The Miniature Pinscher, or Min Pin, are thought to be descended from the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. They originate in Germany where they are known as the Zwergpinscher or “little biter”. It is is also thought that the German Pinscher may be a component in the ancestry of the Miniature Pinscher. The breed is several centuries old and the true, absolute history has been lost.

Min Pins were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin in homes and stables. Extremely alert, they make excellent watchdogs despite their small size. They are fearless and their “big dog” personalities drive them to protect their people by challenging intruders with their ferocious barking. They are territorial by nature and wary of strangers.

The Miniature Pincher is the “King of Toys”

Min Pins are small dogs in the Toy Group and favorited as the “King of Toys”. This is in part to their proud high-stepping gait. They come to no more than 12.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh only eight to ten pounds. Their ears are usually cropped and the tail docked, although cropping the ears is less popular now.

They appear naturally well-groomed. Their smooth, shiny coat requires little maintenance, only an occasional brush and wash. Min Pins coats are red, chocolate and rust or black and rust. They do not have an undercoat and get cold in chilly weather. They should wear a sweater or coat when there is a chill.

A red Miniature Pinscher with cropped ears and a natural tail

Miniature Pinschers are popular pets in the United States and rank 77^th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2020 List. They make good family dogs, but are not meant for the rough treatment possible with younger children. They are best in households with children 10 and older.

Life With a Min Pin

These self-possessed dogs are good for experienced dog owners. A Miniature Pinscher’s owner will need to establish oneself as the “alpha” in the relationship, or the Min Pin will. They are stubborn to train. A positive, gentle and ongoing training regimen will be necessary to cement lessons and produce a favorable result. Proper training on the basics will be essential.

Black and rust Miniature Pinscher resting on a maroon pillow

While loving and protective, this breed can be high maintenance. They are a fun-loving and energetic companion breed who doesn’t like to be left alone. They are known to have separation anxiety. They are high energy breed and require a good amount of exercise. While they do adapt well to apartment living with regular walks, they do very well in a properly fenced yard also. The fence should be free of holes or gaps.

Miniature Pinschers are natural escape artists. They are athletic, sturdy, compact and curious. Combine all those things and you have an animal that sees obstacles as puzzles to overcome and has the stature and grace to breakout of their enclosures. It is recommended they not be outdoors off-leash as they tend to take off after small prey animals, like rabbits and squirrels. They may be aggressive toward small pets in the home as well.

The Miniature Pinscher is the PlexiDor Dog Doors April calendar dog. A Medium size PlexiDor, standard or electronic, for wall, door, sliding glass door, French door or glass house door would be appropriate for this breed. Our doors are warrantied and guaranteed. Contact our Customer Service department today via email or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions.