General Description

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(Min Pin, Zwergpinscher) The Miniature Pinscher is a well-balanced, short-coupled dog with a sturdy, compact build and a proud, vigorous appearance. They are animated and full of spirit, and they are naturally very alert and well-groomed. The breed’s neck is slightly arched and gracefully curved, and it blends well into the shoulders. Their back is level or slightly sloping toward the rear, and their body is wedge-shaped and well-muscled. The forechest is well-developed and the ribs are well-sprung. Their belly is comparatively tucked up and their loin is short and strong. Tails of this breed are high-set, erect, and docked in proportion to the size of the dog’s body. The breed’s shoulders are clean and sloping, and their elbows are carried close to the body. Their legs are well-boned and their pasterns are strong and perpendicular. They have small, catlike feet and a set of well-arched toes with thick pads. Their hindquarters are set wide and in proportion, and their thighs are strong and well-muscled. The hocks are short and set far apart, and the stifles are defined. The head of the Miniature Pinscher is narrow and tapering, and the foreface is fitted to balance the skull. They have a strong muzzle and a slight stop. The nose is black and the eyes are slightly oval, bright, and dark in color. The cheeks are small and the teeth close in a scissors bite. Ears of this breed are high-set and stand erect. The breed’s short-haired coat is smooth, hard, and straight. Coat colors for this breed include solid red, clear red, stag red, black with rust markings, and chocolate with rust-red markings.

The ears must stand erect for show purposes, either naturally or cropped. If they are left natural, the ears may tip over. Recognized colors include Clear Red, Stag Red (dark and marked with Black guard hairs), Chocolate with Tan or Rust markings, Black with Tan or Rust markings, Blue with Tan or Rust markings (a dilute of Black), and Fawn with Tan or Rust markings (a dilute of Chocolate). Their coat should be exceptionally shiny.

Ear and tail cropping is now illegal in more European countries.

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Character

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The Miniature Pinscher is headstrong, hearty, and proud. They are courageous and love to bark. They are spirited and demanding, and they are very loyal to their master. They are highly intelligent and are capable of learning very well. It’s important for these dogs to be properly trained and socialized from an early age. They are sometimes leery of strangers, but they get along quite well with children and other pets. They are moderately protective, and some may be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex. These dogs should not be excessively spoiled.

Being of a Terriers temperament, they sometimes tend to be aggressive toward anything that is small, fuzzy and makes squeaking noises. The gender will make no difference, if it appears to be prey they will have an instinct to is to bite, shake and sometimes kill small animals.

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Size

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10 – 12 inches

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Weight

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8 – 10 pounds

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General Health

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There are no reported health issues or concerns for the Miniature Pinscher. This breed typically lives for 15 years or more.

Many bloodlines, especially well-documented AKC lines, commonly have little pimples that are puss-filled. When broken the dog will lose hair where the infected area was. This disorder occurs in puppies and most out outgrow it. There is speculation that this is actually a very minor auto-immune problem, and the pustules are demodex, the tenancy is hereditary. This also occurs at the same time as extreme loss of hair on the chest and neck. Any loss of hair will eventually grow back.

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History

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Contrary to popular belief, the Miniature Pinscher is not related to the Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the Miniature Pinscher is a much older breed. The breed was developed in Germany as a result of mixes between various types of terrier breeds including the German Pinscher. Their original purpose was to hunt rats that infested stables. The Miniature Pinscher has a number of natural talents including competitive obedience, agility, and watching.

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Maintenance

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The smooth, short-haired coat of the Miniature Pinscher is easy to groom and care for. It should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush, and shampooed only as necessary. Excess hair can be removed by wiping the dog’s coat with a warm, damp washcloth. The Miniature Pinscher is an average shedder.

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Ideal Environment

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The Miniature Pinscher is well-suited for life in a small household or apartment. They are a very active breed indoors, and they are content to live without a yard. This breed is sensitive to cold weather. They do not require a great deal of exercise, but they should be given regular opportunities to run around and play.

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