Mini Pinscher Information
Known for its courageous and comedic personality as well as its resemblance to its much larger "cousin," the miniature pinscher (also known as the "min pin") is one of the most popular small dog breeds. With an outgoing and energetic personality, as well as an easy-to-maintain coat and no common serious health issues, this dog can fit into many types of households.
Features
The miniature pinscher comes in two main coat colors, either solid red, or black with tan markings. The shade of red may vary, as well as the shade of tan for the black and tan variety.
Whatever the color, the coat is smooth and short, and requires little regular grooming. Left naturally, min pins have ears that fold over and a medium-long tails. Many owners of min pins, however, opt to get at least the tail docked, if not the ears as well. Once the ears are docked, they stand up in triangular points atop the head.
Size
While min pins can range from 10 to 12 1/2 inches tall, they are considered ideal at 11 to 11 1/2 inches tall. A healthy weight ranges from 8 to 10 pounds. Size does not vary greatly between males and females, especially if they have been altered.
Personality
With miniature pinschers, you get a lot of personality in a tiny package. They are highly energetic and alert, and can be feisty and almost aggressive in their playfulness.
This is a breed that must be socialized at a very young age, or the dog will have a hard time obeying its master. Because of its high energy level, you also must exercise and play with it on a very regular basis so it does not become obese or disobedient and destructive.
Many min pins are good with children and make pleasant companions to them, but because of the dogs' feisty nature, you should monitor all playtime between them and kids.
Health
The most important health issue for these dogs is mental health. They are very curious and will attack or chew on things, so you should keep small items out of reach so they don't choke on them.
Because the min pin is curious and energetic, you must watch the dog constantly. It could escape a dog pen or yard and run into the street or after another animal or human, and this could cause it to be injured or lost.
Min pins can be territorial and must have their own sleeping areas and toys. They will fight with other animals that try to take what they believe to be theirs.
As for physical health issues, the most serious is leg injury. Min pins have small, thin legs that can be sprained or broken easily if they jump down from furniture that is too high or over something too big, for example.
Misconceptions
Despite appearances, miniature pinschers are not small versions of doberman pinschers. The miniature pinscher is, in fact, a separate, specific breed of dog that was developed in 1836 in Germany--before the doberman.
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