Foods for My Mini Doberman

The first thing to know about Miniature Doberman Pinschers is that the term "Mini Doberman" is actually a misnomer. The correct term for what many people call a "Mini Doberman" is a "Miniature Pinscher." Miniature Pinschers, or "Min Pins" as they are affectionately called, look like downsized versions of Doberman Pinschers, which is why they are often miscalled "Mini Dobermans." By learning as much as you can about Miniature Pinschers, you will know how to correctly care for your "Mini Doberman" pet.

  1. Breed History

    • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher come from the Old German Standard Pinscher. Historians believe the Miniature Pinscher was bred several hundred years ago in Germany to be a barnyard ratter. Miniature Pinschers are believed to have been bred in excess of 100 years before Louis Dobermann bred the Doberman Pinscher in 1890 from a cross between a Rottweiler, Greyhound and a black and tan Terrier. Some of the confusion with the misnomer of the Miniature Pinscher as a "Mini Doberman" may come from a 1935 statement made by the Pinscher Schnauzer Clubs of Giessen Germany describing the dog as "a miniature of the Doberman Pinscher."

    Min Pin Traits

    • The Miniature Pinscher Club of America describes the Min Pin as a small dog of regal build with a strong heart and vigorous, playful nature. Miniature Pinschers have been dubbed "King of Toys" for their regal attitude in spite of their small stature. They are sturdy, compact, smooth-coated and naturally well-groomed dogs that are easy to train, alert and fearless watch dogs. Dogs range from 10 to 12 inches with females slightly smaller at 10 to 11 inches in height. Weight ranges from eight to 10 lbs.

    Diet

    • William D. Cusick, who spent a lifetime researching nutritional needs of canines and published a book about what to feed various dog breeds notes that in their native habitat, Miniature Pinschers would have eaten sugar beets, potatoes, cabbage for vegetable products and pork, venison and rodents as a meat source. Cusick recommends feeding Miniature Pinschers fresh, home-cooked food blended from horse meat, beef, wheat, potatoes, yellow corn and beet pulp. He advises to avoid feeding Min Pins ocean fish, soy and rice.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Cusick also recommends a diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals to promote the overall health and energy of a Miniature Pinscher. These vitamins include A Palmitate, B-1 Thiamine Hcl and Yeast, B-2 Riboflavin and Yeast, B-6 Pyridoxine Hcl and Yeast, B-12 Cyanocobalamin and Yeast, D D-activated Sterol, E dl-alpha tocopherol acetate, Niacinamide, Biotin, Folic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate and Para Amino Benzoic Acid. Minerals include calcium bone meal, copper gluconate, iodine sea kelp, iron ferrous fumerate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus bone meal, zinc and potassium. Talk with your veterinarian about the proper amounts of each vitamin and mineral depending on your dog's age and gender.