The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Minpin by fanciers, is a toy breed of dog. Minpins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. The Mini Pinscher is also known as the “King of the Toy Dogs”.
History: The Miniature Pinscher is not related to the Doberman Pinscher, and is in fact an older breed than the Doberman. The first recorded hint of the origin appears in a 17th-century painting, which shows a cat-sized red dog resembling the modern animal. It is said that the Miniature Pinscher results from crosses between the German Pinscher, the Daschund and the Italian Greyhound. Originally a ratter, the Miniature Pinscher has vitality to spare: from the German Pinscher, it has feistiness; from the Daschund, it has fearlessness; from the Italian Greyhound, it has playful speed and grace. By the early 19th century, it was developed into a distinct breed named the Reh Pinscher because of its resemblance to the tiny roe deer of Germany (Reh in German means deer).
 

Appearance: The Miniature Pinscher is a small, compact, muscular, sleek dog with square proportions and well-chiseled lines. The head is in correct proportion to the body. Tapering, narrow with well fitted but not too prominent foreface which balances with the skull. Eyes are full, slightly oval, clean and bright. Some dogs develop self-standing ears, but ears are commonly cropped. Its coat closely covers its body with short, straight, hard and lustrous hairs. Coloring may be any of: solid red, red with black hairs, black and tan, or chocolate.
Size: Height: dogs 10-12 inches (25-30 cm); bitches 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Weight: dogs 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg); bitches 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg)
Temperament: The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy little fellow that is very demanding and headstrong. Intelligent, lively and brave, it is a big dog in a little dog’s body. Distant with strangers, the Miniature Pinscher is often quite aggressive with other dogs, behaving more in accordance with its courageous spirit than its tiny stature. The Miniature Pinscher is good with well-behaved children and plays nicely with other pets if appropriately socialized. Although small, a Minpin generally makes a good watchdog, as the breed is eager to sound the alarm when unfamiliar people and creatures appear in or around the home. They do not understand that they are not the size of a Great Dane.
Health: The Miniature Pinscher is a quite healthy breed. Nevertheless, luxating patellas and Legg-Perthes have been found in this breed. But a careful breeding program can eliminate much of this.
Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Grooming: The Miniature Pinscher’s smooth, short-haired, hard coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe down with a cloth daily to remove excess hair would be sufficient for this short haired and average shedding breed. Special care must be taken in preventing a Minpin from “attacking” small objects, such as bottle caps, as they could pose a choking hazard.
Puppy price: $400.00 - $700.00