Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, but in reality there are no genetic links between the two breeds.

History:

The Min-Pin, as this German breed is affectionately known, has been officially recognized as a breed for about 200 years. We have information about the development of this breed through reports on archeological digs. All German Pinschers, including the Min-Pin, can be traced back to a group of dogs called Torfspitzgrupe. This group is itself ancient - skeletons have been found in sites identified as Paleolithic, dating the breed back to around 3000 BC.

The Torfspitz was not limited to Germany, however, and was found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Min-Pins were originally used to hunt rats, and it is thought that they were down-sized from the taller German Pinscher so that they were able to work in smaller spaces. They were virtually unknown outside Germany until around the early 1900s.

Physical characteristics:

The Miniature Pinscher is a square, balanced breed that shows its high spirits in its unusual hackney movement (high flexion of the knee). It is a small breed, though not as delicate as it appears. Height: 10 - 12 in (25 - 30 cm). Weight: 8 - 10 lb (4 - 5 kg).

A Min-Pin has large ears that are cropped in some parts of the world. Since cropping became illegal in England, breeders there have started to breed Min-Pins with naturally erect ears. The tail is also docked short. The head is narrow, as is the muzzle, but it doesn't appear thin or weak. The dark eyes are medium-sized and the nose matches the coat color. The coat is short and smooth, although not soft. Colors range from various shades of red to black, blue or chocolate, all with tan markings.

Behavior:

The Miniature Pinscher is a small-bodied dog with a huge spirit. This dog is very brave and has a powerful sense of its territory. This combination makes for an excellent watch-dog which delights in informing its owner of the presence of potential intruders. To avoid unnecessary barking, it is wise to train this dog to only respond to sounds that you consider important. To sidestep the problem of having visitors bossed around and possibly snapped at, it is good practice to let this dog greet visitors after they have been welcomed and brought into the house. Be careful when meeting larger dogs, as the Miniature Pinscher may have unrealistic ideas of which dogs it can boss around.