Miniature Pinschers
Information on Min Pins: Traits, Appearance, Grooming, Heath Issues
Originated in Germany, the miniature pinscher or min pin is descendant of the German standard pinscher and counts the dachshund, the Italian greyhound and the short-haired German pinscher among its ancestors. Although they look similar, the min pin is of no relation to the Doberman pinscher.
History
The breed was virtually unknown outside Germany and Scandinavia until after 1918. The Miniature Pinscher was first imported to the U.S. in 1919 and the first min pin was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1925. The breed was initially used to catch and kill rats in barnyards but today serves as a companion dog.
Personality Traits
Among the toy dog group, which includes breeds such as pug, Pomeranian and poodle, min pins have gained the nickname "King of Toys" because of their assertive and outgoing personalities. Despite their small size, they are fearless and self-confident. Min pins are also known for their high energy and intense curiosity. The Miniature Pinscher Club of America notes that the breed is generally good with children as long as the child handles the dog in a gentle and responsible manner.
Appearance
The min pin is a small, compact dog. The official breed standard as determined by the AKC is 10 to 12 and one-half inches in height at the shoulders. They come in four color combinations including red, stag-red (red intermingled with black), black and rust, and chocolate and rust. Their coat is smooth, hard, short and lustrous. A min pin's tail is usually docked and the ears might be cropped.
Grooming
Little grooming is needed to maintain the appearance of a min pin. Dog and Kennel magazine suggests occasional brushing to remove dead hair and seldom bathing to keep the natural oils that moisturize the skin and coat. Their toenails need to be clipped every two weeks.
Diet
According to MPCA puppies should eat one-half to 1 ounce of dry premium dog food per pound of body weight every day. This should be spread out in three to four meals depending on the age of the puppy. Adults need one meal per day of one- fourth to one-half ounce of dry food per pound of body weight. A mixture of two-thirds dry food and one-third canned food is also appropriate. In Miniature Pinchers: A Complete Pet Owners Manual, D. Caroline Coile explains that chicken, pork, lamb or fish bones, mineral supplements, chocolate and alcohol are on the list of no-no's for a min pin's diet.
Exercise
Miniature pinschers like to keep active and require walks and play several times each day. However, because of their small size they can get exercise indoors as well as outside. Enough exercise is needed to keep a min pin in their healthy eight to 10 pound weight range.
Common Health Problems
The MPCA states that min pins are a generally healthy breed. Their most common health problems are patellar luxation, cervical (dry) disc, Legg-Perthes, epilepsy, thyroid, heart defects and eye problems. The average life expectancy for a min pin is 13 to 15 years.
Miniature pinschers are perfect pets for those that want a lot of dog in a little package.
Min Pins have a sturdy and compact body structure
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miniature pinscher require minimal grooming
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miniature pinscher
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