Country of OriginGermany
Nicknames and Other NamesMin Pin
Reh Pinscher
King of the Toys
Zwergpinsc
Scientific NameCanis lupus fimiliaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupToy Group
Companion Group
Bred ForHunting rats
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, CKC, UKC, KC, ANKC, NZKC
Life Span12-16 years
Ideal Weight8-10 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height10-12.5 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeSingle coat, short, smooth
Common ColorsChocolate and Rust
Black and Tan
Chocolate and Tan
Red, Black and Rust
MarkingsWhite markings
Self-colored nose
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsGiven the name “KIng of Toys”
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToToy Fox Terrier

Miniature Pinscher, also known as Min Pin is a small, tiny dog whose appearance is similar to Doberman Pinscher but in a smaller version. They are also known as King of Toys due to its self-assured attitude. Min Pin is a very active, energetic, fearless, and alert dog who enjoys the company of his family.

They are naturally well-groomed breed with short coat that does not required much caring. They has royal bearing and a prancing gait. You cannot help but notice Min Pin while they walk down the street.

Origin and History

Miniature Pinscher is a breed of dog that is originated from Germany. They were for hunting rats and look after farms. Min Pins were supposed to be bred from crossing a small short-haired terrier (German Pinscher) with the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1929. At that time Min Pins were shown in the Terrier group. In 1930, they were reclassified as Toys and called Pinscher and renamed to Miniature Pinscher in 1972.

Are They Child-Friendly?

Min Pin can get well around children if brought up with them. They are overwhelmed by loud noises and quick movements of children. So, Parents supervision is needed while letting them play with each other.

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

Miniature Pinscher is a very alert, active and protective dog. They do not fear anything, even something 10 times bigger than their size. So, Min Pin sometime should be protected from their own misguide of instincts.

They are a fun and entertaining dog which can sometimes become curious and dig yards and chase moving objects. Therefore, a fenced yard will keep them from running off and safe.

Miniature Pinscher

Min Pin is an extreme barker and bark at almost anything they see from strangers to a squirrel running in your yard. So, they should be trained in an early age properly as not to get this habit of frequent barking out of control.

Bold Looking Miniature Pinscher

Trainability

Min Pin is a stubborn breed so training them can be a tough task to do. They are smart and quick at learning things. For training, they need a consistent leader, so they can be very obedient animals.

Min Pin should be kept interested in short and fun training. To make your Min Pin well-behaved dog, you need to start training him at an early age which is between 8-10 weeks.

Min Pin tends to bark a lot at any things they see. They need firm training to control their inappropriate barking which can be started from an early age.

Facts

  • Miniature Pinschers are given the name “King of Toys”, because of their king complex, stately appearance and self-assured attitude.
  • Min Pin is a clever, spirited dog and some bit of a comedian.
  • They have a high-stepping gait known as his hackney gait.
  • Min Pins are quick to sound the alarm at almost anything that comes to their sight. They can bark on anything that they see, so this should be stopped sooner from becoming a bad habit.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes Disease,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
Epilepsy, Patellar Luxation
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredLeptospirosis, Rabies, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus, Canine Parvovirus
SheddingModerate Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialHigh
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 22%
Fat: 8%
Antioxidant
Glucosamine
Fish Oil

Min Pin has an average life span of 12-14 years. It is not that they can suffer from any kind of diseases in their life but they may be prone to some minor problems like Legg-Perthes, Hypothyroidism, Patellar luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Heart Defects.

To prevent all these health problems, they should be regularly exercised by taking them to walks. Time to time visits to a local veterinarian is a must.

Colors

Min Pin comes in six colors and they are –

  • stag red
  • black & tan
  • black & rust
  • red
  • chocolate & tan
  • and chocolate & rust.

Puppies


While buying a Min Pin puppy, do not buy from an irresponsible breeder or pet shop. Go for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to be sure they are free from any genetic diseases that their parents might pass to their puppies.

Miniature Pinscher puppy on the Air

Cost

Cost of Min Pin puppy is $400-$600 USD on average. It can cost from $1200-$6000 or even more with top breed lines and a superior pedigree.

Size

The average height of male Min Pin is 25-30 cm and female is 25-28 cm. The weight of male is 4-5 kg and female is 3.5-4 kg.

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