Dog picture taken by .bobby.

Dog picture taken by joshDubya.

Alissa sitting in her Bumbo Seat playing with Heni, our Miniature Pinscher. YES SHE IS AN AKC REGISTERED MIN PIN, PUREBRED!!! The baby was only about 3 months old people, it’s a little baby!! Hennessey our Min Pin was about 13 lbs here, she is on the large size, but not to the extremes of large breed dogs.

Dog picture taken by tanakawho.

Technically, there are many ways of housebreaking a miniature pinscher. Supposedly also, there should be only one successful ending. However, not all Min Pins have the same capacity and speed of learning. Some may take longer to learn their “business,” while others can take less than two weeks. This procedure is of course done best if the Min Pin is still very young. An older Min Pin can be housebroken in due time but only after a considerable period of learning.

The basic formula for housebreaking a miniature pinscher is: procedure, patience, praise and a lot of paper. Before we discuss some of the proven effective procedures for housebreaking a miniature pinscher, let us first discuss the other parts of the formula.

Housebreaking a miniature pinscher entails a great deal of patience. Its like potty training a child — you can’t expect it to perform properly with its first few tries. If your pet has an “accident,” do not punish it. And please, do not rub your dog’s nose in it. This archaic practice is so long phased out that it’s already considered maltreatment. You certainly do the same if your child has a similar accident — or at least, we should hope not. In any case, a forceful but quiet “No,” should suffice for the occasion as a verbal reprimand.

An essential tool for housebreaking your pet is praise. You should always praise or reward your dog if it performs a successful trip to the potty. This way, it associates a natural body function to a specified location, which it associates to something good. Fear is not an option for housebreaking any animal. In all likelihood, fear may even cause more “accidents” to happen. You need not reward you pet Min Pin everything he goes to the potty, but you are encouraged to at least praise it every time it does.

Some people use newspapers, other use potty pads — whatever you decide to use for your pet, make sure you have lots of it. Your pet will go through it like fire, and it does not make your life easier if you suddenly run out of paper to clean up doggy litter.

So now, let us tackle the different procedures. Different techniques work with different dogs regardless of the breed. Find one that best suits you and your pet — or if possible, create a technique that is of your own. When dogs perform their business, they tend to leave a scent mark on one particular spot. And then they tend to return to this spot every time they have to use the potty. You can actually use this natural tendency to your advantage.

One procedure is to create a doggy “bathroom” a space (for example, a corner of the yard) where he can do his business properly. Make sure that you include going to the doggy bathroom as part of your pet’s daily routine. If your dog keeps having “accidents” in the house, try placing potty paper where he is most likely to do the potty again. When it does, make sure you take the potty to the doggy bathroom. Gradually (and this may take weeks on end,) move your potty paper from inside the house to the doggy bathroom.

Sooner or later, when your Min Pin pet associates the paper with his natural bodily functions, you can dispense with the potty paper altogether. It is essential that you keep the dog bathroom accessible to your pet. A sudden change of “scenery” (so to speak) may only inconvenience you.

Other techniques of housebreaking a miniature pinscher include: using a litter box and using crates.

Every dog has a number of years that they will live happily in their home. Just like any other creature, the life expectancy for this specific breed of dog will vary according to their genetic make-up and what this means to the dog. For Miniature Pinschers, these same set of expectations apply. By knowing how long your dog might be expected to live, you can be sure to find the best ways to care for her.

On average, a Min Pin can be expected to live to be up to fifteen years old. If you’re considering getting a Miniature Pinscher, you should also expect to be committed to the dog for that amount of time. Of course, some people have been fortunate to have their special pets live to be up to nineteen. This is a rare case; however, and should not be part of the expectancy when you are deciding if this is the dog for you.

The most important thing to understanding the dog years is to know how to get your dog to live all fifteen years out happily. The most important part of this is making sure that they stay healthy. Feeding them right and providing them with daily nutrients is one way to ensure that your dog will have a fulfilled lifetime. Part of this health will also include your abilities to keep your dog exercising so he doesn’t get overweight. Being overweight can be a major cause for some Min Pins not achieving their full life expectancy. In general, Miniature Pinschers should weight an average of eight to eleven pounds, varying only by the height.

