| Miniature Pinscher
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| Alternative names
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| Common nickname
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| Minpin
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| Country of origin
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| Germany
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| Classification and breed standards
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The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Minpin by fanciers, is a toy breed of dog. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. The name roughly translates into English as midget biter or midget terrier. Minpins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats.
Appearance
Typically, the Minpin stands between 25 and 30 cm (10 and 12.5 in) at the withers, give or take a bit depending on the breed standard. Its weight is about 2.3 to about 4.5 kg (5 to 10 lb).
The coat colors, according to most breed standards, are red, stag-red, red-brown, dark-red brown, and black with tan or reddish/reddish-brown markings. The coat should be short and smooth.
A Minpin frequently has docked ears and tail, although this is becoming a somewhat controversial practice, especially outside the United States.
Temperament
Dogs, like people, have a wide range of personalities. Although the same is true for Minpins, members of the breed generally share some personality traits. Minpins, by their nature, are not generally timid, calm "lap dogs." Rather, they have an energetic spirit and curious nature. Although small, a Minpin generally makes a good watchdog, as the breed is eager to sound the alarm when unfamiliar people and creatures appear in or around the home.
Socialization
As with any puppy of any breed, it is important to properly socialize a Minpin puppy with people and dogs. This is especially true for Minpins, since their small size combined with curiosity and fearlessness could pose problems with larger dogs and human houseguests. Fans of the breed argue that its exhuberant spirit and small size make it the ideal house or apartment dog. The dog's energetic temperment, cat-like agility, and curious nature, however, may not be for everyone.
Care
Although the breed is not necessarily bad with children, care must be taken in educating youths about proper handling and play. Although Minpins are known to bound through, around, and over obstacles, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child.
Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. Care must be taken in colder weather, however, as this coat provides virtually no protection from the cold.
Due to their inbred instinct to hunt vermin, one should take special care in preventing a Minpin to "attack" small objects, such as bottle caps, as they could pose a choking hazard.
History
Although appearing similar to the Doberman Pinscher, the Minpin is not a "Miniature Doberman". Rather, the breed is believed to be older. Similarities between the two may result from a common genetic relation to the German Pinscher . Some genetic stock may have been contributed by the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund.
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