Miniature Pinscher - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 inches)

Weight: About 4.5 kg (10 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Alert & courageous

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Zwergpinscher

Temperament:

The Miniature Pinscher is intelligent, active, courageous and alert. Miniature Pinschers make affectionate companions and excellent watchdogs. They are quickly and easily trained. Miniature Pinschers get along with people of all ages and other household pets, so long as they are not pestered. Depending on how they are brought up when young, they may be suspicious towards strangers.

Grooming:

A rubber brush should be used during moulting to remove the dead and loose hairs. A wipe down with a damp cloth will bring out the shine in the coat. Miniature Pinschers are easy to keep well groomed and tidy.

Exercise:

Miniature Pinschers are happy living in a flat or apartment so long as they get a run and play at least three times a day. They are not content spending their lives as lap dogs.

History:

The Miniature Pinscher is also called the 'Rey Pinscher' due to their resemblance to a small variety of deer in Germany. Records show that the Pinscher existed back in 1836. They evolved from the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound and were bred for destroying vermin such as rats and mice throughout stables in Europe. In 1895 the Pinscher Klub of Germany was created and the official standard for this breed was written soon after.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, sturdy and athletic.

Color: Solid red, black, chocolate or blue with tan in designated areas.

Coat: Straight, smooth, hard and short.

Tail: Carried high and commonly docked.

Ears: Two types of ears are permitted. (1) V-shaped and carried erect and (2) the same but with the tips falling forward.

Body: The body is square with a sloping topline towards the rear. The belly is moderately tucked up with long and well angulated hindquarters.

Additional Comments:

* The Miniature Pinscher can be trained extremely well and is eager to learn. Many owners of small dogs feel that basic training is sufficient for them, which is a shame for the Miniature Pinscher. They greatly benefit from early socialization with other dogs and puppies and will quickly understand and obey with proper training.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/miniature_pinscher/