This Little Dog's Poise is Nothing Short of "Majestic."

Contrary to popular belief, the Miniature Pinscher is not simply a "toy" version of the much larger Doberman Pinscher. It is instead a separate breed, although it has the German Standard Pinscher in its background, just like the Doberman Pinscher. This friendly, incredibly smart little dog is very proud and has exquisitely regal bearing. Miniature Pinscher puppies make excellent pets, as long as you provide the appropriate guidance.

History

The Miniature Pinscher, or "Min Pin," is a very old breed, although formal records of its ancestry only date back about 200 years. It's a breed of German origin, developed from the Italian Greyhound, the Dachshund, and the German Pinscher. Despite resembling a miniature Doberman Pinscher, it is not (although both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman Pinscher have breed development connections to the German Pinscher). It was historically used to control rodents in barnyards with its presence largely limited to Germany and the Scandinavian countries until the early 1900s. Since then, it has become very popular in the U.S., formalizing its first registration within the American Kennel Club in 1925.

In 1895, the Pinscher Klub in Germany gave the Miniature Pinscher its first standard, leading to significant advances in subsequent development even outside of Germany.

It remained a rare breed in the United States before 1928, until the Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc., was formed in 1929. It was originally classified in the Terrier Group, but is now a "Toy" as of 1930. In 1972, the original "Pinscher (Toy)" classification was changed to "Miniature Pinscher."

Appearance

The classic-colored Miniature Pinscher dog, with a black coat and rust markings, looks astonishingly like a tiny copy of the Doberman Pinscher. Other colors that are acceptable are chocolate with tannish- red markings, and a color called "stag red" which is a red coat with black hairs. The coat's texture is sleek, hard, smooth, and short.

This little dog's poise is nothing short of "majestic." With a relatively extensive, compact and muscular body combined with long legs for its size, the Miniature Pinscher dog looks like the athlete it is. Intelligent and extremely alert, you can simply see the "wheels turning" as your little pet seeks to figure out what you want and how to please. The eyes are brown, slightly oval in shape, and miss nothing. The ears and tail can be cropped or left natural, as the case may be in the United States, although the AKC requires tail cropping. It's illegal to crop the Miniature Pinscher's ears in most European countries. Tiny catlike feet and a nimble, graceful, high-stepping gait complete the exquisite appearance of this breed. Miniature Pinchers weigh just 8 to 10 pounds in adulthood and stand 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder.

Temperament

Of the highest intelligence, strong for its size, with the utmost in courage and pride, this little pet wants only to please. Although sweet and gentle with members of the immediate family, your pet actually makes a very good guard dog (in spite of his or her size). Its innate bravery will protect you if ever you are in danger.

With proper boundaries and plenty of guidance, Miniature Pinscher puppies are exceedingly sweettempered and cooperative. However, it's very easy to spoil your little pet because of his or her size. Tiny dogs like the Miniature Pinscher, unfortunately, can develop something called "Small Dog Syndrome," initiating the behavior of a spoiled, rotten brat – because you, the owner, allow him or her to "rule the roost." Miniature Pinschers are never truly happy unless they get firm but gentle guidance at all times. Make sure you provide it. Your pet is very smart and responsive to training as long as you function as the "alpha dog," or leader of the pack.

Proper Environment Because Miniature Pinscher puppies are so small, they adapt well to apartment life. This dog will need plenty of exercise, however, including a daily walk. Simply playing with your pet indoors and providing plenty of opportunity to "romp" will use up a lot of his or her excess energy, but a daily walk is still a dire necessity, as you will discover.

In addition, although the Miniature Pinscher dog is exceedingly trainable, make sure you provide clear guidelines especially when it comes to housetraining. If you fail to make sure your pet does its "duty" outside, this dog will simply assume that it's perfectly fine to do so indoors. Once any bad habits are established, they can be very hard to break, since your small dog can also be stubborn.

Miniature Pinschers are equally good pets for single, devoted owners or a large family. They are generally very good with children as long as the adults in the house oversee and reinforce proper behavior from both canine and child alike.

Although Miniature Pinscher puppies can certainly cope well in cold weather, they don't tolerate especially frigid temperatures without extra protection. Dressing your pet properly before winter walks is absolutely necessary, because his or her short, sleek fur provides little warmth against the elements. Proper dog clothing such as sweaters and even booties will make your pet much more comfortable.

Health

Despite its tiny size, you can rest assured that your little dog is destined to live a long and healthy life with proper care from you and your veterinarian. The Miniature Pinscher dog is one of the healthiest breeds, and you can expect your pet to have a life expectancy of a good 15 years or even more.

Grooming

The Miniature Pinscher's short, sleek coat is very easy to take care of. Combing and brushing on a regular basis will get rid of any loose hairs, as will wiping with a damp, warm cloth. Bathe only if necessary. Keep your pet out of cold temperatures until he or she is dry, especially after a bath, exposure to the elements, or a wipe-down.