Miniature Pinscher - Min Pin
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic by Miniature Pinscher Rescue SA and details below. If you are considering getting a dog, please do consider rescue first and foremost. If link to rescue not in your area, please do search for other rescue closer to you. https://miniaturepinscher.rescueme.org/za
The Miniature Pinscher (sometimes called the "King of Toys") originated in Germany and was known as a zwergpinscher. Historical artifacts and paintings indicate that the Min Pin is a very old breed, but factual documentation begins less than 200 years ago, which leaves the breed's actual origins open to debate. The breed's earliest ancestors may have been a mix of Italian greyhounds, dachshunds and the shorthaired German Pinscher.
"Pinscher" means "Terrier" in German, they were bred on farms to keep the rats from the store rooms - being small, they could get into the places where rats took refuge. Some have the black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, and for these reasons they resemble a miniature Doberman - most likely because both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman both were developed from the German Pinscher. In truth the Min Pin is a separate, and much older breed.
The Miniature Pinscher is a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. The short, smooth, hard coat lies close to the body and colours include black with rust markings, chocolate with tan, red and stag red (red with black hairs).
Personality
There's good reason the Min Pin is called the King of Toys, they are hardy little dogs who are proud, courageous, vigorous, lively, alert and brave. They are assertive, outgoing, active, independent, loyal, Intelligent and spirited with high nonstop energy
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Miniature Pinscher will adapt to any living arrangement from a farm to an apartment, they are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However due to their short coats they get cold easily so care must be taken in cold weather. They make ideal companions to almost anyone from singles to families to the elderly.
Min Pins are extremely curious, they will investigate everything and, if they are not watched closely, can get themselves into trouble. It is similar to living with a toddler who needs constant supervision and when you aren't supervising, they should be securely tucked away in a crate (crate training is highly recommended). Because of their terrier side they will hunt down small objects (keys, coins, kids' toys, and so forth) and chew them, which can lead to them choking. Medication can be a serious issue, because the Min Pin will find and ingest any pills that accidently drop to the floor. By giving them save toys and activities you can manage this by satisfying their inquisitive side.
It is also very important to go over your yard and fencing with a fine-toothed comb, look for and fix any hole or opening (if your hand can fit through it, so can your Min Pin). Make sure all doors and windows, and their screens, are sturdy and secure as well. They are escape artists of note (they are known as the "Houdini of the dog world"), they will find a weak places in the fencing or dash out the front door while you sign for a package. You have to be on your guard to keep this breed safe.
This breed is deeply loyal, protective, alert and wary of strangers; this makes then excellent watchdogs. They will bark loudly at anything that seems to present a danger, and will take a challenging stance to face it. However, if left unchecked some can develop a tendency to bark too much at times, but with training this can be controlled.
The Min Pin has endless, non-stop energy - you will never find them lounging about. Because of this they need lots of exercise both inside and outside the home. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, they love to chase, play with and chew things. But they need daily walks; on leash to prevent them from chasing after small animals or thing that moves. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Make sure any yard in which they can run loose has a fence high enough to prevent their determined efforts to escape and explore. Another way of exercising them both physically as well as mentally is to take part in competitive obedience and agility.
The Min Pin needs early socialization as puppies to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. Like any dog, they can become timid or quarrelsome if not properly socialized.
Like a lot of small breeds the Min Pin is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming demanding, headstrong, protective, aggressive towards other dogs, suspicious of strangers and bark excessively. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
This breed is not a good choice for first-time dog owners or even if you're an experienced dog owner but you're new to the breed. Their energy and intelligence can catch their owner off guard and without proper training and supervision, they can quickly become a tyrant in the household. While you certainly don't want to rule with an iron fist, you must establish firm leadership. If well trained and socialized they are affectionate and loving dogs that love to entertain, and will often play the class clown in order to get the attention they want.
In a nutshell, a Min Pin is for you if you:
"Pinscher" means "Terrier" in German, they were bred on farms to keep the rats from the store rooms - being small, they could get into the places where rats took refuge. Some have the black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, and for these reasons they resemble a miniature Doberman - most likely because both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman both were developed from the German Pinscher. In truth the Min Pin is a separate, and much older breed.
The Miniature Pinscher is a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. The short, smooth, hard coat lies close to the body and colours include black with rust markings, chocolate with tan, red and stag red (red with black hairs).
