The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Miniature Pinscher

Information and Pictures

Side view - Two black and tan Miniature Pinschers are standing on a tan carpet and there is a brown hedghog plush toy in front of them. There heads are tilted in opposite directions. One head is tilted to the left, the other is tilted to the right.

Zoë at 1 ½ and Tyson at 6 months old

Other Names
  • Min Pin
  • King of the Toys
  • Zwergpinscher
Pronunciation

MIN-ee-a-chur PIN-churspeaker

Description

The Miniature Pinscher is a small, compact, square dog. The head is in proportion to the body. The skull appears flat, tapering forward toward the muzzle. The muzzle is strong and in proportion to the head. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The topline is level or slightly sloping toward the rear. The slightly oval eyes are dark. The ears are set high and either cropped or left natural. The front legs are straight. Dewclaws are usually removed. The small feet are cat-like in shape. The AKC calls for the tail to be cropped, however cropping is illegal in most European countries. The short, smooth, hard coat lies close to the body. Coat colors include black with rust markings, chocolate with tan, red and stag red (red with black hairs).

Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy little fellow who is proud and courageous. He is loyal to his master, spirited and alert with high energy. Intelligent, lively and brave. Generally good with other pets and children so long as the humans provide proper leadership toward the dog. Its behavior depends entirely upon how you treat the dog. Do not let this sweet little dog fall into the Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where he believes he is pack leader to humans. That is when problems start to arise. The dog will become demanding, headstrong and will begin to bark more than you wish. If you allow this, the dog may become a tyrant. If you are not this dog’s pack leader, it will become protective and may become very aggressive with other dogs. It can also become rather suspicious towards strangers. The Miniature Pinscher can learn extremely well and wants very much to do so. It is certainly beneficial for its socialization to take the dog to puppy courses where it can meet other dogs and people. You will be amazed at how fast the Miniature Pinscher understands and obeys you. Pay particular attention when housebreaking this little Pinscher, since a little puddle from such a small dog can easily be overlooked; the dog may get the idea that you are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs indoors. Beware, this little dog will chew small objects and may choke on them. Do not overfeed this breed. A balanced Min Pin will not have the behavior problems listed above. If it truly has rules, boundaries, limitations, a true pack leader and a daily pack walk, it will be a wonderful family companion.

Height, Weight

Height: Males 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm) Females 10 - 11 inches (25 - 28 cm)
Weight: Males 8 - 10 pounds (4 - 5 kg) Females 8 - 9 pounds (about 4 kg)

Health Problems

Generally healthy.

Living Conditions

The Miniature Pinscher is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Miniature Pinscher should be protected from the cold.

Exercise

Min Pins need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Make sure any yard in which they can run loose has a fence high enough to prevent their determined efforts to escape and explore.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years

Litter Size

About 2 to 6 puppies

Grooming

The Miniature Pinscher's smooth, shorthaired, hard coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. You can remove loose hair by wiping the coat with a warm, damp cloth. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin

The Miniature Pinscher is a German breed. The Miniature Pinscher was developed from the Dachshund, Italian Greyhound, and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The breed looks like a mini Doberman, most likely because both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman both were developed from the German Pinscher. The breed was used as a barnyard ratter, controlling the rodent population in the stables. The Miniature Pinscher is often called the "King Of The Toys." Some of the Miniature Pinscher's talents are competitive obedience, watchdog and agility.

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
  • CKC = Continental Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
A black and tan Miniature Pinscher is standing in front of a doorway on a wooden porch looking to the left.

Twiggy the Min Pin as a puppy

A black and tan Miniature Pinscher is standing in a road with a person in purple pants and white sneakers next to it.

Twiggy all grown up!

A shiny-coated small breed dog with a red coat and large ears that stand up standing in front of plastic bags

Peanut the red colored Miniature Pinscher at 2 years old.

View from the front - A black and tan Miniature Pinscher puppy is sitting on a light colored tan and blue plaid couch with its head tilted to the left.

"This is my dog Mylie. Mylie is a purebred Miniature Pinscher, shown here as an 11-week-old puppy. She is a tiny girl, but with a big attitude. Mylie loves to play and have fun. She will play with anyone and anything. Many people feel as if Miniature Pinschers have some sort of aggressive behavior. I feel the complete opposite. Any dog can become aggressive; it always doesn't depend on the breed, but on the owner. My Min Pins have always loved people and have had such great attitudes!! They are always eager and willing to please!"

A perk-eared, red Miniature Pinscher standing on a dirt floor looking to the right

Noodel the red Min Pin at 7 months old

A black Miniature Pinscher is laying on a brown leather couch looking up. There is a blue, red and white throw blanket folded up behind it.

This is William Babangida a black Min Pin from Israel on the sofa

A brown and tan Miniature Pinscher is laying in grass. It is looking up and its mouth is open and tongue is out. It has un-cropped ears that hang over to the sides.

"Here are some pics of my "big boned" Min Pin Dasher aka Dash. Sometimes it's hard to tell in photos but he is chocolate and tan. He's a great dog! Humorous to watch, cuddly, housetrained and social. He is also great with kids. I wanted to send some pics to your website to show owners of other "big boned" Min Pins they are not alone. Our dogs are just as good looking as the tiny ones."

Side view - A black and tan Miniature Pinscher puppy is standing on a tan carpet in front of a brown couch looking down.

Piper the Min Pin puppy at 3 ½ months old

See more examples of the Miniature Pinscher