Miniature Pinschers

This is a unique small dog breed often called a “miniature Doberman.” They are a unique breed in their own right. This German native is a loving, active little dog. They actually date back further than the Doberman. With ancestry that includes the German Pinscher this was a breed that was originally used to kill rats in the stables. At some point it is thought the Italian Greyhound might have been added in to get the higher stepping action.

A distinct picture in very old pictures document the Mini Pin’s heritage but documentation of pedigrees is 200 years ago. The family includes not only the German Pinscher but also Schnauzers and Affenpinscher. In 1895 a club was made for German Pinschers and Schnauzers. The “pinscher” was descriptive of the pouncing on quarry and biting to kill.

In 1919 the breed was brought to the USA and was originally called a toy pinscher. They were changed to miniature pinscher in 1972.

A small size of 10-12-1/2 inches with their height ideally equal to height at the highest point of the shoulder this is a small dog that can make an ideal pet. Any dog under 10 inches or over 12 ½ inches does not meet the standard but can still make a great pet. A short coat that lies tight against the body, they’re an easy to maintain breed. They can be solid red, stag red, black and rust, or chocolate and rust.

Also called the Min Pin, this is a dog that is alert, low maintenance and often fearless. Prior to 1928 there were very few in the USA but in 1929 the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was formed to promote the breed. A valued watch dog that will alarm bark despite the small size this is a big dog in a small dog body.

Cropping the ears is optional but the tail should be docked. The short coat and high stepping gait make for an animated dog that is low maintenance. They are intelligent, active and brave. They’re also often cuddle dogs that get on best with an experienced owner.

Like many small dogs he needs to be trained from early on with discipline so that he isn’t “above” humans in the pack order. There is no reason for these little guys to be bad tempered but if you allow him to be unchecked that I what you can create. They can be suspicious of strangers but can also learn to be wonderful, social little dogs that can adapt to many situations.

This is an indoor dog that could adapt to apartment providing there is sufficient interaction. A romp in the yard helps but they also need regular walks to be happy.

The short coat is easy maintenance with regular brushing and wet towel to wipe him down regularly. This short coat does dictate needing warmer places to be, as an inside dog with additional cold weather protection when outside in cold weather.

The incredible intelligence of the Min Pin makes the breed ideal as service dogs. They can instinctively pick up on many things and one special service dog will alert his diabetic owner when blood sugar levels need attention.

They can also be therapy dogs for a wide variety of issues and are small enough to get on the bed with children and elderly patients. They’re a great dog with children but many times children are too rough with them. Although the Min Pin thinks it’s a big dog they aren’t and playing too rough can mean injuries to the dog.

The Min Pin thrives on being with their owners. They’re good watch and alert dogs although their size prevents them from being much more than that. They are very active dogs that enjoy learning and can be territorial. They need training to be a balanced, happy breed representative.

When Miniature Pinscher owners describe their dogs a wide range of descriptions come up. Sometimes it’s two sides of the same coin – hardy, brave, persistent can also be headstrong, possessive and stubborn! They can be willful and demanding but are also agile and feisty and very loyal to their people. These variations underscore that the Miniature Pinscher is not a breed for everyone. The timid owner that isn’t willing to put the time to consistent training would be better off with a dog less likely to push every barrier put up. These little guys can last 15 years so be sure when you get one you are absolutely committed no matter what.

It takes just a moment for a Min Pin to get in serious trouble. Looking away for a minute while the Min Pin sees someone across the street but doesn’t see the oncoming car is just one of the dangers that lurk for these little guys.

Genetic issues that can affect Min Pins include patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, eye disease and invertebral disk disease. There is also indication of some vaccination allergic reactions.

Progressive retinal atrophy is an issue with some Min Pins and parents should be tested to insure health of the offspring. This is a disease that can lead to total blindness and especially for a bold and outgoing dog the world becomes a prison.

Invertebral disk disease affects both humans and dogs. In dogs it’s most often from jumping off of something. There might be paralysis of the hindquarters if the spinal cord is damaged. The nerves and spinal cord sometimes can take very little twisting or manipulation to create damage. For some dogs supervised swimming can be of benefit, under veterinary agreement, as it allows the limbs movement without bearing weight. Although more common in the long backed breeds such as dachshunds it can affect Min Pins as well.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease results from a degeneration of the hip joint. This can often initially be brushed aside as “growing pains.” When the blood supply to the femoral head is interrupted some of the bone cell die, and in time this affects how the hip fits into the joint, resulting in pain. It is believed to be hereditary but what gene isn’t certain.

For the most part the miniature pinscher is a healthy, very active dog that gives devotion in much larger amounts than his size might have you believe. They’re intelligent and pack a lot of dog into a small frame. From a grooming standpoint they are low maintenance; from a health standpoint they are generally very healthy. From a training standpoint they need an active owner who will truly take the lead and be worthy of their unwavering devotion. Balancing praise and discipline can be a difficult thing but this is a breed that NEEDS that time and training in order to be well adjusted and the best he can be. He deserves that and you deserve a dog that will give everything he’s got – which is also characteristic of the Miniature Pinscher!