Personality
There's good reason the Min Pin is called the King of Toys, they are hardy little dogs who are proud, courageous, vigorous, lively, alert and brave. They are assertive, outgoing, active, independent, loyal, Intelligent and spirited with high nonstop energy
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Miniature Pinscher will adapt to any living arrangement from a farm to an apartment, they are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However due to their short coats they get cold easily so care must be taken in cold weather. They make ideal companions to almost anyone from singles to families to the elderly.
Min Pins are extremely curious, they will investigate everything and, if they are not watched closely, can get themselves into trouble. It is similar to living with a toddler who needs constant supervision and when you aren't supervising, they should be securely tucked away in a crate (crate training is highly recommended). Because of their terrier side they will hunt down small objects (keys, coins, kids' toys, and so forth) and chew them, which can lead to them choking. Medication can be a serious issue, because the Min Pin will find and ingest any pills that accidently drop to the floor. By giving them save toys and activities you can manage this by satisfying their inquisitive side.
It is also very important to go over your yard and fencing with a fine-toothed comb, look for and fix any hole or opening (if your hand can fit through it, so can your Min Pin). Make sure all doors and windows, and their screens, are sturdy and secure as well. They are escape artists of note (they are known as the "Houdini of the dog world"), they will find a weak places in the fencing or dash out the front door while you sign for a package. You have to be on your guard to keep this breed safe.
This breed is deeply loyal, protective, alert and wary of strangers; this makes then excellent watchdogs. They will bark loudly at anything that seems to present a danger, and will take a challenging stance to face it. However, if left unchecked some can develop a tendency to bark too much at times, but with training this can be controlled.
The Min Pin has endless, non-stop energy - you will never find them lounging about. Because of this they need lots of exercise both inside and outside the home. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, they love to chase, play with and chew things. But they need daily walks; on leash to prevent them from chasing after small animals or thing that moves. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Make sure any yard in which they can run loose has a fence high enough to prevent their determined efforts to escape and explore. Another way of exercising them both physically as well as mentally is to take part in competitive obedience and agility.
The Min Pin needs early socialization as puppies to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. Like any dog, they can become timid or quarrelsome if not properly socialized.
Like a lot of small breeds the Min Pin is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming demanding, headstrong, protective, aggressive towards other dogs, suspicious of strangers and bark excessively. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
This breed is not a good choice for first-time dog owners or even if you're an experienced dog owner but you're new to the breed. Their energy and intelligence can catch their owner off guard and without proper training and supervision, they can quickly become a tyrant in the household. While you certainly don't want to rule with an iron fist, you must establish firm leadership. If well trained and socialized they are affectionate and loving dogs that love to entertain, and will often play the class clown in order to get the attention they want.
In a nutshell, a Min Pin is for you if you:
- Appreciate an elegant-looking dog with attitude
- Are an experienced dog owner and know how to be firm
- Don’t mind having a ‘toddler’ in the house for 15 years or more, they need constant supervision
- Don’t want a ‘couch potato’ dog
- Are willing to spend time and money on socializing an training them
- Want a dog that will go anywhere and do anything with you
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Miniature Pinscher?
The best breed to get with a Min Pin would be a smaller breed so they are about the same size, you can look at breeds like Chihuahua, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Whippet, another Min Pim (of course), etc.
If you are looking for a bigger dog it is best to get a calmer, easy-going breed as larger more playful dogs can accidently hurt the Min Pin. Look at breeds like a Gray Hound, Great Dane, Labrador (once they calm down after their boisterous teen years), Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
The level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups, they are naturally cautious and can be aggressive towards other dogs but with proper socialization they can get along great with other dogs and even cats (as long as the cat doesn’t run away - to which the dog will chase). However because they were originally bred to hunt vermin, they are not well suited to homes with small mammals (rats, rabbits, etc) as they may perceives them as prey to chase and kill.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Miniature Pinscher?
The best breed to get with a Min Pin would be a smaller breed so they are about the same size, you can look at breeds like Chihuahua, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Whippet, another Min Pim (of course), etc.
If you are looking for a bigger dog it is best to get a calmer, easy-going breed as larger more playful dogs can accidently hurt the Min Pin. Look at breeds like a Gray Hound, Great Dane, Labrador (once they calm down after their boisterous teen years), Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
The level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups, they are naturally cautious and can be aggressive towards other dogs but with proper socialization they can get along great with other dogs and even cats (as long as the cat doesn’t run away - to which the dog will chase). However because they were originally bred to hunt vermin, they are not well suited to homes with small mammals (rats, rabbits, etc) as they may perceives them as prey to chase and kill.
Are they good with children?
