Miniature Pinschers

The Miniature Pinscher is a classified toy breed of dog also known by fanciers as Min Pin. It is native to Germany and is known there as the Zwergpinscher; Zwerg meaning Dwarf or midget, and Pinscher meaning terrier. It is one of the oldest terrier breeds alive today and although in North America and the United Kingdom it is considered a toy breed, in Germany and Europe it still competes with the German Pinscher and is listed as a terrier.

Appearance

Miniature Pinschers are small, compact, and muscular. They usually weigh between nine and thirteen pounds and measure about ten to thirteen inches long. Their coats are short and very easy to care for. According to most breed standards Miniature Pinschers are a red, stag-red, black or chocolate with tan or rust markings in addition to the blue and fawn. Blue coats are not allowed to be registered in the U.S. but are not permitted to compete in any type of show. Although it has changed somewhat, the original Miniature Pinscher was stout in appearance. Its coat was coarse and generally speaking the dog itself was not as refined as it is expected to be today. On occasion the Miniature Pinscher will also carry a small white patch located on its neck or breast area. This has been traced back to its original breed coloring.

Personality and Disposition

If you're thinking of getting a Miniature Pinscher for a pet you might want to learn a little more about their temperaments and behaviors. Miniature Pinschers are quite lively and require daily exercise; the perfect place to have a miniature pinscher is in a securely fenced yard where they can roam and run free for hours at a time. Simply walking them on a leash will not give them the exercise they desire or need. They are very curious and spend a lot of time on their hind legs whether to get a better view, or to greet familiar people. Because they are a sight dog and a natural hunter, if they are left off a leash in public and see quick movements they are likely to bolt and may be difficult to find. They have often been compared to children in their two's as they can be a lot of fun to have around, but very frustrating at times. They are quite fragile so if you are thinking of getting a pet for your children this is not the best choice. They can become very defensive around young children which can lead to biting. They do however make great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They will not fear other dogs that are larger than them and will attack if it feels they are a threat. They are very loyal and its master can be very dependent on it in letting them know if something has changed in or around the home. If you're thinking of owning one of these dogs you will need to have a good sense of humor (as most parents of two year olds do) and a lot of patience. If you spoil them they will become a "bossy" dog (much like a spoiled two year old), and if you don't give them enough attention they can behave much like a two year old also; mean and whiny.

Miniature Pinschers definitely have some great things going for them; they are loyal and extremely good guard dogs. They do however require a lot of time in training, teaching, and caring for them.

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