Miniature Pinscher
Known as the "King of the Toys," the Miniature Pinscher is a compact, smooth-coated dog who is alert, spirited and fearless, with a unique high-stepping, hackney-like gait. With his black and rust coloring, cropped ears, and docked tail, he resembles his cousin the Doberman Pinscher, but he is not a miniature Dobie. Coat colors include red, stag red (red with black hairs), black with rust markings, or chocolate with tan.
Breed Profile
The Miniature Pinscher can really spice up a person’s life. This dog is small, but he doesn’t know it! He’s quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The "Min Pin" will be happiest with a family that treats him like a standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but he’s also smart. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life. Play and a daily walk will take care of most of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing.
Grooming
The Miniature Pinscher does require regular bathing and grooming. This lively and spirited little dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle. With this smooth coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat. Selecting the correct products to match your pet’s skin and coat is essential to achieve optimal results.
Before bathing your Miniature Pinscher, it is recommended to go over the dog’s entire body with a high velocity dryer in order loosen any dirt and dander from the skin and remove any excess loose coat. Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding. Once you have selected the best products for your Min Pin, it is bath time!
Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming
This spirited dog should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis. In order to keep the short, smooth coat in prime condition, it is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray following the bath and drying process. This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture in order to maintain perfect hydration. As a finishing touch, before using a hydrating spray, use a grooming mitt and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any excess loose hairs. Then finish with a hydrating spray.
General Health Care
Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.
Nutritional Care
In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats.
Do they require a lot of grooming?
If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing an Min Pin. This smooth, short haired animated little requires minimal grooming. This breed is generally clean with few odor problems.
What is a common problem in Miniature Pinschers?
As with most purebred dogs, Miniature Pinscher’s do have their fair share of health concerns. Like many toy breeds, Min Pins can have orthopedic concerns such as Luxating Patella and Legg-Calve Perthes Disease. This is a rapid degeneration of the head of the femur bone in the hind leg.
Do Miniature Pinscher’s shed or cause allergies?
Min Pins do shed an average amount due to their short, smooth coat. Due to their small size, there is less hair than larger breeds with the same type of coat. However, before bringing an Min Pin into your home if you suffer from allergies, you should spend some time around the breed to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
Are Miniature Pinscher’s good with children?
It is best that Min Pins are not in a home with small children. Min Pins won’t respond well to a toddler stealing his toys or approaching him while he is eating.
What if I have a show dog?
Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Miniature Pinscher Club of America, www.minpin.org
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