About Mini Pinschers

The mini pinscher, or miniature pinscher, is a breed separate from the Doberman pinscher, not a smaller version. The mini pinscher breed's history is actually older than that of the Doberman's. This energetic, curious breed can be a good small-home family dog, if treated correctly by all members of the family.

  1. History

    • The small but sturdy mini pinscher was developed in Germany for use as a rat-hunting dog, using the dachshund, Italian greyhound and short-haired German pinscher breeds. Records of the breed begin approximately two hundred years ago but some believe the breed's history goes even further back. Since the word "pinscher" means "terrier" in German, the mini pinscher was originally classified in the American Kennel Club's terrier group when first recognized in 1925. Later, in 1972, the breed became a member of the toy group.

    Size and Stature

    • The breed standard used by the American Kennel Club is very specific about the height of the breed. Dogs must be between 10 and 12.5 inches, measured to the top of the shoulders. Dogs over or under these measurements are disqualified from consideration in the show ring. The ideal mini pinscher is between 11 and 11.5 inches. Male mini pinschers' height at the top of the shoulders should match the length from chest to buttock; female mini pinschers, however, can be longer than tall. Though small, the mini pinscher should not be slight in build.

    Conformation

    • The mini pinscher should have a tapering head with a level or sloping shape to the back from shoulder to the top of the tail. The mini pinscher should naturally carry the tail upright. The chest area should be wide and the ribs should offer the lungs a lot of space. Joints should seem small in proportion to the rest of the dog. The mini pinscher moves with a high-stepping gait that is in a straightforward motion.

    Coat and Colors

    • Mini pinschers have short coats. The acceptable colors in the breed are red; red with black hairs mixed in, called "stag" red; black with rust-colored markings on the cheeks, lips, bottom jaw, above the eyes, lower legs and the inside of hind legs; and chocolate with rust-colored markings in the same areas as above. Noses must be black in all colors except for chocolate; chocolate dogs must have chocolate-colored noses.

    Temperament

    • Mini pinschers are energetic and bold dogs. The breed is also curious enough to get into trouble on a regular basis. Generally mini pinschers get along with children but children prone to playing roughly or not respecting the dog's space may hurt or frighten a mini pinscher.

    Care

    • Mini pinschers only need occasional baths and brushing when it comes to grooming, thanks to the breed's short coat. Though energetic, mini pinschers fit into small living spaces well. As a puppy, the mini pinscher should have its dewclaws removed and the tail docked. The breed is small, so rough play can result in unintended injuries. Some health issues mini pinschers may have include patellar luxation, where the knee cap moves out of place; demodectic mange, a type of skin parasite; and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which is a degeneration of the hip joint.