Miniature pinscher: Dog breed characteristics & care

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• They’re the “king of toys.” Standing only a foot tall, the miniature pinscher is approximately the same height as the lofty Bichon. Yet, every ounce of energy from their larger German pinscher ancestor is crammed into that small body, resulting in a toy breed with an intense amount of spirit.
• The miniature Pinscher is actually unrelated to the Doberman. Although their name and appearance suggest otherwise, the Doberman pinscher didn’t descend from the miniature pinscher. The German pinscher, Italian greyhound, and dachshund are thought to be their immediate ancestors.
• Miniature pinschers strut around with a “hackney gait.” This trot refers to a high-stepping movement characteristically seen in the hackney horse. Min pins pick up their paws when they walk. They tend to move in a straight line as opposed to turning their paws in or out, or serpentining down the sidewalk.

Originally bred for ratting, the miniature pinscher loves to pounce when they play. These little fireballs possess endless energy and they love to play chase. As confident extroverts who stubbornly cling to their guarding instincts, they like to make friends, but will always bark to alert you if someone’s at the door.

Miniature pinschers adore their families and usually form close bonds with their people. They’re generally good with other dogs, but you may have to watch them closely at first with cats and small children. With a feisty mouth and a high prey drive, they’ll be quick to correct a nosy feline and may not have much patience with grabby toddlers.

Their short, smooth coat is usually a rusty red color. Black, tan, or brown color combinations are also possible. Their breed standard set by the American Kennel Club excludes many color combinations and no markings are allowed.

The Miniature Pinscher is a small, alert, and confident breed of dog that has a unique, glossy coat. The AKC breed standard requires the coat to be uniformly reddish-brown or stag red. The accepted colors include solid clear red, stag red (red with intermingling of black hairs), and black with sharply defined rust-red markings on cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, twin spots above eyes and chest, lower half of forelegs, inside of hind legs and vent region, lower portion of hocks and feet. We teamed up with FidoTabby Alert, and according to their database, a common coat color for the Miniature Pinscher is (62%) black.  

Environmental factors, such as what food they eat and how often they exercise, will determine your miniature pinscher’s health more than their breed. To reduce the risk of health problems, responsible breeders often screen their dogs for known health issues to avoid passing them down to the puppies. There are still chances of your dog developing health conditions at some point in their life, however, and these are the most common for the min pin.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Trusted Source Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary school. Go to source This rare disorder reduces the blood supply to the femur and hip. Surgery is usually required to remove the ball of the femur, which is especially traumatic since this disease usually manifests itself while the dog is a growing puppy. Although there’s a suspected genetic link, researchers have yet to develop a test that could be used to screen for this disease.
• Patellar luxation. Unfortunately, many small dog breeds like the miniature pinscher seem susceptible to patellar luxation, which is when their kneecap pops out of joint. Treatment ranges depending on the severity of the condition and surgery is sometimes required. Breeders are advised to screen for patellar luxation before breeding.
• Thyroid disorders. Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source When this tiny, butterfly-like gland malfunctions, it can wreak havoc on a dog’s body. Small dogs like the min pin are at a higher risk of developing endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism and diabetes than larger breeds.
• Eye problems. Whether the culprit is genetics or old age, eye problems like cataracts eventually come to many miniature pinschers. It’s important to take your dog to an annual wellness exam to catch vision problems early. Cataracts are often associated with diabetes, so preventing this disease can also help protect your pup’s vision.

Cost of caring for a miniature pinscher

If you’re considering bringing home a miniature pinscher, you’ll need to set aside between $1,000 to $2,000 if you’re planning on purchasing one from a reputable breeder. Breed-specific rescues may charge less, but you’ll still probably pay hundreds of dollars unless you’re lucky enough to find one at your local shelter. You’ll also need extra money for upfront costs such as food, treats, water bowls, and their first vet visit.

Beyond initial expenses, your miniature pinscher needs continuous funds for food and vet visits. From middle-of-the-night emergencies to slow-developing diseases, any dog can rack up enormous vet bills.

A pet health insurance policy may be a way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. By paying a low monthly fee and annual deductible, you’re able to receive a set reimbursement once you file a claim. This way, you’re able to pay your bills quickly without that hefty sum taking space on your credit card statement.

Pet insurance provides the best coverage if you sign your pup up while they’re still young. Unfortunately, congenital and genetic problems are sometimes exempt from coverage, and the restrictions grow as your pup ages.  Some policies limit coverage for older pets or may even totally deny them coverage. If your miniature pinscher is past their prime in years or if your credit report isn’t looking favorable, a pet savings account might be a better option.

While many miniature toy breeds are petite versions of larger breeds, the plucky miniature pinscher has been recognized as its own distinct breed since the 1600s. German farmers originally developed the min pin or Zwergpinscher, which is their name in their native country.  They were bred for ratting, which is how they earned their name. ‘Pinscher’ refers to terrier-like dogs who use pounce maneuvers to capture their prey.

Although the miniature pinscher reminds us of the popular Doberman with their smart looks and perked ears, they aren’t closely related. Their only shared ancestor is the German pinscher, a medium-sized dog that contributed to both breeds.

The miniature pinscher was virtually isolated from the rest of the world until they became known outside of Germany during the early 20th century. They were accepted into the American Kennel Club as simply the “pinscher” in 1925. “Miniature” was officially added to their name in 1972. Today, some international kennel clubs still recognize them as the Zwergpinscher.

Soon after you bring your pup home, you’ll need to make your first trip to the vet and schedule your dog’s vaccinations if they haven’t already been administered. And as they grow up, you’ll need to think about how you can puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething.

Even if you’re careful not to let them out, the American Humane Association estimates that 1 out of 3 dogs become lost at some point in their lives. FidoAlert can provide you with a free Fido ID and tag so you’re prepared just in case.

Exercise

Despite their small size, the miniature pinscher is a high-energy breed that needs at least an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy. Since they’re terriers with a high prey drive, your min pin may especially enjoy engaging in a game of chase or fetch to keep them fit. Outdoor exercise time is ideal, but indoor games work well for rainy days.

In addition to physical activity, the min pin needs mentally stimulating exercises to keep them from becoming bored and potentially destructive. Mental activities like treat puzzles and dog-safe bones work well to keep them satisfied and occupied.

Grooming

With short, smooth coats that have minimal shedding, the min pin is a breeze to groom. To care for their coat, you’ll only need to give them a quick brush once a week and bathe them as necessary, but no more than once a month. It’s important to trim their nails frequently and clean their ears to prevent injury and infection.

Teeth brushing is an important task you should do regularly. Gum disease affects their overall health and is usually present by the time they’re three years old. Just remember, human toothpaste should never be used on our furry friends because it often contains toxic ingredients like xylitol and fluoride. Finding toothpaste that’s formulated for dogs is your best bet.

Diet and nutrition

The miniature pinscher is a toy breed that may need a small breed formula if you’re feeding them dry kibble. The exact amount you should feed them depends on what food you buy, as well as their life stage, activity level, and overall health. Your vet will be able to guide you with the precise proportions that are appropriate for your pup. Typically, you can plan on feeding them around ¼ to ½ cups of dry food each day.

The miniature pinscher’s extreme intelligence coupled with their independent nature can make training a challenge. Housebreaking may be the biggest battle as they can move quickly and may sneak in a stealthy pee or poop before you can catch them. Despite their adorable brown eyes, you’ll need to establish some order and discipline early or these spunky pups may decide they can do whatever they like — often at your expense.

Not quite sure that a miniature pinscher is right for you? Here are some similar breeds you might want to consider before you make your final choice:

• Doberman pinscher. Even though they’re not closely related, this big breed looks like it could be the min pin’s cousin.
• Dachshund. Their coats are usually similarly colored, but their characteristically long “hot dog” backs set them apart. The Dachshund is a member of the Hound Group, but the breed is actually an ancestor of the min pin.
• Italian greyhound. As a fellow member of the Toy Group, the Italian greyhound is similarly sized but yields a much greater variety of colors and patterns.