Get to know
Miniature Pinschers
Written by author of 34 dog books.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
Written by author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
The Min Pin (as it's called for short) is the perpetual motion machine of the dog world, existing in some other dimension where the rest of us must seem to be in slow motion.
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At a glance
Very High Energy
Energy level
5/5
Minimal Maintenance
Grooming
1/5
Extra small
Size
Active, brash, playful
Temperament
12-16 years
Lifespan
Moderate Trainability
Training
2/5
High Vocality
Barking
5/5
At a glance
Energy level
Very High Energy
Grooming
Minimal Maintenance
Size
Extra small
Temperament
Active, brash, playful
Lifespan
12-16 years
Training
Moderate Trainability
Barking
High Vocality
Why people love the breed
Picture Curious George as a perpetual motion machine—that’s the Min Pin. Seldom still, into everything, these tiny mites are the prototypical big dog in a little body.
Despite their small stature, the Min Pin makes sure it’s the center of attention wherever they go. They don’t hesitate to challenge large dogs, sneak into forbidden places, and rip up anything in sight—all with a gleeful “What’s it to you?” attitude that is somehow endearing.
Despite their high energy, their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, and they make entertaining companions for people of all ages. They love to play, but once they’re tired out (and that does take some effort) they are content to snuggle close and sleep.
They have a jaunty, streamlined appearance with a prancing, proud gait that looks like a tiny hackney pony at a trot. Very few breeds can rival the Min Pin for elegance at play.
Appearance
The Min Pin has been compared to a deer, and in fact its German name comes from the red deer. It is amongst the most elegant and stylish of breeds.
The Min Pin is square-proportioned with fairly fine bone. Their body is compact and sturdy, with a moderate tuck-up and straight, level topline. The tail is held erect and customarily docked.
The neck is long and elegant, the head narrow, tapering toward the nose. The ears are erect, either naturally or where allowed, cropped. They may be hanging where cropping is not allowed.
The distinctive gait is high-stepping and hackney. The Min Pin never slouches, but is always on its toes.
The coat is smooth, short, and close. Accepted colors are red, stag red, black with rust, or chocolate with rust.
Grooming
Grooming could not be easier. Really.
Min Pins need only occasional brushing with a natural bristle brush, and occasional bathing.
Trim the nails as needed. Check the ears for debris or signs of infection weekly. Brush the teeth every day.
Note that Min Pins do not do well in cold weather. Plan on having a coat or sweater for them.
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Rehdiant Miniature Pinschers
Breed temperament and characteristics
Min Pins are brimming with self-confidence, ready to take on the world.
If you crave peace and quiet, long contemplative walks, and meditation, do not get a Min Pin. But if you crave excitement, love an adventure (even if it’s a misadventure), and can laugh at mishaps and naughtiness, then a Min Pin may be your match. These spitfires seek out trouble and love being immersed in any mischief available. They won’t hesitate to challenge much larger dogs, and to single-handedly protect your home from all threats. Be forewarned that many do bark a lot.
Min Pins are not gregarious. They don’t particularly like meeting new people or dogs, and think chasing small pets is grand fun. They are actually quite terrier-like in personality.
Min Pins make good companions for people of all ages, but may be too active for some elderly, and too fragile for rough children.
They are not known for being obedient, and are very independent.
Exercise
Min Pins are one of the most active breeds of dogs, but because of their small size they can exercise in small yards and even apartments.
Get used to having your Min Pin ricochet from one part of the house to the other, jumping on and off furniture, and spinning in circles. It’s like living with a hyperactive bee. Fortunately they can burn off lots of their energy on their own.
Although their physical needs could be met inside your home or yard, a leashed walk around the neighborhood is essential for mental stimulation. And just because they think they can run marathons, doesn’t mean they can. Sometimes you need to set their limits or they don’t know when to stop.
Many can be too aggressive toward strange dogs to be good dog park candidates.
Min Pins like to chase down toys. They may fetch, but not reliably. They generally don’t like to swim. They like to run amuck. Be sure they are in a fenced area, as they do not particularly believe in coming when called.
Although incredibly agile, few compete in agility. But those that do are impressive.
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Reh-Pin Miniature Pinschers
Training
First you have to catch them. Second, you have to get their attention. Training a Min Pin is initially difficult, but once they catch on, they can be amazing.
Min Pins are initially hard to train. Their attention wanders and they are naturally independent. The best way to deal with this is to train your Min Pin in a quiet place.
You will never force a Min Pin into compliance, so don’t bother trying. Use lots of treats just to reward them for looking at you at first, and then use them to lure them into position. They love learning tricks, so that can be a good way to introduce them to the concept of obedience.
Because of their sharp intellect and fast minds, Min Pins can excel at formal obedience, winning at the highest levels. It just takes extra patience to get them started.
Diet and nutrition
Min Pins burn a lot of calories and may eat more than you would expect a dog of their size to need.
