The Miniature Pinscher has a characteristic high-stepping (hackney) gait, cat-like curiosity and a spirited personality.

Alternate Names

Minpin
Zwergpinscher (dwarf pinscher)

Miniature Pinscher translates to “terrier-like” or “biter.”

Appearance:

Body: Sturdy, compact, muscular, and well-balance, with a level or sloping back.

Coat: Short, hard, smooth, and glossy.

Color: Clear red, stag red (intermingled with black hairs), fawn, black with rust markings, or chocolate with rust markings.

Ears: Large, erect, and set high; usually cropped.

Eyes: Oval-shaped, dark colored, and full; expressively keen and alert.

Feet: Small and cat-like with well-arched toes, thick pads and thick nails.

Head: Proportionate to the body with a flat, tapering skull, strong muzzle, and black nose (chocolate colored on chocolate dogs).

Legs: Forelegs are well-boned. Hindquarters are well-muscled with straight legs.

Neck: Well balanced, lightly arched, muscular, and elegantly curved.

Size:
Weight: 8 – 10 pounds
Height: 10 – 12.5 inches

Tail: Short, docked, high set, and carried upright.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Good watchdog
Can be difficult to housetrain
Can be aggressive with dogs, cats and other small animals
Sometimes mistaken for a Miniature Doberman but there is no relation

The Miniature Pinscher is a feisty, highly energetic dog, with a characteristic high-stepping (hackney) gait, cat-like curiosity and a spirited personality; a big dog in a small package. He’s athletic, agile, fearless, quick, and keenly alert at all times.

AKC Standards say he has “Fearless animation, complete self-possession, and spirited presence.”; “the Minpin’s fondness for home and master is exceptional.”

When indoors, he is a loveable lap dog with a craving to be near his owner or under the covers of a warm, comfortable bed. Outside he is full of vim and vigor; anxious to run and play, but always keeping a watchful eye on anything that moves or comes near his territory.

This tiny little dog is quite capable of scaling high fences or finding other ways of escaping the boundaries of his yard. His investigative nature will likely lead him into traffic and other dangers if he isn’t kept on a lead or in a securely fenced area. Check the fence regularly for any small openings he can work his way through.

He’s a busy body and won’t always be willing to come when called; his protective, territorial tendencies will show around strangers. Early obedience training and continued socialization will help tame his independent mind. As always, a firm but gentle hand with lots of praise and reward-type treats is the best approach.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Vigorous daily walks and lots of time to run and play.

Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly with a soft brush.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 Years

Possible Problems:
Demodectic Mange – skin irritation caused by the presence of mites
Legg-Perthes – deterioration of the femur (thigh) bone
Luxating Patella – dislocated knee joint

Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes

Minpins are warm-weather dogs. He will need a warm sweater or winter coat in the cold winter climates. It may take more patience than with other tiny dog breeds, but he can be trained to use the litter box in order to spare him from the frigid northern temperatures.

Country of Origin

Germany – 1700s