Miniature Pinscher
Is a Miniature Pinscher the Best Pet For
You?
Anyone that loves the sleek, muscular appearance of the
Doberman Pinscher but
doesn't want a large dog should consider a Miniature Pinscher.
This breed is nearly identical in appearance to Dobermans, but
weighs approximately one hundred pounds less.
While a Miniature Pinscher looks like a Doberman, the dogs are
not directly related. Miniature Pinschers were actually
created long before Dobermans. It was created by breeding a
German Pinscher to a smaller breed. The AKC classifies the
Miniature Pinscher as part of the Toy Group. It should be
noted that these are not lap dogs however and have been bred
to be an aggressive rodent hunter. This dog will weigh 8 to 10
pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches high.
This dog has a compact, muscular frame. Their eyes are dark
brown and at times appear to be black. The coat can be red,
stag red, black and rust, or chocolate and rust. The tail is
docked. Some choose to crop the ears of this dog but it is not
necessary as most will develop pricked ears as they mature.
This breed will thrive in an apartment setting as long as it
is given a long walk each day. The Min Pin also enjoys a
fenced yard but will roam and search for a way to escape. The
yard should be securely fenced especially in areas of high
traffic where the animal could easily be hit.
This breed is very loyal and devoted to their adult owners.
The breed is known to be nippy towards babies and small
children and is not advised for families with small children
and should be crated if small children visit. It should also
be noted that some can become high strung and aggressive
towards adults, especially delivery men and mail carriers.
Young Min Pins can be stubborn and difficult to control. They
should attend obedience classes and every command should be
followed up on. This breed enjoys agility training and
competition gives them a chance to shine. This breed takes
work seriously. If a mouse should get into the home this dog
will not rest until it is caught.
This breed suffers from several serious health problems such
as heart conditions, thyroid problems, and epilepsy. In
addition they are prone to hip dysplasia which is rare in
small dogs.
Min Pins do not consume a large amount of food. This breed
needs to be watched for overeating or it can easily become
obese.
This breed requires little grooming. The nails should be
checked frequently to see if they need to be trimmed.
The Min Pin is not for everyone but for those that want a
loyal dog this breed should be considered.
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