Just as people develop health conditions the older they get, so will your Miniature Pinscher. Some problems are easier to avoid than others. Some problems can be treated to lessen the symptoms. This includes your dog’s teeth.

Always keep an eye on their teeth. Helping your Miniature Pinscher keep his teeth clean by regular brushing, proper diet, and chew toys can be the single biggest gift you give him to help him lead a longer, fuller life. Bad teeth means bad breath, means bacteria, means infection, means bad blood, means your dog’s immune system and heart have to work a lot harder. So make sure to check your dog’s teeth regularly and to get him to the vet when you spot any problems.

More than the basics of health for a long life for Min Pins are the need to know what health issues are directly related to Min Pins. The most common cause of early loss with this type of dog is form type two diabetes. This is mostly related to overweight Min Pins that and unable to exercise as much as needed. If you want to help your Min Pin live longer life, try following some of the basics tips mentioned above.

Another less known fact relates to breeding. For female dogs, having a litter of puppies can be strenuous on their life span. As soon as they have been bred, and have had puppies, their body will begin to change at a faster rate. Hormone levels will alter first. Having a litter of puppies will also take a large amount of energy, which will in turn, cause the dog to age at a faster rate. If you want to breed a Min Pin, know that this will shorten her lifespan.

The life expectancy of a Min Pin, in dog years, is higher than many other dogs. As long as you keep your dog healthy and happy, you can expect to keep him around for a long time. Regular check-ups and daily attention to what your Min Pin needs is a simple way to ensure that he remains your companion for many years to come.

Miniature pinschers are very intelligent, fast-moving dogs and proper care should include a good leadership program and obedience training. Keep miniature pinschers warm in cold weather withhelp from a certified dog trainer in this free video on pet care and obedience. Expert: Nancy Frensley Contact: www.berkeleyhumane.org/ Bio: Nancy Frensley is a certified pet dog trainer. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

DogBarkings.com

DESCRIPTION

The Miniature Pinscher is a breed with sleek, clean lines, well muscled and compact in build, whilst small in stature.  They have square proportions and a clean-cut, well-chiseled frame.  The coat is short and hard, with a smoothness that lies tight to the body and covers the dog from head to toe.  The coat is easy to care for and is straight, coming in the colors: red (the most common), black and tan, or chocolate.  The dog belongs to the Toy group, yet despite being a small breed, it possesses sturdiness, with a well developed chest, powerful thighs and a unique, high-stepping gait.  The eyes of the Miniature Pinscher are dark, sometimes even black, with an oval appearance.  Tails are usually docked, however in some countries this process is now illegal (the United Kingdom is one of these), nevertheless the tails base is set high on the back.  Ears are also usually cropped (where allowed) and take on a triangular, erect shaped.  This helps to give the dog an alert and intelligent demeanor.  The muzzle of the Miniature Pinscher meets in a scissor bite and has surprising force for such a small dog.  The nose is black and finishes a muzzle in proportion to the rest of the body.  Their front legs are straight (dewclaws are normally removed), whilst their topline is level, or sloping slightly toward the rear.  They have small cat-like paws.  The high-stepping gate is also referred to as a hackney-like action and the Miniature Pinscher holds its head high and drives with power from the rear.

TEMPERAMENT

The Miniature Pinscher is an energetic, proud and lively breed of dog.  They have a hardiness and courage that defies their small stature and they retain much loyalty to their masters.  Proper leadership is a must in owning a sound and happy Miniature Pinscher.  It has been said that they do better with one or two owners although they are able to become part of families providing every member of the family is able to display an outranking of the dog within the home.  The first stage in ensuring a happy relationship with your Miniature Pinscher is early socialization as a puppy with other dogs, humans and children in particular.  Small dog Syndrome is a common occurrence with this breed as with many other Toy Breeds.  It is a result of humans allowing smaller dogs to take on the pack leader role, by not ensuring correct discipline and behavior.  It is more common in smaller dogs because there is a lesser feeling of immediate danger or concern when dealing with a far smaller animal.  Lets face it a German Shepherd barking loudly and looking aggressive is probably going to warrant a more concerned attitude than a Miniature Pinscher would.  Being a pack leader is a stressful job for a Miniature Pinscher in the human world and can lead to many unwanted behavior problems such as nipping or biting, persistent barking, dog aggression and suspicion toward strangers.  Having said this, the Miniature Pinscher if trained properly and given the correct leadership can be a highly intelligent and highly trainable breed of dog.  The Miniature Pinscher is also naturally territorial so it should be given a clearly defined place to sleep.  They are in fact very keen to learn and please once their pack role has been established.  If properly managed the Miniature Pinscher can make a fabulous and wonderful companion dog.

