SCRAPS Breed Profile MINIATURE PINSCHER

Stats

Country of Origin: Germany Group: Toy Use today: Family companion, competitive obedience watch dogging and agility. Life Span: 15 years Color: Coat colors are red, black, tan or chocolate. Coat: Short easy-care coat. Grooming: The Miniature Pinscher's smooth, short-haired, hard coat is easy to groom. Comb & brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Loose hair can be remove by wiping over with a warm, damp washcloth. This breed is an average shedder. Height: Male 10 – 12 inches; Females 10 - 11 inches Weight: Male 8 – 10 pounds; Females 8 - 9 pounds

Profile Temperament: The Miniature Pinscher is a In Brief: Known as the "King of the Toys," the hardy little fellow that is very demanding and Miniature Pinscher is a compact, smooth-coated headstrong. This proud, overly courageous dog dog who is alert, spirited and fearless, with a likes to bark. They are loyal to their masters, unique high-stepping, hackney-like gait. They spirited and alert, with high energy. Intelligent, are good family companions and look out for lively and brave, it is a big dog in a little dog's their family, bravely challenging intruders with body. The Miniature Pinscher is moderately their bold, insistent bark. The "Min Pin" will be protective. Some can be very aggressive with happiest with a family that treats him like a other dogs, but they are generally good with standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but other pets and children provided the children do he's also smart. not pester. They are rather suspicious towards strangers, but their behavior depends entirely Description: The Miniature Pinscher is a small, upon how they were brought up as young pups. compact, muscular, sleek dog with square Don't spoil this breed too much or the dog may proportions and well-chiseled lines. The top line become a tyrant. The Miniature Pinscher can is either level or sloping slightly towards the rear. learn extremely well and wants very much to do The front legs are straight and the dewclaws so. It is certainly beneficial for its socialization to removed. The feet are small and catlike. The take the dog to puppy courses where it can meet muzzle is strong and in good proportion to the other dogs and people. You will be amazed at rest of the dog. The teeth should meet in a how fast the Miniature Pinscher understands scissors bite. The dark bright eyes are oval. and obeys you. Pay particular attention when Cropping the ears is optional, but the tail is housebreaking this little Pinscher, since a little always docked. It appears naturally well- puddle from such a small dog can easily be groomed and self-possessed. The Miniature overlooked; the dog may get the idea that you Pinscher's short, easy-care coat usually comes are happy to accept it fulfilling its natural needs in red, but may also be black & tan or chocolate. indoors. The Miniature Pinscher is often called The dog has an unusual high stepping gait. "King Of The Toys." Beware, this little dog will chew small objects and may choke on them. Do not overfeed this breed.

Health: This is a very healthy breed. Origins: The Miniature Pinscher is not related to the Doberman Pinscher, and is in fact an older Living Conditions: The Miniature Pinscher is breed than the Doberman. Developed in good for apartment life. It is very active indoors Germany from terrier breeds, including the and will do okay without a yard. The Miniature German Pinscher, the Miniature Pinscher's Pinscher should be protected from the cold. original use was in hunting rats to keep the population down in the stables that it frequented. Exercise: These dogs do not require a lot of Italian Greyhound blood may have been added exercise but should be given regular to produce such a tiny, high stepping-dog. The opportunities to run and play. Make sure any word "Pinscher" means "terrier" in German. yard in which they can run loose has a fence Today the MinPin's high spirit and bright high enough to prevent their determined efforts personality make him a charming companion. to escape and explore. Some of the Miniature Pinscher's talents are competitive obedience, watch dogging, and agility.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal