A Pet's View / October 2006
In a Pinsch
Often called “King Of The Toys,” Miniature Pinschers are hardy, brave and demanding. Native to Germany, the sturdy little dogs are not small Dobermans at all. Miniature Pinschers are a breed of their own, one that was recognized long before their distant Doberman cousins were developed.
Min Pins are noted for their intelligence and high energy. Overly courageous, considering their size, miniature pinschers are often valued as watchdogs. They love to bark and are eager to sound the alarm over unfamiliar people in or around the home. Loyal, spirited and energetic, Min Pins are the quintessential big dog in a little dog’s body. Most Min Pins would be quite surprised to discover they’re not the size of a Great Dane.
Although they are in the toy class of dogs, Min Pins are hardly timid, indolent “lap dogs.” Rather, they are highly energetic, fearless and intensely curious. Stubborn and sweet, they have unusually expressive features and mannerisms. Owners quickly become familiar with the highs, lows and pouts reflected in the Min Pins intelligent face.
Moderately protective, they are generally good with other pets and children provided the children are well trained. They are rather suspicious towards strangers, but their behavior depends entirely upon how they were brought up as young pups. Miniature Pinschers can learn extremely well and want to, but when over spoiled, the little dogs can become tyrants.
Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin. Developed in 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. A combination of terrier breeds, including the German Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher’s original use was hunting rats to keep the population down in the stables it frequented. Italian Greyhound blood may have been added to produce such a tiny, high stepping-dog. Because of their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken to prevent Min Pins from “attacking” small objects, like bottle caps, that could pose a choking hazard.
Fans of Min Pins say their exuberant spirit and small size make them an ideal house or apartment dog and many women choose Min Pins for companion pets. Min Pins are known to bound through, around, and over obstacles. Some will will even bounce repeatedly in place if no obstacle is available.
They are a very healthy breed, with few inherent health problems. Grooming is easy. Their smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. Care must be taken in colder weather, and most Min Pins don fashionable sweater wear in the winter, since their coat provides virtually no protection from the cold. They shed some, but not excessively.
Min Pins average 10-12 inches in height and weigh about 8-10 pounds, though they tend to gain weight easily. They don’t require a lot of exercise but they should be given regular opportunities to run and play. Most live fifteen years or longer.
With their head and tail carried high, and spirited self possession, Min Pins are the animated picture of an irrepressibly enthusiastic pet, short in stature, small in size, but big of heart. PL
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