HEIGHT: Dogs 25-30cm (10-12inches), Bitches 25-28cm (10-11inches)
WEIGHT: Dogs 4-5kg (8-10lbs), Bitches 4kg (8-9lbs)

HEALTH

Generally a very hardy and healthy breed, Miniature Pinschers can suffer occasionally from heart defects, patella luxation, cervical dry disk, Legg-Perthes, hypothyroidism and mucopolysacharidosis, although these are very rare in comparison to other breeds.

LIVING CONDITIONS

The Miniature Pinscher being a Toy Breed is perfectly suitable for apartment life, despite being very active indoors.  They have an insatiable curiosity both outside and inside the home and so it is advisable that care should be taken with items such as bottle tops, as they may be a choking hazard.  They also love to escape and explore, so if allowed to run free in a yard, or back garden a high enough fence is needed to stop their determined efforts to escape.

EXERCISE

Play alone will not sufficiently deal with the Miniature Pinschers exercise requirements.  A daily walk is a must as it fulfills their instinctive need, as a dog, to walk.  Off leash play and running is also excellent providing you can safely control where the dog can or will go.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15+ years
LITTER SIZE: 2-6 Puppies

GROOMING

The Miniature Pinscher has an easy-to-care for coat which should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush from time  to time.  Shampoo only when necessary.  A warm damp cloth or chamois can be used to clean loose hairs and give the coat a nice shine.  Nails and ears should be clipped and cleaned respectively from time to time.  They are an average shedder.

HISTORY

Many people mistake the Miniature Pinscher as a descendant of the larger Doberman Pinscher, not least because of their similar appearance, albeit with a size difference.  However the breed is older than the Doberman Pinscher and is a result of the cross-breeding of several terrier-like dogs with other breeds, including, the German Pinscher, Dachshund and possibly the Italian Greyhound.  Its initial working role was as a ratter in horse stables, a job to which it excelled.  First depicted at the beginning of the 17th Century through sculpture and painting, the Miniature Pinscher only found its place in written documents about 200 years ago.  The main reason for the confusion between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinschers relationship, may stem from the 1930´s when the breed standard for the Miniature Pinscher stated that, the breed should resemble a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, when in fact the Doberman Pinscher was created in 1890 by Lois Doberman to resemble the Miniature Pinscher.  Thus it is the Doberman Pinscher that is named after the Miniature Pinscher and not the opposite.  The Miniature Pinscher was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1925, after coming to the United States in 1919.  Referred to as ´The King of the Toy Dogs´ the breed is a regular at dog shows and is one of the most popular breeds in the US today.

Original article with pics and more – Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers are great dogs. If you want to know how to potty train a Min Pin or are looking for Mini Pinscher training, you’ve come to the right place.You can learn more about Min Pins at www.My-Miniature-Pinscher.com

The Miniature Pinscher has a bright personality and makes a clever and charming

companion. They are also called Mini-Pins and they are one of the most energetic small dog breeds.

This breed was developed in Germany and thought to be a cross between a Dachshund and an Italian Greyhound. Their original use was to keep the rat population down in the stables.

Their well-balanced bodies are compact, muscular and square. The Miniature Pinscher has a high-stepping gait that is hard to resist. They have dark, bright and oval eyes.

Their coat is short, smooth and hard. Typically, their coats come in black, brown, red, blue chocolate or a combination.

These little dogs are only 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 8-10 pounds.

