The History of the Miniature Pinscher
Pinscher is a German word for "terrier." Although it is known that the Miniature Pinscher was developed in Germany, the breed's origins are unclear. The first recorded hint of it appears in a 17th-century painting, which shows a cat-sized red dog resembling the modern animal. Not a relative of the famed Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher is, in fact, the older breed. Consensus holds that the Miniature Pinscher results from crosses between the German Pinscher, the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Originally a ratter, the Miniature Pinscher has vitality to spare: from the German Pinscher, it has feistiness; from the Dachshund, it has fearlessness; from the Italian Greyhound, it has playful speed and grace. Some people consider the Miniature Pinscher to be the world's liveliest breed of dog. By the early 19th century, it was developed into a distinct breed named the Reh Pinscher because it was reminiscent of a little red German roe (reh) deer. In the late 1800s, breeders became so focused on reducing the dog's size that they produced deformed and unattractive animals. By 1900, however, this misstep was recovered. Healthy and elegant once more, the Miniature Pinscher became a popular competitor in German dog shows. Following World War I, its popularity fell in Germany but rose in America. The AKC recognized the Miniature Pinscher in 1929. Today in America, the Mini Pin, nicknamed "the king of toys," is a highly popular toy breed.
General Appearance
The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. He/She naturally is well groomed, proud, vigorous and alert. Characteristic traits are his/her hackney-like action, fearless animation, complete self-possession, and his/her spirited presence. Size -10 to 12½ inches in height allowed, with desired height 11 to 11½ inches measured at highest point of the shoulder blades. Disqualification - Under 10 inches or over 12½ inches in height. Length of males equals height at withers. Females may be slightly longer.
Temperament
This proud little dog is often referred to as "The King of Toys". The Miniature Pinscher is an assertive, outgoing, active and independent breed. Fearless animation, complete self-possession, and spirited presence describe the Miniature Pinscher to a T. They can be incredible escape artists, hard to housebreak and obedience train, but in the right home, with the proper training, they can be the best companion dog you have ever owned. Loving, affectionate and playful, the Miniature Pinscher makes its own rules, but will bend to yours if treated with affection and care. Min Pins do well on a farm or in the city. As long as they are given plenty of walks, they are happy anywhere their owners are. Although this is a toy breed, they are far from a sissy breed! On a farm the Pin will try to chase rats, mice and small varmint. Be very careful with your Min Pin. If they are off lead, they will chase anything that runs, or just run for the fun of it. You will find the Min Pin to be fearless, animated, and intensely curious and always full of vim and vigor. Because of their high energy levels and inquisitiveness, the Min Pin bears close watching. They need to investigate everything and will go to great lengths to do so, which includes being "escape artists". You should find dynamite in a small package or something is wrong. Rarely does anyone own "just one", as they seem to grow on you and accumulate. Plan to spend many a night when you turn off the TV because your Min Pins are putting on a much better, and funnier, show. A Miniature Pincher who is well cared for and properly socialized is a delight to own and will live well into its teens. This is a very long-term commitment that can be consummately rewarding if the decision is informed and well thought out. Min Pins love to snuggle with their people. They will burrow under covers to go to sleep. They are great for active adult homes. Older Pins love to be lap warmers for elderly folks. They thrive on human interaction: obedience, lap sitting, agility, walks, anything that keeps them near their people. Min Pins are not dogs that do well left alone for long periods of time. Hopefully the information provided here will enable you to decide if the "King of Toys" is meant to "Rule" in your home, and act as the resident "Court Jester" more often than not.
Activity Requirements
Min Pins are small, which makes them excellent for apartment and condo life, but they should be taken for daily walks and allowed to run once or twice per week. Min Pins are often high-strung to begin with, so allowing them to burn off as much energy as possible can keep their temperaments in check.
A good activity to engage in with a Min Pin is agility, Novice Rally or Barn Hunt. Once leadership is established, Min Pins are highly trainable, and take well to the agility course. Min Pins will enjoy the exercise and he/she will eat up the time spent with his/her favorite person.
How easy is training and house training with this breed?
