Zoë at 1 ½ and Tyson at 6 months old
MIN-ee-a-chur PIN-chur
The Miniature Pinscher is a small, compact, square dog. The head is in proportion to the body. The skull appears flat, tapering forward toward the muzzle. The muzzle is strong and in proportion to the head. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The topline is level or slightly sloping toward the rear. The slightly oval eyes are dark. The ears are set high and either cropped or left natural. The front legs are straight. Dewclaws are usually removed. The small feet are cat-like in shape. The AKC calls for the tail to be cropped, however cropping is illegal in most European countries. The short, smooth, hard coat lies close to the body. Coat colors include black with rust markings, chocolate with tan, red and stag red (red with black hairs).
The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy little fellow who is proud and courageous. He is loyal to his master, spirited and alert with high energy. Intelligent, lively and brave. Generally good with other pets and children so long as the humans provide proper leadership toward the dog. Its behavior depends entirely upon how you treat the dog. Do not let this sweet little dog fall into the Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where he believes he is pack leader to humans. That is when problems start to arise. The dog will become demanding, headstrong and will begin to bark more than you wish. If you allow this, the dog may become a tyrant. If you are not this dog’s pack leader, it will become protective and may become very aggressive with other dogs. It can also become rather suspicious towards strangers. The Miniature Pinscher can learn extremely well and wants very much to do so. It is certainly beneficial for its socialization to take the dog to puppy courses where it can meet other dogs and people. You will be amazed at how fast the Miniature Pinscher understands and obeys you. Pay particular attention when housebreaking this little Pinscher, since a little puddle from such a small dog can easily be overlooked; the dog may get the idea that you are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs indoors. Beware, this little dog will chew small objects and may choke on them. Do not overfeed this breed. A balanced Min Pin will not have the behavior problems listed above. If it truly has rules, boundaries, limitations, a true pack leader and a daily pack walk, it will be a wonderful family companion.
Height: Males 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm) Females 10 - 11 inches (25 - 28 cm)
Weight: Males 8 - 10 pounds (4 - 5 kg) Females 8 - 9 pounds (about 4 kg)
Generally healthy.
The Miniature Pinscher is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Miniature Pinscher should be protected from the cold.
Min Pins need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. 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.
About 15 or more years
About 2 to 6 puppies
The Miniature Pinscher's smooth, shorthaired, hard coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. You can remove loose hair by wiping the coat with a warm, damp cloth. This breed is an average shedder.
The Miniature Pinscher is a German breed. The Miniature Pinscher was developed from the Dachshund, Italian Greyhound, and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The breed looks like a mini Doberman, most likely because both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman both were developed from the German Pinscher. The breed was used as a barnyard ratter, controlling the rodent population in the stables. The Miniature Pinscher is often called the "King Of The Toys." Some of the Miniature Pinscher's talents are competitive obedience, watchdog and agility.
Terrier, AKC Toy
Twiggy the Min Pin as a puppy
Twiggy all grown up!
Peanut the red colored Miniature Pinscher at 2 years old.
"This is my dog Mylie. Mylie is a purebred Miniature Pinscher, shown here as an 11-week-old puppy. She is a tiny girl, but with a big attitude. Mylie loves to play and have fun. She will play with anyone and anything. Many people feel as if Miniature Pinschers have some sort of aggressive behavior. I feel the complete opposite. Any dog can become aggressive; it always doesn't depend on the breed, but on the owner. My Min Pins have always loved people and have had such great attitudes!! They are always eager and willing to please!"
Noodel the red Min Pin at 7 months old
This is William Babangida a black Min Pin from Israel on the sofa
"Here are some pics of my "big boned" Min Pin Dasher aka Dash. Sometimes it's hard to tell in photos but he is chocolate and tan. He's a great dog! Humorous to watch, cuddly, housetrained and social. He is also great with kids. I wanted to send some pics to your website to show owners of other "big boned" Min Pins they are not alone. Our dogs are just as good looking as the tiny ones."
Piper the Min Pin puppy at 3 ½ months old