Miniature Pinschers are easy to groom. You just need to brush them with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Otherwise, wash loose hairs with warm, damp washcloth. They are an average shedder. Their teeth need to be cleaned and checked often. Cut toenails every two weeks. They do need to be protected from the cold.

Some of the characteristics of these dogs that make them good pets include: lively, self-assured, alert, playful and intelligent.

These fun-loving extroverts make good family pets and excellent companions. They may be aggressive but generally good with children if not pestered. They cannot withstand rough and tumble play with children because they are not sturdy enough. Do well with older well-behaved children. The Miniature Pinscher needs to be near people not left alone for long periods of time. They are loyal to their owners. They love to snuggle with their owners and sleep under the covers.

They can be very aggressive with other dogs but generally good with other household pets.

Now on the other side they can be cantankerous, fearless, intensely courageous, full of vim and vigor and intensely curious. They have high energy and like to bark. They are a big dog in a little dog’s body! Therefore, this breed needs a special kind of owner and an experienced one.

A sideline here: If they do bark a lot, it is generally traced to boredom and loneliness.

The Miniature Pinscher needs to be properly socialized so take him to classes where he can meet other people and dogs. They learn easily and well learn fast to obey you because they want to please you. When they are properly socialized and well cared for they have an outgoing, playful personality and are a delight to own. This breed has high energy and do not get worn out like other toy breeds, they do need exercise and to run and play. They can live in the city or country as long as they have a yard or you take them on walks.

If you have a yard for them you need to find any hole or opening that your hand can go through because they can get very easily through a hole that small. If you use an exercise pen, you need a lid on it because they can leap out in the blink of an eye and disappear very quickly.

You also need to check your house screens and windows to be sure everything is secure so they cannot escape.

They are so curious, love to investigate everything, and will go to great lengths to do it. They will escape whenever possible!

This breed is prone to:

Patella luxation

Eye problems

Not all Miniature Pinschers are categorically the same. You can have an energetic Min Pin and then there are placid Min Pins. There are extroverted Mini Pinschers and then there are introverted ones. There are serious Min Pins and then there are the seriously off-beat goof balls who cannot sit still for one stitch of proper miniature pinscher training.

When it comes to miniature pinscher training, dog trainers are often at a loss on what to do with these little rascals. Some pet owners find this breed too tiny (or too cute) to be subjected to any form of training, which makes the dog more difficult to manage (if they can be managed at all) in the end. Some Min Pins even suffer from the Little Napoleon syndrome: a tyrannical behavioral problem that causes the dog to bark excessively, to attack people (or other dogs) even when unprovoked and to be physically destructive to any and all things in the house.

If you are subjecting your dog (and yourself) to miniature pinscher training, you must first remember a few basic characteristics of your pet. Such a dog can be energetic to a point of insanity. They are extremely athletic, agile and can move very quickly with its prancing gait. Its small size is in complete reciprocal to its fearless spirit; some first time Min Pin handlers even find the dog a bit too assertive or feisty.

This is a breed that will definitely not spend most of its time snoozing placidly on your lap. In fact, you can consider yourself extremely blessed if your dog manages to sit still for one whole minute during training. Also, the Min Pin is an inquisitive animal, literally poking its nose into trouble. On the other hand, they make excellent watchdogs because they are alert, sensitive to their surroundings and bear residues of being territorial.

In miniature pinscher training, pet owners must provide their pets enough physical activity and mental stimulation; not to mention enough space to run around. These dogs need to expend their energy in some constructive manner. They are notorious for destroying anything when they become bored or agitated. They also become increasingly noisy and often fall into excessive barking. Miniature pinscher training may take the form of obedience classes or agility classes.

Desensitization is also part of miniature pinscher training. Min Pins are generally suspicious in nature, which makes them excellent watch dogs in their own way. Unfortunately, this trait may also translate to aggressive displays towards people and animals. In fact, this dynamo is even known to run after its perceived “enemy” because its chasing instincts are still very strong — a drawback to its ancestors who were bred to chase after vermin in the fields of Germany.

