the elderly.

How to take care of the breed as a MinPin Puppy? Pinscher Puppies are so small that they often roam around unnoticed. Removal of hazardous chemicals, cords out of their reach is a must. Moreover, rampant breeding has resulted in a fragile bone structure for the breed. Overexercising might injure them beyond recovery. They should receive adequate rest. Nutrient-rich meals should be fed daily at fixed times.

Puppies should be taught to remain in their crates until they are asked to come out of it. A spacious crate should be provided to pups. Proper hygiene should be maintained. Vaccination and de-worming schedules need to be strictly adhered to. A vet is to be consulted in case of any crisis.

Toy breeds can become hypoglycemic if their sugar levels fall. To retain sugar proper levels, owners should feed them with doses of Nutri-cal.

Training

For fast learners like Pinschers, training does not require much of an effort. They however, require extensive socialization as pups. They should be housetrained by being taken out to potty at a particular spot after each meal. The daily schedule is to be strictly followed. Pups should be taught certain commands like 'stop', 'sit', 'heel', 'go', 'stay' etc through a mechanism of positive reinforcement.

Obedience training has to be imparted and this might prevent excessive barking. They should be adequately trained to inhibit their hunting instincts, which might otherwise end up causing accidents.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

They are an active and agile breed and need regular exercise. Moreover, they should be execised at least twice a day. Owners should take them out on a leash to prevent their exploring tendencies, which might even prove to be fatal.

How much exercise does the dog need at every stage of its life?

Pups should be dissuaded from over exercising themselves as it might even maim them permanently as they have a fragile bone structure.

Grooming

Minature Pinschers do not require much grooming. Their ears and eyes should be cleaned regulerly. Their nails are be clipped to avoid accidents. They should be bathed only when it is absolutely necessary and should be wiped with a damp towel occassionally. Anul glands have to be expressed by a vet carefully at intervals.

Health & Care

Genetic problems the breed suffers from

Pinschers suffer from some harmful genetic diseases such as Cataract, Cystine urolithiasis, Progressive retinal atrophy, Sebaceous adenitis etc.

Breeding the dog and any cautions

To avoid complications during whelping owners should always consult a vet. Chances of losing both the mother dog and the pups are so high that its better to involve reputed breeders. Genetic test should be conducted to ascertain a healthy parentage of the pups

Litter Size: 2-4 litters

Life Span: 12-14 years average

National Breed Club:

U. S. – Miniature Pinscher Club of America – http://www.minpin.org
British – Miniature Pinscher Club – http://www.miniaturepinscherclub.co.uk

Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR