Miniature Pinscher

Other Names: Min Pin Dog Group Kennel Club: Toy (AKC, KC) Appearance Sometimes known as the "King of the Toys" the Miniature Pinscher is a small, compact, muscular, sleek dog, with a docked tail. They have an unusual high stepping "hackney" gait. The Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of anything, especially the much-larger Doberman Pinscher which many people mistakenly assume. Coat Smooth sleek short haired coat. Colours include red,  black & tan or chocolate.

Weight: 8 - 11 lbs

Average Life Span: 14 - 17 yrs

Temperament
The Miniature Pinscher is proud, vigorous, assertive, outgoing, active and independent breed. They can be very possessive of  loved ones, fearless when on guard, and make an alert watch dog. This breed is not suited for a family with small children as they need gentle and calm affection. However, they will do well with older, well-behaved children. They are known to bark, so would be best suited in a house rather than apartment.

Training
They can be hard to housebreak and obedience train because of their stubbornness, therefore responsible training is needed from the start so they know who is boss. In the right home, with the proper training, they can be the best companion dog you have ever owned.

Grooming
They have a smooth short haired coat, making grooming requirements easy. To keep the coat shiny and healthy they should be groomed twice a week. Frequent bathing is discouraged, as it tends to dry out the coat. They have a low tolerance to cold therefore it is necessary to provide warm housing for this breed.

Exercise
They are high energy dogs that are very inquisitive. Therefore they need a lot of exercise for a little dog. Give them the opportunity to run and play in the yard or daily walks on a lead. Don't let them off the lead as they like to chase anything that runs.

Miniature Pinscher Issues

Hip dysplasia a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.

Legg's Perthes Disease (commonly mistaken for hip dysplasia) is due to the death of the head of the femur bone. This causes wearing and promotes arthritic changes. Therefore, after the condition has progressed for some time it is difficult to diagnose whether the resulting degenerated joint is a manifestation of hip dysplasia or Legg's Perthes. This condition is congenital and has no known cure. The accompanying pain and arthritic changes can be controlled with steroids.

Luxating Patella: Slipping knee joints (also referred to as luxating patellas, slipped stifles) are a common problem in small breeds. In this condition, the kneecap slips out of its groove and moves against the thighbone (femur) instead of along its natural groove. Although this has been found to be a heritable condition, small, active breeds are likely to aggravate it through the course of their natural activities (jumping up and down) around taller objects such as furniture.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become nightblind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset.

Miniature Pinscher History

The Min Pin is not a smaller version of the the much-larger Doberman Pinscher. The Min Pin was in existence a long time before the development of the Doberman.  Both may have descended from the German Pinscher, a medium-sized black and tan dog bred to control vermin in the barnyard, but there the relationship ends. The Min Pin reportedly came from crosses with breeds such as the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Part of the confusion in origin comes from the word "pinscher," which is another term  for "terrier". In German, "pinscher" means "biter" and derives from the dog's habit of jumping on and fiercely biting its quarry. The German pinscher family includes the Affenpinscher and the schnauzer. Originally bred to catch vermin, the min pin has, over the years become a wonderful companion dog.