Miniature Pinscher Puppies

Photo of Miniature Pinscher

A loyal and active breed with a big personality

The Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, as some mistakenly believe. The breed predates its larger cousin and may have Greyhound and Dachshund lineage. It carries a regal posture that is well-balanced. With the proper training, your Miniature Pinscher will become a family-oriented dog that loves children.


Miniature Pinscher At a Glance

Photo of Miniature Pinscher Photo of Miniature Pinscher Photo of Miniature Pinscher Photo of Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher At a Glance

  • Size: 10"-13", 8-10 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 12-16 years
  • Energy Level: high
  • Coat: Short, hard, and shiny
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Toy
  • Common Nicknames: Min Pin, King of the Toys

Miniature Pinscher Breed Guide

Learn More About Miniature Pinschers

  • Temperament

    In short, the Miniature Pinscher is a little dog with a big personality. These dogs are alert and assertive, and they often think that they are much bigger than they are. Min Pins are very protective over their families, and they are always ready to alert you of anything suspicious. Due to their territorial nature, Miniature Pinschers are suspicious of strangers and small children. They usually do well with older children, though, as long as the children aren't too rough. Like most Terriers, the Miniature Pinscher can be stubborn when it comes to training. For this reason, it's important that these dogs receive firm, consistent training during puppyhood. Letting a Min Pin get away with bad behavior will make them difficult to train. With proper training and socialization, the Min Pin makes a great family pet.

  • Health

    They suffer from occasional skeletal deformities but otherwise enjoy good health. With the proper diet, exercise, and regular vet visits, your Miniature Pinscher should bring your family joy for many years.

  • Activity Level

    The Miniature Pinscher needs plenty of room to run around to expend their high energy level, so they don't make good apartment dogs. They are not hard to handle but they do require daily exercise and play. Short, regular walks are all that your Min Pin will require.

  • Grooming

    Their short coat and nominal shedding make grooming your Miniature Pinscher a breeze. Bathing is not recommended unless absolutely necessary because it can dry out their skin. Check their ears and eyes for any dirt on a weekly basis. Clip their nails if you hear any clicking when your Miniature Pinscher walks.

  • Shedding

    Your Miniature Pinscher will not shed much at all. This makes them a great pet for keeping your home and clothes free of loose hair. Despite their non-shedding coat, the Miniature Pinscher is not hypoallergenic because they do shed dander.

  • Appearance

    For a Toy breed, the Miniature Pinscher has a well-balanced posture and a strong stature. They are graceful and full of poise. Their head is tapered with oval eyes and topped with pointy ears. The Miniature Pinscher's coat can be a number of colors, including black, brown, red, and cream.

  • History

    Despite common misconception, the Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller-sized version of the Doberman Pinscher; it is a breed of its own. In fact, the Miniature Pinscher actually predates the Doberman Pinscher by roughly 200 years. The Min Pin originated in Germany, where it was used to chase rats out of barnyards. It is believed that the Miniature Pinscher's ancestors include the Dachshund, the Manchester Terrier, the German Pinscher, and the Italian Greyhound. It wasn't long before the Miniature Pinscher's popularity spread to the United States and other parts of the world. In 1925, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the Terrier group but was later recategorized into the Toy group, where it remains today.