History of the Miniature Pinscher Breed
Pinscher is a German word for "terrier." Although it is known that the Miniature Pinscher was developed in Germany, the breed's origins are unclear. The first recorded hint of it appears in a 17th-century painting, which shows a cat-sized red dog resembling the modern animal. Not a relative of the famed Doberman Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher is, in fact, the older breed. Consensus holds that the Miniature Pinscher results from crosses between the German Pinscher, the Daschund and the Italian Greyhound. Originally a ratter, the Miniature Pinscher has vitality to spare: from the German Pinscher, it has feistiness; from the Daschund, it has fearlessness; from the Italian Greyhound, it has playful speed and grace. Some people consider the Miniature Pinscher to be the world's liveliest breed of dog. By the early 19th century, it was developed into a distinct breed named the Reh Pinscher because it was reminiscent of a little red German roe (reh) deer. In the late 1800s, breeders became so focused on reducing the dog's size that they produced deformed and unattractive animals. By 1900, however, this misstep was recovered. Healthy and elegant once more, the Miniature Pinscher became a popular competitor in German dog shows. Following World War I, its popularity fell in Germany but rose in America. The AKC recognized the Miniature Pinscher in 1929. Today in America, the Mini Pin, nicknamed "the king of toys," is a highly popular toy breed.
Size and Appearance of the Miniature Pinscher Breed
The Miniature Pinscher is a square-proportioned, compact, sturdy, well-balanced dog with good musculature and sleek appearance. Its topline is level or descends minimally towards the rear. Ears are sometimes cropped; the tail is always docked. The Miniature Pinscher's high-stepping, self-confident gait, with head and tail held high, is a distinguishing feature. Its coat closely covers its body with short, straight, hard and lustrous hairs. Coloring may be any of: solid red, red with black hairs, black and tan, or chocolate.
Miniature Pinscher Temperament
This small dog has a tremendous vitality. Perpetually active, it is also alert, intelligent and loyal. Distant with strangers, the Miniature Pinscher is often quite aggressive with other dogs, behaving more in accordance with its courageous spirit than its tiny stature. The Miniature Pinscher is good with well-behaved children and plays nicely with other pets if appropriately socialized. This dog can be headstrong and so needs firm handling. Otherwise, the king of toys may become a tyrant.
Miniature Pinscher Recommended Maintenance
Very little grooming is required to keep the Miniature Pinscher tidy. Brush occasionally to remove loose hair, or wipe with a warm, damp cloth. The Mini Pin is an average shedder. It needs a great deal of exercise. Several indoor play sessions daily will suffice, so a yard is not necessary. If the dog is put in a yard, make the fence high and tight to preclude adventuresome escapes. Be mindful that the Miniature Pinscher does not bear cold well. It dearly loves to bark. Its tendency to chew small objects creates a choking hazard, so care must be taken about its surroundings.
Miniature Pinscher Health
* Life span: 12 - 14 years
* Major concerns: none
* Minor concerns: Legg - Perthes, patellar luxation
* Occasionally seen: PRA
* Suggested tests: knee, (eye)
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