Min Pins like to be in charge, so training them can be a challenge. This Breed is very stubborn but wants to please. Because they are so tiny and lovable, many owners find it difficult to set boundaries with their Min Pin. This is a huge mistake. Min Pins have a reputation for being high strung, but if trained properly with a consistent leader, they can be very obedient animals. Training should be conducted in small spurts, to keep your Min Pin interested and to ensure your patience-level is always at its highest. Positive reinforcement and treats are the best method for training, and they will not respond well to discipline or harsh treatment. Just when you think your Min Pin has things down pat, he will start to test your boundaries. Consistency is of the utmost importance in raising a well-behaved Miniature Pinscher. If you give these little dogs an inch, they will absolutely take a mile. Once they learn something(good or bad), it is in their mind forever. They make great obedience dogs and agility dogs. Because of their high energy, they do not get worn out like some other Toy breeds. A lot of Toy breed owners choose to pee/potty pad train their small dogs. This saves the owner going outside at 2 AM or in the snow. Because of the natural tendency of the Miniature Pinscher to investigate everything, it is absolutely essential that protective measures be taken in several areas. First, do not leave small objects laying on tabletops where your Min Pin can get to them. This includes paper clips, coins, lipstick, pens, etc. Be scrupulously careful to never leave any medication out and be sure to retrieve any pill or capsule you may ever drop on the floor. Otherwise you may quickly find yourself in the emergency room of your veterinarian, with your Min Pin who found it first. Secondly, you must go over every inch of any yard or outdoor space your Min Pin will have access to. If you find any hole or opening big enough to put your hand through, your Min Pin will find a way to fit through also. Fix it immediately. Additionally, make sure that any doors or windows in your home which open onto an area other than your secured yard have an extra screen, beyond what you normally have. Nothing is sadder than losing a Min Pin because he or she slipped out under your legs while you were signing for a package.
Is this breed good with children?
Children and dogs should never be left alone and unattended, even for a moment. Young children do not have proper dog etiquette, and dogs do not understand a child's behavior. This can result in tragedy with any breed of dog. Like children, each dog is different in personality, energy and patience levels. So, each dog and child relationship should be considered individually. Some Min Pins can be good with children, if the children are mature enough to be good with dogs! While this is a Toy breed, they are not toys. While Min Pins will tolerate a certain amount of attention from a child, grabbing, pinching, sudden moves and aggressiveness will be met with defensive reactions. If the Miniature Pinscher is raised around children who treat them in a gentle way and are taught responsible dog ownership, they will adore children. However, if children are allowed to grab at them, hit them or treat them roughly in any way, the Min Pin will run from or bite a child. It is important to realize that even as a full grown adult, the Miniature Pinscher is a very small dog. The wrong type of play and handling can easily result in broken bones and worse. Even though the Min Pin is a bundle of energy and will bounce from sofa to chair to floor to bed...dropping one from that same sofa can easily result in unnecessary injury. Always let the Min Pin approach the child, not the other way around and you should have a wonderful companion. Patience, love and good old common sense make a great recipe for raising a Miniature Pinscher with children or adults.
Socializing this breed
Socializing this breed is very important. Like most dogs, the Miniature Pinscher should be exposed to a wide variety of fun outing experiences while safely on lead. You do need watch this little "King of Toys" carefully around other dogs. They think they are big dogs and they can get themselves into trouble. Once the Min Pin is socialized it loves to play with other dogs! Small breed dogs should be carried up out of harms way when your out around unknown large dogs to prevent injury. If socialized properly, they should have a very outgoing, playful personality. Take your dog out in public as often as you can. Pet stores are great for this. If your dog is fearful, take a pocket full of your dog's favorite treats. Let the public give your dog a treat. The more you take your dog out and let them meet new people, the better dog you will have. The "Little King of the Toy" is always looking for willing new subjects to love and adore it.
Health
Some of the breed's major problems are patellar luxation, cervical (dry) disc, legg-calve perthes, epilepsy, thyroid, heart defects and eye problems in varying degrees of severity. There are more problems but these are the major concern at this time. The Min Pin is prone to obesity if not regularly exercised and is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures.