Description:
The Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin is the most active and lively of all the toy dog breeds. Min Pins are fairly sturdy but look sleek and elegant and move with a high-stepping confident gait. This toy dog has a narrow head with natural floppy ears that are usually cropped to stand erect while the tail is always docked. The Min Pin’s coat is short, smooth and lustrous. Colors can be: solid red; solid chocolate-brown; black with rust markings; or chocolate-brown with rust markings. The Min Pin stands 10 to 12 inches tall at shoulder height and weighs 8 to 12 pounds. Miniature Pinchers are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group
History:
A small Pinscher existed in Germany for centuries before the Min Pin evolved as a separate breed in the late 19th century. The word “pinscher” in German means “terrier” and the breed was developed to hunt rats. Today the Min Pin is prized as a watch dog and companion dog. This popular toy dog was ranked 21st out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.
Temperament:
Miniature Pinschers are full of energy, alert, loyal, intelligent and very courageous for their size. Min Pins think they are much larger than their toy size and can be aggressive towards other dogs. These toy dogs can be stubborn and need lots of early socialisation and obedience training while puppies. However, these dogs are intelligent and can be trained if you are patient. The Min Pin doesn’t like rough handling and could bite small children or toddlers that are too rough with it. The breed does fine with older considerate children and household pets. Min Pins, like all toy dogs, are difficult to housetrain. This toy breed loves to cuddle and hide under a blanket in your bed. Outdoors, this toy breed should be on a leash or in a securely fenced yard as they can disappear quickly. Min Pins do not like strangers or strange dogs and make very good watchdogs. Min Pins need firm handling and therefore do best with experienced
owners.
Exercise:
Miniature Pinschers will meet most of their exercise requirements through playing indoors. Min Pins make good apartment dogs when properly trained. This toy breed likes to go on walks and should be kept on a leash with harness or wide collar. They are sensitive to cold and should wear a sweater in cold weather.
Grooming:
The Min Pin doesn’t require much grooming beyond wiping with a damp cloth to shine up the coat. This breed is a light to moderate shedder. During shedding season, use a rubber brush to remove loose hair.
Health Considerations:
Min Pins can be expected to live for 13 to 15 years and are generally very healthy. Some health concerns include joint problems and eye diseases (retinal atrophy).
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