by Court Moss

Created on: August 14, 2008   Last Updated: October 04, 2009

The Miniature Pinscher

History

The word "pinscher" is German for biter and it is often refers to the dog's habit to jump on and bite his quarry. Many years ago the Miniature Pinscher was used as a barnyard ratter. And believe it or not, the Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of anything. And to those who argue that the Min Pin was bred down from the Doberman, it wasn't until 1890 that Louis Dobermann (who the breed was named after) bred his first authentic Doberman.

Most people have assumed the larger well known Doberman Pinscher is a clear relation to the smaller Mini Pinscher. However, they both most likely descended from the Old German Standard Pinscher, which is attached to many German breeds. The Mini Pin is a very old breed because it has been found pictured in old paintings and sculptures. In 1936, a German writer named Dr. H. G. Reinchenbach stated that the Miniature Pinscher was mixed with Dachshund and Italian Greyhound.

However, the Min Pin is clearly part of the larger German Pinscher family, which includes Schnauzers and Affenpinschers. And in the 1800's people began to break the group down even further by not breeding two different coat types together. Toward the late 1800's, the Min Pin boomed in popularity in Germany until about 1914. It was first seen in dog shows in Germany in 1900. And at that time Min Pin's were unknown outside of Germany. After 1918 was the time when Mini's became known in Scandinavian countries.

Miniature Pinschers made it to the United States in 1919 and the very first one was AKC registered in 1925. In 1929 The Miniature Pinscher Club of America, a national breed club was started. During the AKC events they stayed in the Miscellaneous group until moving to the Toy group in 1930. And in 1972 they received their official name Miniature Pinscher.

Breed Info

The Min Pin is a well balanced and sturdy dog. They appear to be proud of themselves and are extremely fearless. Even in old age they will still remain playful. Their hackney-like gait has been known to charm people as soon as they see them. Min Pin's are very easy to train and when they are on guard they can be very possessive of his owners, making him an outstanding guard dog.

The Miniature Pinscher has undergone some changes over the years, but his overall character, his love of children, has yet to change. He is an ideal playmate for both older and younger individuals. Since his nature is that of a larger dog you will receive that wonderful attitude and

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