Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Germany/1800s

The Miniature Pinscher looks like a tiny Doberman Pinscher, and although both were created in Germany, they are not related. The Miniature Pinscher, bred as a stable ratter, is several centuries older than the Doberman. The breed was originally called the Reh Pinscher because of its resemblance to the tiny roe deer of Germany (Reh in German means deer). The tiny Germans were brought to the United States in the 1920s as companions and farm ratters. They became quite popular although it is difficult to find them today.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Reh Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, Minpin

AKC Group: Toy

Breed Club: Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc.

Rescue Club: Miniature Pinscher Club of America Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A tiny, square-shaped, high-spirited with a distinctive hackney gait
  • Height: 10-12 1/2 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 8-10 pounds
  • Some dogs develop self-standing ears, but ears are commonly cropped
  • Tail is docked short and is carried erect
  • Eyes are full, slightly oval, clean and bright

Personality:

  • Lively and alert, high-spirited with unique personality
  • Always on the go
  • Aggressive
  • Because of this the males have a tendency to mark territory with urine
  • Intelligent

Coat:

  • Short smooth coat that is hard to the touch
  • Permissible colors are solid red, black with tan markings or chocolate with rust markings
  • Low grooming requirements

Health Concerns:

  • Extremely hardy for a toy dog
  • Luxating patellas and Legg-Perthes have been found in this breed, but a careful breeding program can eliminate much of this
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Must have room to exercise or will become hyperactive
  • Noisy
  • Good with children
  • Min Pins love to be pampered
  • Often mistaken for the Toy Manchester Terrier, it is easy to tell the two breeds apart
  • The Miniature Pinscher has a docked tail and a very level back