Author: Connie Limon
In its native Germany the Miniature Pinscher is called the
Zwergpinscher (dwarf pinscher) or the Reh Pinscher after the
small roe deer of the same name. In the United States it is
usually called the Minpin.
The Miniature Pinscher's ancestors were bred in Scandinavia. It
looks like a miniature Doberman Pinscher, but was actually bred
in Scandinavia about a century before the Doberman. The two
breeds are not related. Ancestors of the Miniature Pinscher
were probably small German pinschers (terriers) and possibly
Scandinavian Klein pinschers. Some writers think the gene pool
included the Italian Greyhound. The breed was developed in
Germany during the nineteenth century. By 1895 selective
breeding produced what we recognize today as the Miniature
Pinscher.
In 1895 the German Pinscher Club was formed. In the United
States the American Miniature Pinscher club was formed in 1925.
The AKC recognized the bred in 1929.
The Miniature Pinscher was bred from terriers for use as
ratters and barking alarm dogs. The Miniature Pinscher's
current function is probably just taking care of its family. It
is popular in apartments and condos of the big cities because of
its size, personality and cleanliness.
Personality
The Miniature Pinscher is energetic, lively and serious. He is
quite courageous and is extremely loyal. The Miniature
Pinscher's main desire is to please its handler, owner or
friend. He will perform almost any feat to prove it.
The Miniature Pinscher gets along fairly well with other small
house pets. He loves the family children providing they respect
him and do not try to carry him around and lift him up. Its
original breeding as an alarm dog causes the Miniature Pinscher
to be quite a "barker," which sometimes needs to be controlled
before it becomes a vice. He is an independent little dog and
normally suspicious of strangers, which is also a part of his
original breeding purpose as a guard dog. Early exposure and
training can help reduce this characteristic.
The Miniature Pinscher is intelligent and a good student during
training times. He has the capacity to learn much more than is
taught to the average toy breed. Despite the tiny stature of
the Miniature Pinscher he acts much like his terrier ancestors
and is usually quite at home supervising the family and
watching out for them. The Miniature Pinscher is not a lapdog.
Appearance
The Miniature Pinscher stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weights
about 8 to 10 pounds. He is muscular, smooth and clean-lined.
His naturally erect ears may be cropped. The Miniature Pinscher
usually has dark almond eyes with an intelligent expression. The
coat is slick and glossy. The colors are black and tan, solid
red and red intermingled with black hairs.
Grooming Requirements
The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming. The coat is
close to the body. He is easy to maintain. Regular brushing
using a sisal brush or a bristle brush and a hound glove will
to keep the Miniature Pinscher in tiptop condition. Brushing
several times a week will keep the coat and skin in good
condition. The user of a velvet pad will make the coat more
beautiful.
About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at
http://www.abouttoydgos.com and sign up for our newsletters.
About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog
breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books,
dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full
page ad with up to 3 pictures and a video advertisement with up
to 12 pictures for one year at the rate of $25 per year.
