Miniature Pinscher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Miniature Pinscher | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Alternative names | ||
| Zwergpinscher | ||
| Country of origin | ||
| Germany | ||
| Common nicknames | ||
| Min Pin | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 2 Section 1 #185 | Stds |
| AKC: | Toy | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 1 (Toys) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 5 - Toys | [? Stds] |
| KC (UK): | Toy | Stds |
| NZKC: | Toy | Stds |
| UKC: | Companion Breeds | Stds |
The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin by fanciers, is a toy breed of dog. Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher, refers to a classification of dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin. Zwerg, in German, means Dwarf or Midget. The Mini Pinscher is also known as the "King of the Toy Dogs".
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[edit] History
Although it has an appearance similar to the Doberman Pinscher, the Min Pin is not a "Miniature Doberman". Rather, the breed is much older. Although, the miniature pinscher has appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago, the factual documentation on this breed goes back less than 200 years. The Doberman Pinscher was bred by Louis Dobermann in 1890 and development of the Miniature Pinscher breed abroad began in 1895 when Germany's Pinscher Klub was formed and gave the breed its initial standard. Both Miniature Pinscher and Dobermann Pinscher share common ancestors. Similarities between the two may result from a common genetic relation to the German Pinscher. Some genetic stock may have been contributed by the Italian Greyhound, and the Dachshund with no relation to the Doberman or the Manchester Terrier.
The source of confusion regarding the relationship between the Doberman and the Miniature Pinscher may have been the result of a Miniature Pinscher breed standard from the 1929, which stated that the breed should appear as a Doberman in miniature. The Miniature Pinscher was imported into the U.S. in 1919 and was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1929.
[edit] Appearance
Typically, the Min Pin stands between 25 and 30 cm (10 and 12.5 in) at the withers, weighing between four and six kg. The coat is short and smooth, with colors, according to most breed standards, of red, stag-red, fawn, and black or chocolate with tan markings. Sometimes Min Pins have a silvery black coat, known as a blue coat. The miniature pinscher frequently has a docked tail and cropped ears, though the AKC no longer requires ear cropping for shows.
[edit] Temperament
Though Min Pins, like most dogs, have variable personalities, the breed does possess some distinct personality traits. They are usually energetic and curious rather than calm or timid. Although small, a Min Pin are good watchdogs and respond vigorously to unfamiliar people and creatures in or around the home. It is said that Mini Pinschers tend to bark excessively, but again this is dependent on the personality of the dog and the owner.
[edit] Socialization
As with any puppy of any breed, it is important to properly socialize a Min Pin puppy with people and dogs. This is especially true for Min Pins, since their small size combined with curiosity and fearlessness could pose problems with larger dogs and human houseguests. Socialization is important with the Min Pin as with any canine to combat against aggression due to the animal's size; it is recommended that Mini Pinschers be socialized before three months of age.
[edit] Care
- Although the breed is not necessarily bad with children, care must be taken in educating youths about proper handling and play. Although sturdy, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child.
- Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. Care must be taken in colder weather as the coat provides virtually no insulation from the cold.
- Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken in preventing a Min Pin from "attacking" small objects, such as bottle caps, as they could pose a choking hazard.
- Min Pins are also prone to overeating, and should have their diets monitored to prevent obesity.
 A min pin puppy with uncropped ears |
 Adolescent min pin with uncropped ears |
[edit] External links
- American Kennel Club article on Min Pins, retrieved March 20th, 2007.
- British Miniature Pinscher
