Breed Profile: Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is not a dwarf, but a small dog with the proportions of a large animal. He is a family and working dog in pocket format, suited to almost all dog sports. He shows a special talent for agility and trick training. Anyone looking merely for a lapdog will find that this dog is by no means in the wrong place, but rather needs an active companion.

Breed history

The Club for Pinschers and Schnauzers was founded in 1895, and around this time the present breed standard was laid down. The breed itself is considerably older, even if this can no longer be determined exactly today. The Pinscher was originally a farm dog and rat catcher which – as today – existed in a short-haired and a wire-haired form. Today the wire-haired Pinschers are called Schnauzers. Even back then there was a large and a small variant of these companions.

Appearance

The Miniature Pinscher is a harmonious, elegant dog with natural proportions. He appears sporty to athletic and shows himself to be neither stocky nor delicate. According to the standard, the height at the withers is between 25 and 30 centimetres for both males and females, which corresponds to a weight of just under five kilograms. The coat is fine, smooth and shiny and has no undercoat at all. That is admittedly no ideal protection from rain, but is more than easy to care for. There are two strong colours to choose from, namely red or black with red markings. The ears may stand or tip, and the tail is carried high.

Character traits

Anyone who has reservations about Miniature Pinschers should experience these dogs in action once. They are fast, agile, keen to jump and incredibly eager to learn. Unfortunately these dogs are hardly ever seen nowadays, as they now belong to the rare breeds. Perhaps that is no wonder, as they do not at all fit the current fashion. They are too healthy, too normal, too spirited and too robust to be a pure lapdog.

Anyone who has once got to know these dogs quickly realises how impressive they are. They are strong-nerved, resilient, gifted and eager to work, and possess a high social intelligence. In the family they feel extremely at ease and take up romping with children, hiking or dog sport with enthusiasm. With the same intensity they throw themselves onto the sofa after work is done, where the small dog finds a spot without being in the way – preferably on your lap. As they are clever and extremely people-oriented, they are actually easy to train too. However, you must not underestimate them, as intelligent dogs are always a little more demanding, and Miniature Pinschers have plenty of ideas of their own.

The very best thing, however, is the good mood they radiate. Miniature Pinschers are cheerful optimists, and problems for them are there merely to be overcome. Anyone who wants to be unhappy in the presence of a Miniature Pinscher has to try extremely hard indeed.

This article serves as general information and to honour the special breed of the Miniature Pinscher.