How to Care for a Male Miniature Pinscher

They look like miniature versions of the Doberman Pinscher, but in reality, the Miniature Pinscher has been around much longer. Originating in the 1600s in Germany, Mini Pinschers weigh an average of eight to 10 pounds and are classified as a "toy" breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Used as companions today, Miniature Pinschers were originally bred to hunt small vermin such as mice and rats. A well cared for Miniature Pinscher has few health concerns and can be a member of the family for up to 14 years. There are few significant differences in the care of male and female Miniature Pinschers.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bed or blanket
  • Small breed dog food
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Dog toys
  • Dog brush
  • Dog nail trimmer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a warm space inside your home for your Miniature Pinscher to sleep. A dog bed or blanket in a corner or crate will work. Miniature Pinschers do not tolerate cold weather and are small enough to be hunted by birds of prey. They should not be kept outdoors unsupervised.

    • 2

      Feed your Miniature Pinscher dry dog food meant for small breeds. Look at the package to ensure that a real source of protein, such as chicken or lamb, is listed as the first ingredient. Miniature Pinschers are high-energy dogs that need protein to stay healthy and active. Feed your Mini Pinscher two to three small meals a day on as regular a schedule as you can. Check the package for recommended daily feeding amounts.

    • 3

      Exercise with your Miniature Pinscher every day. This breed has energy to spare. They are small and can exercise indoors or outdoors. A five- to 10-minute walk each day will give your Miniature Pinscher a chance to see the world outside the walls of your home and provide mental stimulation. Indoor play can also help your Miniature Pinscher get the exercise he needs.

    • 4

      Groom your Miniature Pinscher when necessary. Because they spend much of their time indoors, they don't need frequent baths, and their short fur doesn't tangle. Brush once every week or so to remove loose fur. Trim your Miniature Pinscher's toenails with clippers made for small breeds.

    • 5

      Take your Miniature Pinscher to the vet at least once a year for a physical examination and to update vaccinations. This will help you detect any potential health problems early on when they are more easily treated.

    • 6

      Neuter your male Miniature Pinscher between the ages of five and eight months. That is the standard age in the United States, according to Dr. Race Foster, DVM. Neutering your male Miniature Pinscher can reduce urine marking, dominance-based aggression and a roaming instinct. It can also prevent medical problems such as hernias and testicular tumors, as well as reduce the risk of prostate tumors.

    • 7

      Socialize and train your Miniature Pinscher to avoid fear and aggression problems. Introduce it to strangers and other animals and expose it to new situations and experiences. Teach it basic commands such as sit, stay, down and come. Enroll it in a formal obedience class if you feel you need help with the training.

    • 8

      House train your Miniature Pinscher when it is still a young puppy, if possible. This will be especially important if you decide not to neuter your male Mini Pinscher, as it can prevent him from developing a urine-marking habit. Interrupt your Miniature Pinscher every time you see him having an accident in the house. Take him outside to finish. Always reward him for going potty out in the yard.