Miniature Pinschers will adore children and make a trustworthy companion if they are treated carefully and kindly. However, if children grab or treat them roughly, even accidentally, they will defend themselves by biting. For this reason they are best suited for older children who will understand to handle them correctly. Never leave then unsupervised with toddlers or young children.
They tend to be distant and aloof with strangers, and generally not very friendly to people outside their family. They can be independent and defensive, and will nip at both children and adults if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Min Pins are relatively easy to train, they love learning and seem to understand and obey commands very quickly. They don’t do well with aggressive/rough training (they will nip); training should be persistent, positive, and gentle.
However, they do need a firm hand and if you are at all unsure it is best to work with a trainer who has experience teaching these vivacious dogs.
They can be quite difficult to housebreak, greatly because their puddles are so small it can easily be overlooked and the dog may get the idea that you are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs indoors.
Crate training is very important and highly recommended for your own sanity as well as your dogs safety. When you can’t supervise them, they can be securely tucked away in a crate. This will also help with house training them.
Grooming
Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to groom, since they keep themselves neat and don’t shed a lot.
They only need brushing every few days to keep their sleek coat shiny. Frequent bathing is not recommended because it dries the skin, instead simply wet a washcloth with warm water and wipe the coat down.
Other grooming requirements include brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it and to trim their nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Min Pins are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions including:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This malady involves the hip joint, and many toy breeds are prone. If your Miniature Pinscher has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, usually occur when puppies are four to six months old. Surgery can correct the condition, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy.
Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition that's often, but not always, inherited. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior (such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding) or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis (especially since seizures can have other causes) and treatment.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
Some other conditions that can occur are obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and von Willebrand's disease.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Interesting Facts
Miniature Pinschers will adore children and make a trustworthy companion if they are treated carefully and kindly. However, if children grab or treat them roughly, even accidentally, they will defend themselves by biting. For this reason they are best suited for older children who will understand to handle them correctly. Never leave then unsupervised with toddlers or young children.
They tend to be distant and aloof with strangers, and generally not very friendly to people outside their family. They can be independent and defensive, and will nip at both children and adults if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Min Pins are relatively easy to train, they love learning and seem to understand and obey commands very quickly. They don’t do well with aggressive/rough training (they will nip); training should be persistent, positive, and gentle.
However, they do need a firm hand and if you are at all unsure it is best to work with a trainer who has experience teaching these vivacious dogs.
They can be quite difficult to housebreak, greatly because their puddles are so small it can easily be overlooked and the dog may get the idea that you are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs indoors.
Crate training is very important and highly recommended for your own sanity as well as your dogs safety. When you can’t supervise them, they can be securely tucked away in a crate. This will also help with house training them.
Grooming
Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to groom, since they keep themselves neat and don’t shed a lot.
They only need brushing every few days to keep their sleek coat shiny. Frequent bathing is not recommended because it dries the skin, instead simply wet a washcloth with warm water and wipe the coat down.
Other grooming requirements include brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it and to trim their nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Min Pins are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions including:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This malady involves the hip joint, and many toy breeds are prone. If your Miniature Pinscher has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, usually occur when puppies are four to six months old. Surgery can correct the condition, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy.
Epilepsy: This is a neurological condition that's often, but not always, inherited. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior (such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding) or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. It's important to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis (especially since seizures can have other causes) and treatment.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
Some other conditions that can occur are obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and von Willebrand's disease.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 15 or more years.
Interesting Facts
- In Germany (their country of origin), they are called Zwergpinscher. “Pinscher” refers to dogs who were bred as guardians or to hunt vermin, and “zwerg” means "dwarf" or "midget."
- Miniature Pinschers have a distinctive gait called the "hackney gait," much like the horses.
- Joey Fatone from 'Nsync owns a Miniature Pinscher called Nakita
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pinscher.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Pinscher
http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Miniature_Pinscher
http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/miniature-pinscher
Do’s
- Get them a sweater or coat when you take him outside in really cold weather, they are very sensitive to cold
- Crate train your Min Pin for those time that you can’t supervise them.
- Socialize an train them from puppy stage
- Ensure the yard/house is escape proof
- Give them lots of exercise, toys and activities to keep them from getting up to mischief
Don’ts
- Leave them unsupervised with toddlers, they can be easily injured by roughhousing and this can cause them to become nippy.
- Allow them to take over the household, you need to be firm and let them know their place.
- Let them off leash in an area that is not safely fenced off
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pinscher.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Pinscher
http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Miniature_Pinscher
http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/miniature-pinscher