Is a Miniature Pinscher the Dog for You?

Kota the Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is among the spunkiest, peppiest dog breeds out there. They bounce, they bark, they’ll chase cats, other dogs and small children if you let them. Min Pins are fiercely faithful to their humans, and most will eagerly take on the role of protector and doorbell. They’re a breed like no other; a breed that will either win you over or drive you nuts.

The Miniature Pinscher Appearance

Min Pins are a toy breed that’s commonly mistaken for a sized-down Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the two breeds are not closely related; the Min Pin is actually believed to be the older of the two breeds.

The Miniature Pinscher comes in two colors: a red rust or black and tan. The coat is short, soft, sleek and virtually maintenance-free, though this is not a breed that you can send out into the snow “naked” – your Min Pin will need a jacket, as they chill easily due to their relatively thin coat.

Most Min Pins top out at a weight of approximately 12 pounds. Their build is muscular and trim. And the Miniature Pinscher’s gait is among the most distinctive in the dog show ring. A Min Pin does not walk; she prances with a graceful high-stepping gait that gives this breed a light-on-her-feet appearance. A very bouncy breed, jumping is among the Miniature Pinscher’s specialties, though their fragile build makes these dogs prone to injury from too much jumping.

The Miniature Pinscher Personality and Temperament

In Germany, the Min Pin is known as the “Reh Pinscher,” for their strong resemblance to the small red Reh Deer. “Pinscher” means terrier. Spend five minutes with a Min Pin and you’ll have no doubt that this feisty breed has terrier roots.

Min Pins tend to be very passionate dogs and they approach life with gusto. True to those terrier roots, Miniature Pinschers often have yappy tendencies, so barking is something that must be kept under control from day-one, lest you one day find that your dog is a serious neighborhood bother. But when trained properly, the Min Pin can make a wonderful doorbell or fire alarm.

Many Min Pins are also a bit scrappy; they tend to be outgoing dogs who are prone to giving chase and many will not back down from a confrontation with a human, another dog or even the family cat. In fact, in the early days of the breed, this scrappy and brazen nature was harnessed and Miniature Pinschers were bred for use as ratters.

Miniature Pinschers are some of the most loyal and devoted dogs out there. They are very people-oriented dogs and to own one is to be the center of her universe. A Min Pin is not truly happy unless she’s in the company of her humans; she’ll want to spend every minute in your company. And if you let her, she’ll be quite content to sleep with you in your bed (under the covers, of course).

Is The Miniature Pinscher a Dog for You?

Due to their terrier heritage and their brazen outgoing nature, Miniature Pinschers are not a dog for beginner dog owners. The Min Pin is an extremely smart breed and she will manipulate her humans if given the opportunity. A Min Pin needs a firm, yet loving hand. She is a dog who requires consistent training from an experienced dog owner.

But if you’re an experienced dog owner who is looking for a peppy, spunky dog; a fiercely devoted companion, then the Miniature Pinscher may just be the dog for you.

Looking for a more laid back toy breed? Consider the lovable pug!