The Miniature Pinscher is a small breed of dog of the Pinscher type, developed in Germany. Miniature Pinschers were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. Pinscher, is the German word for terrier and Zwerg means Dwarf. The Miniature Pinscher is also known as the "Queen of the Toy Dogs". The international kennel club, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, lists the Miniature Pinscher in Group 2, Section 1.1 Pinscher, along with the Dobermann, the German Pinscher, the Austrian Pinscher, and the other toy pinscher, the Affenpinscher. Other kennel clubs list the Miniature Pinscher in the Toy Group or Companion Group.

History

Although the two breeds are similar in appearance, the Miniature Pinscher is not a "Miniature Doberman"; it predates the latter. Although the Miniature Pinscher appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago, the factual documentation on this breed goes back to 1836 with the writings of Dr. Reichenbach. The Doberman Pinscher was bred by Karl Frederich Louis Dobermann in 1880. It is strongly believed that Dobermann used the Deutscher Pinscher (German Pinscher) in establishing his breed, as Dobermann had noted that he was looking to create a dog resembling the Miniature "Zwergpinscher" Pinscher but 15 times larger. In 1895, the Pinscher Schnauzer Klub officially recognized Dobermann's Pinscher. The misconception in the U.S. that the Miniature Pinscher is a "miniature doberman" occurred because the Doberman Pinscher was introduced to the US before the Miniature Pinscher. In 1919 the Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring. At that time, not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher (dwarfpinscher), the AKC referred to the breed as simply "Pinscher" and listed it in the miscellaneous category. By 1929 (the year of the breed's official introduction into the AKC), not noting it was a true Terrier breed, it was decided to officially place it in the Toy breed classification. Unfortunately the AKC's description, that the dog "must appear as a Doberman in miniature", led to the misconception common today that this breed is a "Miniature Doberman Pinscher". The original name for this breed in the US was "Pinscher" until 1972 when the name was officially changed to Miniature Pinscher. In 1836 (the oldest documented mention of the Miniature Pinscher) after years of study of the breed Dr. Reichenbach determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth coated Dachshund (a favorite German breed of the time with excellent ratting skills) with an Italian Greyhound. This is the only documented fact about the Min Pin's origin. (Many believed that the German (Deutscher) Pinscher was used as breed stock but unfortunately this is false as this breed came about as purely an accident in the 18th century when wirehaired Standard Schnauzers started throwing smooth coated pups). Including the Italian Greyhound made a swifter ratter as this breed was primarily used on farms where open fields required a faster dog to chase down rats and mice. The original Miniature Pinscher was not a true house pet but a working breed left to the barn with minimal human contact, much like feral cats on farms today. This created the unique independent trait in the breed that is still found today. It must also be noted that the word "pinscher" in German does not mean "terrier". The word "terrier", like "setter", pertains to the way the breed works. The German word "pinscher" translates to "biter" or the way it bites when attacking its prey. The popularity of the Miniature Pinscher became high in Germany in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By 1920, the Miniature Pinschers appeal had reached the United States when the dog was imported. By 1925, the Miniature Pinscher was accepted into the American Kennel Club as a member of the toy group.

Appearance and Size

he original true Miniature Pinscher was more stout in appearance than today's refined dog. Its coat was more coarse and the dog in general was less refined. The refined look of today's dog was a result primarily of many who neglected to realize that the breed was a working breed and not a toy breed. Much of the natural look went away with years of breeding for the refined small dog now seen as today's Miniature Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher also tends to have very long legs, and a small body, which can sometimes make it look quite comical. As a result of the flexible, agile body of a Miniature Pinscher, they are able to curl up in almost any position and almost always be comfortable. Typically, the Miniature Pinscher stands 10 inches to 12.5 inches, with desired height 11 inches to 11.5 inches measured at highest point of the shoulder blades. If the min pin is under 10 inches or above 12.5 inches, it's a disqualification.

Personality

The Miniature Pinscher is an energetic, playful, and friendly dog that thrives on owner interaction. They are very loyal dogs and are typically categorized as "one, or two person dogs", but with socialization, they can be integrated into families, and get along with other dogs, pets, and children. Children, especially younger ones, must be encouraged to act gently and responsibly around this smaller breed to avoid injury for both parties. Socialization as puppies will help ensure they can co-exist and interact with other dogs as adults. Min Pins are outgoing, responsive and clever. They will be aloof around people they have never been introduced to, and are very protective of their owners. This protective instinct will manifest as barking and challenging postures. Although originally bred for ratting, they are also excellent watch dogs, barking at all things they deem a threat.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Miniature Pinscher" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.