Most Min Pins, especially if intact, need a high-quality dog food, preferably formulated for small dogs.
Even Min Pins, especially spayed or neutered ones, can become overweight. They should have an hourglass shape when viewed from the top and side, with a slight tuck-up. If they become overweight, discuss with your veterinarian.
Min Pin puppies must eat frequently (about every four hours) to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When they must go overnight without eating, they should be prevented from playing or burning calories before bed or overnight. Hypoglycemia is a true emergency characterized by extreme drowsiness, stumbling, then even seizures, unconsciousness, and death. If your puppy is showing signs of hypoglycemia, the first emergency step is to rub corn syrup on the puppy’s gums. Keep the puppy warm and call the veterinarian, as this can be a real emergency. Many Min Pins will grow out of this by 6 months of age.
Ask your veterinarian about special diets for any diseases your Min Pin may develop.
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Eriphos Farm Kennel
Health issues
Min Pins are a healthy breed, with few hereditary problems.
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years.
Legg-Calves-Perthes disease
Miniature Pinschers are at an increased risk for developing Legg-Calves-Perthes disease. This disease, which is seen mostly in small dogs, occurs when the head of the femur temporarily loses its blood supply and starts to necrose, resulting in rear leg lameness.
Patellar luxation
In which the kneecap slips out of the groove in which it should be nested, causes lameness and arthritic changes. It also occurs mostly in small breed dogs.
Epilepsy
This is reported at a higher rate compared to other breeds. The exact cause is unknown but a genetic basis is suspected in many breeds. No specific gene has been identified, so no genetic testing is available.
Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
A DNA test is available for mucopolysaccharidosis VI, a lysosome disorder found in the breed that causes skeletal defects, stunted growth and eye problems.
Other health issues
Other conditions that occur include heart defects, eye problems, and thyroid disease.
History
Miniature Pinschers are not miniature Doberman Pinschers. But they are miniature German Pinschers. The Min Pin was developed before the Doberman.
The Min Pin was probably developed from crosses between the German Pinscher, Dachshund, and Italian Greyhound. A DNA analysis shows they are most closely related to various Toy breeds.
These small, tough dogs were used to catch rats in Germany, and later became stylish pets.
They were originally called the “Reh Pinscher” because they looked like the German roe (reh) deer. Pinscher was used to refer to short-haired terrier-like breeds.
They gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 1925 as a member of the Toy group.
Celebrity owners include Carrie Underwood, Paris Hilton, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Pink, George Clooney, Joey Fantone, Kim Kardashian—the list goes on and on. Celebrities love Min Pins.
About the author
Canine specialist, Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is the author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She’s written thousands of magazine and web articles about dogs. She specializes in canine science, health, breeds and competitions. Caroline has won 20 national dog-writing awards, and was a 2015 Inductee into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame.
Breed Scorecard
Characteristics and temperament
Affectionate with family
3
Watchdog level
5
Playfulness
5
Adaptability
4
Social needs
4
Temperament
Active, brash, playful
Intelligence
3
Good with other dogs
2
Good with cats or other pets
2
Friendly with strangers
1
Good as a service dog
1
Good for apartments
5
Barking level
5
Appearance
Height
10-12"
Size
Extra small
Colors
Blue and rust (non-standard), Blue and tan (non-standard), Fawn and rust (non-standard), Fawn (isabella) stag red (non-standard), Fawn (isabella) and tan (non-standard), Blue stag red (non-standard), Chocolate stag red (non-standard), Chocolate and rust, Black and rust, Black and tan, Chocolate and tan, Red, Stag red
Coat texture
Hard, smooth
Coat length
Short
Training
Trainability
2
Exercise
Exercise needs
5
Exercise time
2 hours daily
Mental exercise needs
4
Favorite activities
Running amok, playing
Grooming
Grooming needs
1
Brushing frequency
Monthly
Needs professional grooming?
No
Drooling level
1
Health issues
Legg-Calves-Perthes disease
Patellar luxation
Epilepsy
Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
Other health issues
Other
Bred for
Companionship
Country of origin
Germany
Popularity level
3
FAQs
On Good Dog, you can search for Miniature Pinscher puppies or dogs in rescues and shelters. Adopting a Miniature Pinscher from a shelter or rescue is generally less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder with ethical practices. Across the United States, there are dedicated rescues that specialize in specific breeds and may even help transport a Miniature Pinscher dog to you from another part of the country. Although it can be more cost-effective, adopting the exact breed you're looking for is typically more difficult than working with a responsible breeder. Learn more about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.
Yes, they can be good family dogs for families that can give them a lot of attention. They are not great family dogs for households that are already frenetic, though.
It varies, but many of them bark a lot. If barking is a potential deal-breaker this is probably not your ideal breed.
No, although both Min Pins and Dobermans are derived from the same breed, the German Pinscher.
Prices for miniature pinscher puppies for sale vary by breeder and individual puppy. On Good Dog today, miniature pinscher puppies are typically around $1,870. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range.
