Overview: Rough and tumble, the Miniature Pinscher breed is most certainly a big dog in a small dog’s body. This breed is outgoing, energetic and is suitable for those who dwell in the city, country or just about anywhere. Drawbacks include a penchant for barking, and so unwanted noise should be discouraged and curtailed early on with this breed. They do however make excellent watchdogs (as opposed to guard dogs), and will certainly alert a family to any incoming visitors. The Miniature Pinscher Breed is small but sturdy, generally weighing somewhere between eight and twelve pounds.

Exercise Requirements: The Miniature Pinscher breed tends to have a higher energy level than most smaller breed dogs, and need to have their exercise requirements satisfactorily met. Failure to do so will most likely lead to a bored dog who make engage in destructive behaviors such as chewing objects (ex. furniture or shoes). While miniature Pinschers can get a fair amount of exercise indoors, they should be provided with a long daily walk in addition to outdoor off leash time when possible. Most Min Pins will not be happy to simply play the role of a lapdog and enjoy romps in the woods and other exercise and socialization opportunities.

Grooming: As a sleek, short haired breed the miniature Pinscher does not require a great deal of grooming. A weekly brushing (which literally only takes minutes), and the occasional bath will keep their coat in good condition and minimize shedding. Miniature Pinchers are not known to be a heavy shedding breed.

Training: While Min Pins are quiet smart their high energy level can make them difficult to train, especially as puppies. It is important to enroll the miniature Pinscher breed in obedience classes from an early age and to continually work on training with them, as this is the best way to ensure that they wll grow to be well adjusted family members. This is not a suitable breed for someone who does not have a good amount of free time to spend exercising and training their dog.

Health Concerns: Robust and healthy, the miniature Pincher breed is not plagued by a great deal of health problems and it is not uncommon for Min Pins to live over thirteen years. However ,they are somewhat prone to conditions that other small dog breeds are such as luxating patella and progressive retinal atrophy. They also have a higher than average incident rate of Legg’s Perthes Disease, which often requires surgery to correct. When purchasing a Min Pin it’s important to ensure that both breeding parents (and if possible, grandparents) are health tested and do not carry a history of these conditions.