The Miniature Pinscher, the “King of the Toy Breeds”, also known as the Min Pin, is a small dog breed in the Toy category. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher, refers to a classification of dogs bred as guards or to hunt vermin. Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. Zwerg, in German, means dwarf or midget, Pinscher, in German, means terrier. Although the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed due to its small size, its temperament is more like a terrier.
Although the Miniature Pinscher looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, it is not a “miniature Doberman.” The origins of the Min Pins are much older than the Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher appeared in paintings and sculpture several centuries ago. The Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring in 1919. At the time, unaware that it was officially known as the Zwergpinscher in Germany, the AKC referred to the breed simply as the Pinscher. In 1929, the breed was officially introduced to the AKC. Not knowing that it was a true Terrier breed, he decided to officially place it in the miniature breed classification. For conformation purposes, the description by the AKC that it “must appear as a miniature Doberman Pinscher” led to the misunderstanding still known today that this breed is a “miniature Doberman Pinscher” when in fact it is not even a miniature Doberman Pinscher. related. The Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman Pinscher do not share common ancestry. In 1836, Dr. Reichenbach, after years of studying the breed, determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth-haired Dachshund with an Italian Greyhound. The goal was to make a faster qualifier. This breed was primarily used on farms where open fields remained for a faster dog to chase rats and mice. The Min Pin was also used to hunt vermin in barns and farmhouse kitchens.
Typically, the Min Pin stands between 10 and 12.5 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 10 and 12 1/2 inches. The coat is short and smooth, with colors of red, deer red, black or chocolate with tan spots. Min Pins also come in a blue and beige coat. Blue coats can be registered with the AKC but cannot compete in show. Miniature Pinschers must have their tails docked and their ears cropped, although the AKC no longer requires their ears to be cropped for shows. The AKC standard specifies a high, reach, free, easy step in which the front leg moves forward and in front of the body and the foot is bent at the wrist. The dog leads smoothly and strongly from behind. The head and tail are carried high.
The Miniature Pinscher is a very energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise. These dogs enjoy agility training and attending competitions gives them a chance to shine. They are also prone to overeating and must monitor their diets to prevent them from becoming overweight. Due to its vermin-hunting instinct, special care should be taken to prevent a Min Pin from attacking small objects such as coins or small toys like Legos, as these could pose a choking hazard. The Min Pin is single coated, with no undercoat, making them primarily an indoor breed. Care must be taken in colder climates as the cloak provides virtually no insulation against the cold. Min Pins do not tolerate cold or wet weather well. Min Pin lives in a two-year state well into their senior years, which makes them very entertaining, but they can also be very frustrating. Your pup must attend obedience classes and you must be careful to keep track of every command. In most cases, they can be very difficult to train at home and require a lot of patience. Being an independent breed by nature, they prefer to initiate contact and generally do not do well if handled too much. This is where much of the misconception that the breed is a biter comes from. Making them not always the best breed for young children. Although the Min Pin is not necessarily mean to children, care should be taken in educating the child on proper handling and play. Although they are sturdy, they can be easily injured if children play roughly. They are quite fearless and can be overprotective. This breed does not see itself as a small dog but as a big dog and therefore can easily get into trouble. The Min Pin has a very strong protective attitude and guard instinct. They can be owned by a single person or largely suited to families. The Min Pin is very loyal and will alert its owner to any changes in the home environment. Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone as they are very curious, strong-willed and playful. Their owners must have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience. Considering that this breed is, in fact, a working breed, spoiling could cause the dog to become a tyrant. The Min Pin, by nature, can be stubborn, so anything that induces this will usually result in a more difficult dog to handle.
Grooming is easy, as the soft, short-haired coat requires little attention. They should be brushed with a firm bristle brush. Loose hair can be removed by wiping it with a warm, damp cloth. Min Pin’s is an average shedder. They have problems with nails that are too big. Be sure to check your Min Pin’s nails often.
Possessing refined elegance, stately appearance, style, grace, powerful bravery and a mischievous character, the Miniature Pinscher has earned the title “King of the Toy Breeds”. If the Miniature Pinscher suits your tastes, you may find it difficult to stop at just one.