This chasing instinct may also work in reverse manner. When the Min Pins feel threatened or bored or simply naughty, they will make you chase them for hours on end. These dogs are extremely sharp-witted and all your attempts to pacify it will be in vain.

Unless, controlled early on, the Min Pins will react with aggression towards any unfamiliar stimuli in its environment. That is why it is essential desensitization in miniature pinscher training is essential.

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!

Dog picture taken by endless lazlo.

Dog picture taken by levantarmialma.

If you own a Miniature Pinscher, you’re probably well aware of some of the characteristics that are attributed to this great dog. The various ways in which they communicate and act not only reveals a lot about the type of dog they are, but also gives some insight into the background of the dogs. If you really want to understand where your Min Pin is coming from, knowing the history is the place to begin.

The breed of Miniature Pinschers was first developed in Germany in the 1830s. They were bred with German Pinschers, Manchesters, and Dachshunds in order to give them specific characteristics as a working dog as well as companion. They became so popular so quickly, that they were soon known as the king of toy breeds, a name they still carry today.

The idea behind Min Pins was to create a smaller breed of dog, mostly to be used on ships to catch vermin. As most would think, it would be better to use cats for this purpose. However, the cats that were used were not able to go onto the ships because of the way the wood from the decks affected them. The best solution was to breed a smaller dog that could take the place of the cats. When the changes in the dogs began to be made the breeders went after two things: a smaller size and a high amount of energy to help out on the boats.

The Miniature Pinschers quickly grew into a companion dog as well as a hunter of vermin. The size of the Min Pins became attractive to the women in Germany, as most saw them as good house companions as well as hunters. Because of this secondary thought, the dogs quickly moved into being bred to become even smaller in size. This is where the dogs were bred with Dachshunds in order to create a red color and small structure to the Min Pins. Of course, the concept of having a smaller dog is just as attractive to men now as it was to women then. Miniature Pinschers are known to have characteristics including being a more fearless and energetic dog, something that many men may like in a smaller dog.

These are the origins which have allowed Miniature Pinschers to gain some of their major attributes that some may notice today. The first of these attributes is that Min Pins are loyal companions to their owners, even more so than some other dogs. The second is that these dogs were bred in order to find and catch vermin, meaning that they will chase smaller animals and have also gained the attribute of being able to dig in order to find the rodents. This also means that your Miniature Pinscher has a higher amount of energy and will most likely need something to do even beyond the walks that you want to take them on.

Even though the Miniature Pinscher breed was created by combining breeds and ideas from men, these dogs have achieved some of the greatest attributes of dogs. If you like a higher energy animal and are also interested in one that you know will stay by your side as a companion, then Min Pins are the way to go. The beginnings of these dogs and how they came about has led to their greatness.

4 week old Min pin puppy “Duke”

Many people who are shopping for a small dog do not want a dog that is a purse dog, or a dog that is carried around a pampered. Perhaps you are seeking a small dog because you have a small home, yet you want a dog with some spunk. If you are looking for a little dog with a big attitude, then a Miniature Pinscher might be the right kind of dog for you.

As with any breed, however, you should know something about these dogs before you purchase one. No matter how cute they are, Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone! First, many people mistakenly assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a small version of a Doberman Pinscher. While these dogs do resemble Dobermans, they are not the same breed. These dogs are called Pinschers simply because of the way they hunt. In German pinscher means biter, and these little dogs will jump on and bite their prey when hunting. Of course, if the dogs are not well trained, you might just become their prey. Which brings up another interesting point about the breed. Miniature Pinschers require disciplined training if they are going to be good pets. These dogs have an inherently large supply of energy and can be ferocious when provoked.

Miniature Pinschers are best trained through firm, persistent, and calm training methods. The most important things to teach your new dog are how to come when called, how to walk on a leash, and how to stand still on a table, as they will need to do this at the vet’s office. Part of what makes it so essential to train these dogs is the breed’s temperament. The breed standard describes the temperament as having a fearless animation, complete self-possession, and spirited presence. This sounds quite engaging, but to those who do not know the dog’s temperament before purchasing one, this definition can lead to disaster. See, many people purchase small dogs because they want a lap dog.

