Miniature Pinscher, breed of toy dog originating in Germany, perhaps as early as the 1600s. The dog may have been used for ratting or for companionship. Although it resembles a miniaturized version of the Doberman Pinscher, the dog likely was the result of the crossbreeding of German Pinschers, Dachshunds, and Italian Greyhounds. It was known as the reh pinscher in the early 1800s because of its resemblance to the German roe (reh) deer. The name pinscher denotes any short-haired, terrier-like breed.

Beginning in the early 20th century, the breed became increasingly popular in Europe and America. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1925 simply as the pinscher. Miniature was added in 1972. It was initially placed in the American Kennel Club’s terrier group but moved to the toy group in 1930. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which calls the breed the Zwergpinscher, recognized it in 1955 and placed it in the pinscher and schnauzer type group.

The dog is distinctive for its “hackney” gait, a high-stepping prance that resembles a horse’s trot. In addition, the breed is known for its self-possession, fearlessness, high energy, and elegant streamlined body. The breed comes in several standard colors: red, stag red (red with an overlay of black hairs), and black or chocolate with tan or rust points. In countries in which it is legal, the tail is traditionally docked and the ears cropped. Whether cropped or natural, the ears are erect.

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The Miniature Pinscher is nicknamed the “King of Toys” because of its confidence as well as its dominance in the show ring as one of the most competitive toy breeds.

Care and upkeep

Among the most active of dogs, the Miniature Pinscher requires abundant exercise. It is very athletic and can jump higher than expected, so care must be taken to provide an escape-proof yard with a sufficiently tall fence. The breed’s size makes it possible to meet many of the dog’s physical needs in a small yard or even indoors. However, it benefits mentally from walks on lead. Games and mental challenges are also good for the dog’s well-being. Miniature Pinschers enjoy chasing objects, including balls, but they are not great retrievers and tend to avoid water. The breed’s fearless attitude combined with its small size makes it a poor choice for dog parks, where it may find its challenges answered by much larger dogs. A Miniature Pinscher should be confined with plenty of toys when left alone in the house. It enjoys warm soft places and does not tolerate cold.

The sleek coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing, and shedding is minimal. No special food or preventive care is needed.

Temperament

The Miniature Pinscher is terrier-like in attitude. It is brash, fearless, independent, clever, playful, and extremely active. It can be domineering toward unfamiliar dogs, no matter their size, but gets along well with housemates. The Miniature Pinscher is very loyal and affectionate toward its family but aloof with strangers. Although it can be an excellent watchdog, the breed tends to bark a great deal, even in the absence of anything alarming. Its small size precludes it from being an effective protection dog.

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The Miniature Pinscher’s activity level makes it a fun playmate for children, but the breed is too small to tolerate rough handling. While an entertaining companion for seniors, the breed may be unsatisfactory as a lapdog. Due to their lack of focus, it can be difficult to train Miniature Pinschers, but once schooled the dogs can be incredible performers.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.