The Miniature Pinscher (or Min Pin) is aptly named, for it does look like a tiny Doberman Pinscher, only with slightly bigger eyes. However, the Min Pin is an older breed than the Doberman. Even the name “pinscher” means “terrier” in German. This is an elegant, feisty dog with a Napoleonic complex. That may be why it is known as “The King of Toy Dogs” in the dog show world.
They are more intelligent than most humans and so their people wind up abandoning them if they can’t figure out how to train them. Sadly, this has been a breed that has been bred more for quantity than quality, so health problems are frequently seen in the breed, including Leggs-Perthes disease, skin problems and progressive retinal atrophy.
General Appearance
Min Pins are frequently described with the cliche “a big dog in a little dog’s body. They are only about 10 to 12 inches tall at their withers or highest point of their shoulders. They usually weight between eight to 12 pounds, although lighter and heavier dogs certainly occur.
They come in the colors that Doberman Pinschers come in, including rust red and the more common black and tan. They also come in chocolate brown with rust markings and stag red. They can come in other colors, but they can’t be shown.
Like Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Pinschers are born with long, slightly curling tails and floppy ears. Sadly, breeders crop the ears and dock the tails because that is how to win at shows. Thankfully, cropping and docking are now illegal in many countries.
That Walk
Min Pins have a natural but unusual bouncing walk which is very endearing. They look like they are doing an impersonation of a Hackney show pony, and prance rather than walk. This prance was probably a gift from the Min Pin’s Italian Greyhound ancestors.
They also can bounce more than twice their height, sometimes high enough to reach your eyes. Jumping like this is one of the usual bad habits of Min Pins. This can be cured with patient training. They shouldn’t be allowed to jump like kangaroos, mainly because Min Pins are prone to leg injuries and luxating patella. Even playing with a large, sturdy dog can injure a Min Pin.
Great Guard Dog
Despite their small size, Min Pins make better guard dogs than many bigger breeds. Not only will they sound a warning, they will stand their ground and attack those who trespass their property or make a threatening move against their people. These are the kind of dogs that will take a bullet for you.
However, they may not be able to tell the difference between a sudden movement from a mugger and the sudden movements from a very small child or someone with muscular dystrophy. Never take for granted that the dog will be able to tell who is threatening and who is not. To them, a lunge is a lunge. With patience and persistent training, Miniature Pinschers can come to ignore the sudden, jerky movements of the elderly, small children or those with coordination difficulties.
Also, Min Pins will defend themselves if a child becomes abusive. But, as a general rule, no small child should be left alone with any dog, no matter what breed or mix of breeds it is.
References
“The Howell Book of Dogs.” Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.
“Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.” D. Caroline Coile. Barron’s; 2005.
ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
Internet Miniature Pinscher Service, Inc. “Is the Miniature Pinscher the Right Dog for You?” http://www.minpinrescue.org/#mp