The Miniature Pinscher is no lap dog. In fact, if you pamper these pooches, they will become domineering tyrants in your home. These dogs are amazing escape artists! They can get out of just about any confined space, so it is essential that the owner has a room in the home where the dog can be confined when not under supervision. This room should be free of small objects that the dog could choke on. These dogs should not be allowed outside without supervision, as they can easily escape from just about any fenced yard. Miniature Pinschers may seem like a good dog for children because of their small size, they cannot withstand the roughness that small children tend to dish out. The breed is particularly hardy, but these dogs have tiny bones that can fracture if they are handled too roughly.

They usually get along fine with older children, however. Beyond that, though, the dogs have few inherited psychical problems. The Miniature Pinscher’s coat requires little care, and the dog should not be bathed too often as this can dry the skin. Yes, Miniature Pinschers can be a handful to care for and train, but most owners will say that the joy they receive from their tiny dogs far outweighs any inconvenience that comes from the high energy levels. These dogs are natural comedians. If you want a companion that will constantly entertain you with his interactions with the world around him, then give serious consideration to owning a Miniature Pinscher. These dogs are incredibly curious and need plenty of activity in their lives.

If you do not keep them active, they will find a way to stay active, often to the degradation of your favorite plant, socks, or piece of furniture. However, if you live an active life and have time for a fun-loving little dog, then a Miniature Pinscher is a good option for you!

In its native Germany the Miniature Pinscher is called the Zwergpinscher (dwarf pinscher) or the Reh Pinscher after the small roe deer of the same name. In the United States it is usually called the Minpin.

The Miniature Pinscher’s ancestors were bred in Scandinavia. It looks like a miniature Doberman Pinscher, but was actually bred in Scandinavia about a century before the Doberman. The two breeds are not related. Ancestors of the Miniature Pinscher were probably small German pinschers (terriers) and possibly Scandinavian Klein pinschers. Some writers think the gene pool included the Italian Greyhound. The breed was developed in Germany during the nineteenth century. By 1895 selective breeding produced what we recognize today as the Miniature Pinscher.

In 1895 the German Pinscher Club was formed. In the United States the American Miniature Pinscher club was formed in 1925. The AKC recognized the bred in 1929.

The Miniature Pinscher was bred from terriers for use as ratters and barking alarm dogs. The Miniature Pinscher’s current function is probably just taking care of its family. It is popular in apartments and condos of the big cities because of its size, personality and cleanliness.

Personality

The Miniature Pinscher is energetic, lively and serious. He is quite courageous and is extremely loyal. The Miniature Pinscher’s main desire is to please its handler, owner or friend. He will perform almost any feat to prove it.

The Miniature Pinscher gets along fairly well with other small house pets. He loves the family children providing they respect him and do not try to carry him around and lift him up. Its original breeding as an alarm dog causes the Miniature Pinscher to be quite a “barker,” which sometimes needs to be controlled before it becomes a vice. He is an independent little dog and normally suspicious of strangers, which is also a part of his original breeding purpose as a guard dog. Early exposure and training can help reduce this characteristic.

The Miniature Pinscher is intelligent and a good student during training times. He has the capacity to learn much more than is taught to the average toy breed. Despite the tiny stature of the Miniature Pinscher he acts much like his terrier ancestors and is usually quite at home supervising the family and watching out for them. The Miniature Pinscher is not a lapdog.

Appearance

The Miniature Pinscher stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weights about 8 to 10 pounds. He is muscular, smooth and clean-lined. His naturally erect ears may be cropped. The Miniature Pinscher usually has dark almond eyes with an intelligent expression. The coat is slick and glossy. The colors are black and tan, solid red and red intermingled with black hairs.

Grooming Requirements

The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming. The coat is close to the body. He is easy to maintain. Regular brushing using a sisal brush or a bristle brush and a hound glove will to keep the Miniature Pinscher in tiptop condition. Brushing several times a week will keep the coat and skin in good condition. The user of a velvet pad will make the coat more beautiful.

Bailey being her cute self =)

Dog picture taken by Nevada Tumbleweed.