Characteristics of Miniature Pinscher Dogs

The American Kennel Club labels the miniature pinscher as "King of the Toys," due to its small size but loud attitude. They are active and spirited dogs, and have a characteristic high-stepping, hackneyed gait. These dogs generally live about 15 years, though they may suffer from the occasional health issue, such as eye and joint problems, as will any dog breed.

  1. Training

    • According to the Dogster website, the miniature pinscher should not be spoiled. While it does not need to be trained excessively, a lack of any training at all can make the dog bossy and make it feel dominant. Basic obedience training should be enough to establish dominance over your miniature pinscher. These dogs do not like to play roughly as they interpret this as an actual threat and will retaliate.

    Physical Appearance

    • The miniature pinscher should weigh around 10 pounds and measure around 10 inches tall. While they are small, the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the ideal miniature pinscher as "sturdy." The pinscher should be smooth-coated as well, with short straight hair. The muzzle should be strong and not "delicate." These dogs are known for their flat skulls and pointy ears. They do not require excessive grooming and generally keep themselves neat and clean.

    History

    • The pinscher is a terrier, their name being the German translation of terrier. It is not, however, a miniature version of the Doberman pinscher as this breed is older than the Doberman. There is some evidence that the dog has the Italian greyhound and the dachshund as ancestors. The breed itself originated in Germany centuries ago as a rat-catching dog in barns. The AKC first registered them in the toy category in the 1920s.

    Ideal Home

    • While small, this dog is active. Although it does not need constant exercise, it does need a walk every day or some place to run outside. They can live quite happily in small living areas, such as an apartment.They are, perhaps, not practical guard dogs due to their small size, but they do have a defensive attitude toward potential intruders and strangers. This means that they should be walked on leashes, as they might investigate other dogs and cause fights.