How to Care for a Miniature Pinscher

The miniature pinscher is very bright and learns quickly. You'll need a lot of energy and patience with this dog, as it has a very spirited personality. Spoil a miniature pinscher and you'll quickly have a new head of the household to contend with.

Things You'll Need

  • Worming Medicine
  • Dental Kits (for Dogs)
  • Dog Beds
  • Dog Brushes
  • Dog Dishes
  • Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Leashes
  • Dog Toys
  • Nail Clippers For Dogs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Vaccinate your miniature pinscher when you first get her, and make sure she gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain her immunity to disease. Also, worm your adult dog every three months and consult with your veterinarian about flea control products.

    • 2

      Feed your miniature pinscher high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

    • 3

      Socialize your miniature pinscher to be with children and other animals at an early age. This dog does not do well with younger children, as it plays very rough. Children should be careful not to annoy this breed. Also, miniature pinschers can be hostile with other dogs.

    • 4

      Train your miniature pinscher in obedience at a very young age. Miniature pinschers must not be spoiled. These small dogs have a lot of personality, and they'll quickly assert authority over the household if they can, becoming impossible to control.

    • 5

      Exercise or walk your miniature pinscher daily. This breed does not require a lot of exercise but should have an area to play in daily. Make sure the play area is securely fenced; this breed likes to escape.

    • 6

      Brush your miniature pinscher's coat every couple of days. The coat stays relatively clean and sheds a medium amount of hair. Use a damp cloth to clean it as needed. Avoid frequent shampooing, as it can dry out your dog's coat.

    • 7

      Trim nails at least every two weeks.

    • 8

      Understand that miniature pinschers are prone to certain health conditions such as demodectic mange (a skin disease caused by a microscopic parasitic mite), epilepsy (seizures), patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and Legg's Perthes disease (hip joint arthritis).

    • 9

      Know that male miniature pinschers will grow to 10 to 12 inches and weigh between 8 and 10 lbs. Females will grow to 10 to 11 inches and weigh between 8 and 9 lbs.

    • 10

      Expect a miniature pinscher to live more than 15 years.