Read About Miniature Pinschers

Miniature Pinschers are live toys for you -- they play, caper, romp around boisterously. In short they entertain you thoroughly if you have the patience and right sense of humor that is demanded by them. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Miniature Pinschers - Dog Breed Facts

1. AKC Group:

   Toy Group.

2. Size & Weight:

   10-12 inches tall; 8-10 lbs.

3. Coat:

   Lustrous coat that is smooth, hard and evenly covering.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Well balanced tapering head with a strong muzzle in proportion to the body. High standing ears and bright oval eyes are distinguishable.

5. Body:

   Compact and muscular body with well sprung muscles. Flat topline or sometimes sloping towards the croup. Tail is set high and is usually docked.

6. Colors:

   Solid red, stag red, black and rust, chocolate and rust. Rust marks are well defined.

7. Life Expectancy:

   15+ years.

8. Popularity:

   Popular today as companion toy dogs. AKC rank: 22.

9. Habitat:

   They are suited for apartment living, but can to be noisy sometimes.

Miniature Pinschers - Dog Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Germany.

2. Lineage:

   Descendents of German Pinscher, with a dash of Italian Greyhound and Dachshund added.

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   1925

4. Historical Information:

   Though historically believed to have existed for centuries, documented substantiation is available for the past 100+ years only. Referred as Zwerg or Dwarf Pinscher, Miniature Pinscher originally evolved as a ratter. It was introduced to US in 1900s and was originally grouped under terriers; it was reclassified under toy group in 1930.

Miniature Pinschers - Dog Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Easy to train but need to be controlled from young, as they tend to be very boisterous.

2. Temperament:

   A big spirit in a little dog, miniature pinschers are very active, demanding, alert, lively and intelligent all at once. They can get heavy handed and boisterous unless trained from young.

3. Child Friendly:

   Friendly unless pestered much.

4. Behavior:

   They are demanding and noisy. Can become a house breaker if left unchecked.

5. Habits:

   They love to bark and explore.

Miniature Pinschers - Dog Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Very healthy. Look out for eye problems.

2. Feeding:

   Normal, no special needs are required. Feed twice a day.

3. Exercise Needs:

   Regular walk is necessary. They also love to play most of the time.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Brush with firm bristle brush, and use damp cloth to remove loose hairs. Check teeth regularly.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Usual pet needs and playthings to keep them occupied. They are notorious house wreckers, if left to their own devices.

6. Travel Needs:

   A strong leash to check their instinct to escape or explore.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   They usually get along well with other pets.

Miniature Pinschers - How to Choose your Dog Breed

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for bright eyes, they must be lustrous and playful. Overactive puppy can become demanding or heavy handed for apartments.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Toys, brush, crate or pen and a leash.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Close the doors firmly, fix holes in fences. Do not leave toys or small items on floor. Protect your furniture and carpets.

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   Puppy should not be frightened or unduly chased around, let him do the playful chasing. Toys can make him feel happy.