Breed Specific: The Determined Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers, affectionately known as min pins, are a fun little handful.

Personality and General Features: Min pins, are proud, fearless little companions who love their owners. They are fun-loving dogs with a big-dog personality. They can be stubborn and self-possessed, requiring an owner who can gently but firmly assert their authority. This sturdy compact dog has a smooth shiny coat that can be solid red, chocolate and rust or black and rust. Their high-stepping gait, specific to this breed, is reminiscent of a hackney horse at a trot,

Males and Females – Height: 10-12.5 inches Weight: 8-10 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate diet with your veterinarian. Be careful not to overfeed your Min-Pin and monitor their weight to keep them healthy. Treats are a great training aid, but too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: Miniature Pinschers have a short, hard coat which is easily maintained. A weekly brushing with a soft brush or hound glove will keep his coat gleaming. As puppies, it’s good to initiate this regular grooming routine to accustom them to being handled and to develop the bond between you two. Nails can grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly to avoid foot and leg discomfort. Brush the Min-Pin’s teeth regularly as they can develop gum disease and decay, just as humans can. 

Exercise: While Min-Pins are active and athletic, they can easily be exercised with a couple of good walks daily and/or some quality time chasing a ball or their playmates in the yard. This is essential to maintaining their mental and physical health.  

Training: The independent Min-Pin needs early obedience training. They often will attempt to test their owner’s limits, however this intelligent dog has a deep love for their families and will train well if worked with regularly. Start early and continue socialization and obedience classes to ensure a well-adjusted and well-mannered adult.

Thank you to the AKC’s min pin webpage and Every Dog by Nancy Hajeski for much of this information.

BASIC FACTS

Over the Miniature Pinscher’s 12-16 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise. Min Pins are a generally healthy breed and breeders generally test their stock for health conditions pertinent to the breed.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Knee and hip issues
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Dental disease
• Eye issues

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your min pin.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months until age 6, as advised by your veterinarian, full physical exam including routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Joint x-rays
• Chest x-rays
• Annual dental cleanings
• Bloodwork to assess for diabetes
• Routine eye exams

Reach out for more information by phone or text at 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!