The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin by fanciers, is a toy breed of dog. Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. In  its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher, refers to a classification of dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin. Zwerg, in German, means Dwarf or Midget and Pinscher, in German, means Terrier. The Mini Pinscher is also known as the "King of the Toy Dogs". Though the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed due to their small size, their temperament resembles the terrier more.

History

Although it has an appearance similar to the Doberman Pinscher, the Min Pin is not a "Miniature Doberman". Rather, the breed is much older. Although the miniature pinscher appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago, the factual documentation on this breed goes back less than 200 years. The Doberman Pinscher which was bred by Karl Frederich Louis Dobermann in 1880. The basis of resemblance does not fall on the Miniature Pinscher but the Deutscher Pinscher (German Pinscher). It is strongly believed that this is the breed that Dobermann used in establishing his Doberman Pinscher.

In 1895 The Pinscher Schnauzer Klub officially recoginzed Dobermann's Pinscher. The error occurred as the Doberman Pinscher was introduced to the US before the Miniature Pinscher. In 1919 the Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring. At that time not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher (dwarfpinscher) the AKC referred to the breed as simply "Pinscher". By 1929 (the breeds official introduction into the AKC) not noting it was a true "Terrier" breed decided to officially place it in the "Toy" breed classification. Unfortunately for conformation purposes the description that the AKC noted "must appear as a Doberman Pinscher in miniature" led to the misconception still noted today that this breed is a "Miniature Doberman Pinscher" when in fact it is not related. The Miniature Pinscher and Dobermann's Pinscher share no common ancestry. In 1836 (the oldest documented writings of the Miniature Pinscher) Dr. Reichenbach after years of study of the breed determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth coated Dachshund (a favorite German breed of the time with excellent ratting skills) with an Italian Greyhound. The goal was to make for a more swift ratter as this breed was primarily used on farms where open fields left for a faster dog to chase down rats and mice and grasshoppers.

Appearance

Typically, the Min Pin stands between 25 and 30 cm (10 and 12.5 in) at the withers, weighing between four and six kg. The coat is short and smooth, with colors, according to most breed standards, of red, stag-red, and black or chocolate with tan markings. Min Pins also come in a blue and a fawn coat. Blue coats are allowed in the UK but in the US can be registered but cannot compete in show but all other aspects of the AKC. The miniature pinscher frequently has a docked tail and cropped ears, though the AKC no longer requires ear cropping for shows. The AKC standard specifies a characteristic hackney-like action: "a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear. The head and tail are carried high."

Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher is a lively very energetic breed that requires a great deal of exercise. As a single coated breed they are primarily an indoor breed. They do not do cold or wet weather well. This breed lives in a state of 2 year old until well into their senior years which can make for very entertaining as well as some frustrating times. They can in most cases be difficult to house train requiring much patience. Being an independent breed by nature, they prefer to initiate contact and generally do not do well being overly handled. This is where much of the misconception of the breed being a biter comes from. Not always a best breed for children due to this consideration also. They are quite fearless and can be overprotective. This breed truly does not see itself as a small breed and therefore can get into trouble easily. Protective attitude and guard instincts are very strong in this breed. They can be one owner or adapt greatly to families. The breed is very loyal and will alert their owner to any changes within the home environment. Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone, as they are very curious, strong willed, and frolicsome. Their owners must have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience. Keeping in mind that this breed is in fact a working breed, spoiling could result in the dog becoming somewhat of a tyrant. This breed by nature can be stubborn so anything to induce this generally will result in a more difficult dog to handle.

Care

• Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. Care must be taken in colder weather as the coat provides virtually no insulation from the cold.

• Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken in preventing a Min Pin from "attacking" small objects, such as bottle caps, as they could pose a choking hazard.

• Min Pins are also prone to overeating and should have their diets monitored to prevent obesity.

External links

• American Kennel Club article on Min Pins, retrieved March 20th, 2007.
• British Miniature Pinscher