King of Toys: A Profile of the Miniature Pinscher

A big dog in a small package, the Miniature Pinscher, or "Min Pin," is an excellent pet for an active household. They are adaptable, intelligent, affectionate, and extremely curious. To own a Min Pin, one must have a sense of humor and an appreciation of lifelong youth and exuberance. Min Pins are wonderful dogs; a breed with a history and set of characteristics all its own.

History

The Min Pin is not a bred-down Doberman, but is in actuality an older breed. This misconception is likely the result of the 1935 breed standard written by the Miniature Pinscher Club of America. This standard described the Min Pin as a miniature of the Doberman, and was most likely written because the Doberman was a much more popular and recognizable breed. However, while this standard was merely describing the physical appearance, it was misunderstood, and many thought it also referred to the history of the breed.

The origins of the Miniature Pinscher lie most likely with the German Pinscher. It has been suggested that the size of the Min Pin was achieved by breeding with the Italian Greyhound, which may also account for the breed's long legs and high-stepping gait; however, this is not certain. Originally, the breed was referred to as the Reh Pinscher, because of its resemblance to the German red roe deer. The breed was originally used to hunt rats and mice inside the home. Today's Min Pin owners can attest that this trait is still alive in the breed, as pet Min Pins will often chase bugs and small animals at home.

Breed Standard

In general, the Min Pin should be well-balanced, compact, sturdy, and smooth-coated. All the parts of the body should be in proportion, and the dog should stand between 10 and 12 ½ inches in height. The eyes should be bright and dark in color, and the nose should be black. Chocolate Min Pins are allowed to have a brown nose. The American Kennel Club prefers the dewclaws be removed and the tail docked, however, most European dog clubs, as well as some casual owners, prefer the tail be natural.

The coat colors of the Min Pin include red, red stag, black with red markings, and chocolate with red markings. The dog is not allowed to have a thumb print, which is a patch of black hair surrounded by red located on the front leg between the foot and wrist.

In show, the animal is to be unaltered. However, for a casual owner it is recommended that the dog be spayed or neutered. Altering the dog can have many positive health effects, most notably a reduction in certain types of cancer. In females this includes ovarian and uterine cancer, and in males this includes testicular cancer. There are also behavioral effects. The altered dog is much more obedient and trainable, and neutered males will be much less likely to mark their territory.

Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher her earned the title "King of Toys." They are self-confident, spirited, and curious. Min Pins often do not realize how small they are, and will approach bigger dogs as much as dogs their own size. They were originally classified as terriers, and for good reason. They are still excellent little hunters, which can be seen at home, especially when a bird or bug flies low over the backyard.

Min Pins are alert watchdogs. They have a keen sense of hearing and are possessive of their family. It may take some time for the Min Pin to trust friends of their owners, but with time they will accept them and even vie for their attention.

This breed is very smart. They can be fun to train, but their intelligence can also make training tricky. The Min Pin will sometimes attempt to outsmart their trainer, and find creative ways to perform tricks. With patience and a sense of humor, training a Min Pin can be fun for both the owner and the dog. Min Pins love praise and attention, so lavishing them with treats during training will help them enjoy performing their tricks.

Min Pins can adapt easily to most environments. They do well in a small city apartment as well as in a home with plenty of land. They find ways to exercise even indoors, and will occasionally be found doing speedy laps around the living room. They love warmth, and will snuggle right up to their owners at night. In colder climates, their time outdoors should be limited, and a sweater or jacket is a good investment for this breed. A Min Pin can often be found under the covers or laying in a patch of sunlight.

This breed does pretty well with children, as long as the child in question knows how to handle a dog. Min Pins do not take well to being poked and prodded, so they are better with older children. Toddlers and younger children should always be supervised around a Min Pin, or any dog, because they may not be old enough to see a dog as an animal with feelings, and may view it as an animated doll.

Is a Min Pin Right for Me?

No breed of dog is perfect for everyone. To own a Min Pin, one must have enough free time to spend with the dog, as it relishes being around people. It also helps to have a sense of humor. These intelligent little dogs will find creative ways to get into trouble, and finding them amusing rather than frustrating makes life more enjoyable for both owner and dog. Training these little imps is much easier if the owner can laugh at their individuality and attempts to outsmart their trainer.

Min Pins retain many youthful qualities their entire lives. A geriatric, gray-haired Min Pin may still be seen playing with and killing their squeaky toys. A love of youth and a strong inner child are necessary characteristics of a Min Pin owner.

Owning a Min Pin takes some patience as well. Especially in training, the Min Pin may be defiant and try new things just to see how the trainer will react. Handling this individuality with patience rather than frustration makes training easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Care

It is important for any dog to have the proper care. This includes diet, exercise, health and dental care, and proper identification. It is very important to meet the dog's needs in order for it to be happy and healthy and live a long life.

Diet and exercise are important to keep a dog properly nourished and at the correct weight. There are many different types of diet for a dog, and the owner must choose the one that is right for the pet and their lifestyle. Most owners choose to feed commercial dog food, both dry and canned, but some choose to cook at home or even follow a raw diet. The philosophy behind a raw diet is that it is the most like what wolves and wild dogs will eat, and therefore it is the closest to what a dog has evolved to eat. There are many risks involved, however. Raw meat can harbor many kinds of bacteria that can be harmful or fatal to a dog. It can also be difficult to provide the right balance of nutrients to a dog when balancing the meals at home.

Commercial dog food is kibble as well as wet food in a can or pouch. There are foods available to fit any budget, but can be highly beneficial to a dog's health to spend a little more for higher quality food. The first ingredient listed on the food should be some kind of meat product. If the first ingredient is a filler product, such as corn or another kind of grain, or if animal by-products are listed at all, it is best to stay away, as this food will be less nutritious and more fattening for a dog. A dog food should have 25-30 percent protein, and around 12 percent fat to have the proper balance that a dog needs. Higher quality foods are generally available at pet supply stores, and are harder to find if one is simply looking in grocery stores or discount chains. Every bag of food will have recommended serving sizes based on the dog's weight. These are a good starting point, and may need to be adjusted to accommodate a dog's lifestyle. More active dogs need more food than sedentary dogs.

Exercise is very important. A Min Pin required moderate exercise, and they can often get it indoors. Running around the home can provide plenty of activity for a Min Pin. It won't hurt to get a little more by going for walks or visiting dog parks. Exercise keeps the dog's heart and muscles healthy and can help maintain the proper weight.

It is also very important to see a vet regularly. All dogs need annual vaccinations and physicals. They may also require unexpected trips to the vet if emergencies or health problems emerge. While Min Pins as a breed are not prone to any particular health problems, some do occur with age. Keeping the dog up to date with vaccinations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to keep the veterinarian away.

Dental care is important as well. A dog's teeth should be checked regularly for plaque and decay. Most cleaning can be done at home with over the counter dog toothpaste and a small brush, but more advanced problems require a trip to the vet. Checking a dog's teeth regularly can prevent major problems by catching them before they are serious. A steady supply of chew toys and bones, as well as kibble in the diet, are great ways to keep a dog's teeth clean and healthy.

Miniature Pinschers are excellent pets. They are spirited, self-confident clowns who love human contact and are champion snugglers. The breed has a rich history with German roots, and they are much more than a miniaturized Doberman. They are well-balanced, smart, sweet dogs who require patience and a sense of humor. They need a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, as well as regular trips to the vet to stay healthy. They are adaptable dogs who can easily live in small spaces, but don't tolerate cold well. They are great family pets who love and protect their owners. They are very affectionate, and make wonderful companions. All in all, the Min Pin is a great breed, and has truly earned the nickname "King of Toys."