Miniature Pinscher
Group: Toy Group
Origin: Germany
Height: 11 to 11.5 inches (28 to 29 cm).
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Breed Profile
Despite the appearance, the Miniature Pinscher (Zwergpinscher) is not a miniature Doberman Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher predates the Doberman by about 200 years. In his native Germany, he is often called the Reh Pinscher because of his resemblance to a small species of deer. Originally, he was used as a barnyard ratter but is now a popular companion dog.
He has a spirited presence, is vigorous and alert. In appearance, the Min Pin is a well balanced and sturdy toy dog with a smooth, short and lustrous coat. His coat colouring is either solid red, stag red, black with rich tan markings or solid brown with rust or yellow markings.
The Min Pinscher is noted for his intelligence, complete self-posession and spirited temperament and, despite his small size, he is a very good watchdog.
Health Issues
The Miniature Pinscher is generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they are not completely free from certain health disorders.
If you are considering the adoption of a Miniature Pinscher puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- MPCA Health & research Information
- Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
The Miniature Pinscher is considered a low maintenance breed. However, to maintain the coat and skin in a healthy condition, a certain amount of grooming is still required. To remove the dead hair from your Min Pin’s coat, it is recommended that brushing be done twice a week. Ears and eyes should also be checked regularly to ensure that they are clear of dirt and nails should be kept trimmed.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- MPCA Judges Education — Excellent resource for Judges, Breeders and Exhibitors of the Miniature Pinscher.
- The Miniature Pinscher Aficionado’s A-Z Handbook to a Wonderful Companion
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
Breed Listing
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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