How to Select a Miniature Pinscher

A lot of personality is packed into this small dog. The miniature pinscher, a terrier breed originating in Germany, is energetic and brave with a mischievous sense of humor. This breed is not ideal for first-time dog owners, as it requires much attention and training.

Things You'll Need

  • Bark Control Collars W/videos
  • Dental Kits (for Dogs)
  • Dog Beds
  • Dog Brushes
  • Dog Collars
  • Dog Dishes
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Leashes
  • Dog Shampoo
  • Dog Toys
  • Nail Clippers For Dogs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Realize that miniature pinschers are not for everyone. This energetic dog is very willful, barks a lot and demands constant attention from its owner.

    • 2

      Reconsider getting a miniature pinscher if you have small children in the house. This breed likes to play rough and may injure a small child. However, if properly socialized with older children, they should be fine.

    • 3

      Note that miniature pinschers do well living indoors and are fine in small apartments or homes as long as they have a small play area.

    • 4

      Rethink getting a miniature pinscher if you live in a very cold climate and will be keeping the dog outdoors. This breed is very sensitive to the cold.

    • 5

      Look at a miniature pinscher's features when choosing yours. The dog is short in stature with a confident and lively expression. The eyes are dark and the body muscular and well-defined. The Pinscher's smooth, short coat is colored either red, red with black, black with rust or chocolate.

    • 6

      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).

    • 7

      Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

    • 8

      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.

    • 9

      Realize that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred miniature pinscher.

    • 10

      Expect a miniature pinscher to live more than 15 years.