This breed was developed in Germany and thought to be a cross between a Dachshund and an Italian Greyhound. Their original use was to keep the rat population down in the stables.



Their well-balanced bodies are compact, muscular and square. The Miniature Pinscher has a high-stepping gait that is hard to resist. They have dark, bright and oval eyes.

Their coat is short, smooth and hard. Typically, their coats come in black, brown, red, blue chocolate or a combination.

These little dogs are only 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 8-10 pounds.

Miniature Pinschers are easy to groom. You just need to brush them with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Otherwise, wash loose hairs with warm, damp washcloth. They are an average shedder. Their teeth need to be cleaned and checked often. Cut toenails every two weeks. They do need to be protected from the cold.

Some of the characteristics of these dogs that make them good pets include: lively, self-assured, alert, playful and intelligent.

These fun-loving extroverts make good family pets and excellent companions. They may be aggressive but generally good with children if not pestered. They cannot withstand rough and tumble play with children because they are not sturdy enough. Do well with older well-behaved children. The Miniature Pinscher needs to be near people not left alone for long periods of time. They are loyal to their owners. They love to snuggle with their owners and sleep under the covers.

They can be very aggressive with other dogs but generally good with other household pets.

Now on the other side they can be cantankerous, fearless, intensely courageous, full of vim and vigor and intensely curious. They have high energy and like to bark. They are a big dog in a little dog's body! Therefore, this breed needs a special kind of owner and an experienced one.

A sideline here: If they do bark a lot, it is generally traced to boredom and loneliness.

The Miniature Pinscher needs to be properly socialized so take him to classes where he can meet other people and dogs. They learn easily and well learn fast to obey you because they want to please you. When they are properly socialized and well cared for they have an outgoing, playful personality and are a delight to own. This breed has high energy and do not get worn out like other toy breeds, they do need exercise and to run and play. They can live in the city or country as long as they have a yard or you take them on walks.

If you have a yard for them you need to find any hole or opening that your hand can go through because they can get very easily through a hole that small. If you use an exercise pen, you need a lid on it because they can leap out in the blink of an eye and disappear very quickly.

You also need to check your house screens and windows to be sure everything is secure so they cannot escape.

They are so curious, love to investigate everything, and will go to great lengths to do it. They will escape whenever possible!

This breed is prone to:

Patella luxation

Eye problems