Miniature Pinscher - Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher is an alert and fun loving dog, with courage, spirit, and enthusiasm for everything he does. These vibrant and lively dogs can be difficult to control and train, and are best suited to those with experience in dog ownership and training. The Miniature Pinscher will bark to raise an alarm and this makes him an effective watchdog. They are intelligent and quick to learn, but need an owner that is assertive and confident, with a positive training manner. Considering his small size, the Miniature Pinscher is very bold, and is also observant and inquisitive. They can be territorial and dominant, and many also tend to bark a lot. Housebreaking may prove very difficult with some Miniature Pinschers.

The Miniature Pinscher does love to play and exercise, and has very high energy levels, so he is not suited to families that are not very active. He can be quite clingy, and thrives on affection and attention, so he also needs a family with plenty of time to dedicate to a pet. These dogs do not like to be handled roughly, and therefore is best suited to families with gentle children. They are usually wary around strangers, and can be dominant with other pets or even chase smaller ones. You should ensure that the Miniature Pinscher has a safe and secured area to play and exercise in, as these dogs can easily escape and are very good at climbing. Early socialization is important to ensure a stable personality.
Miniature Pinscher Appearance

The Miniature Pinscher is a small but sturdy and athletic dog. He has a compact build, and an alert and inquisitive expression. The ears of the Miniature Pinscher can be folded, lending the dog a softer appearance, or may stand erect or cropped, which adds to his alert expression. His coat is closing fitting, short, and sleek. The coloring of the Miniature Pinscher can be solid black, blue, or chocolate. These dogs weigh in at 8-12 pounds, and stand at around 9-13 inches in height.
Miniature Pinscher Grooming

The Miniature Pinscher does not require much in the way of grooming, and an occasional brush and wipe over with a damp cloth will keep his coat sleek and shiny. These dogs are relatively low shedders, and therefore may be suited to those suffering from allergies.
Miniature Pinscher Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Miniature Pinscher is around 13-15 years. This is a relatively healthy and robust breed, but there are some health problems to look out for, including: luxating patella, Legg Perthes, skin problems, cataracts, and PRA. The parents of the Miniature Pinscher puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Miniature Pinscher History

The Miniature Pinscher originates from Germany, and was originally bred for hunting rats and vermin, as well as keeping guard. These dogs are not related to the Doberman, as many might think. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1925.

# AKAMini Pin, Reh Pinscher, Zwergpinscher
# SizeSmall
# Ease of trainingLow
# GroomingLow
# SheddingLow
# Exercise neededDaily walks and runs
# Energy levelHigh
# ProtectionMakes an effective watchdog
# Good with childrenYes, with gentle children and when brought up with them
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity23/155