King of  The Toy Breeds

The Miniature Pinscher, the “King of Toy Breeds”, also known as the Min Pin, is a breed of small dog in the Toy category. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher, refers to a classification of dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin, especially rats.Zwerg, in German, means Dwarf or Midget.Pinscher, in German, means Terrier. Though the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed because of their small size, their temperament resembles the terrier more.

Although the Miniature Pinscher looks like a smaller version of the Doberman, Pinscher is not a “Miniature Doberman”. The Min Pins origins are much older than the Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago. The Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring in 1919. At that time not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher the AKC referred to the breed as simply, Pinscher. In 1929 the breed was officially introduced into the AKC. Not knowing it was a true Terrier breed, decided to officially place it in the toy breed classification. For conformation purposes the description that the AKC noted “must appear as a Doberman Pinscher in miniature” led to the misunderstanding still known today that this breed is a “Miniature Doberman Pinscher” when in fact it is not even related. The Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher share no common ancestry. In 1836, Dr. Reichenbach after years of study of the breed determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth coated Dachshund with an Italian Greyhound. The goal was to make a faster ratter. This breed was primarily used on farms where open fields left for a faster dog to chase down rats and mice. The Min Pin was also used to hunt vermin in stables and farm kitchens.

The Miniature Pinscher is a very energetic breed that requires a great deal of exercise. These dogs enjoy agility training and attending competitions gives them a chance to shine. They are also prone to overeating and should have their diets monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight. Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken to prevent a Min Pin from attacking small objects, such as coins or small toys like legos, as they could pose a choking hazard. The Min Pin has a single coat, no undercoat which makes them primarily an indoor breed.Min Pins do not tolerate cold or wet weather well.

Being an independent breed by nature, they prefer to initiate contact and generally do not do well being overly handled. This is where much of the misconception of the breed being a biter comes from. Making them not always the best breed for small children. Although, the Min Pin is not necessarily bad with children, care must be taken in educating the child about proper handling and play. Although sturdy, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child. They are quite fearless and can be overprotective.

Typically, the Min Pin stands between 10 and 12.5 inches at the shoulders, weighing between 10 and 12 1/2 inches. This breed does not see itself as a small dog but rather a big dog and therefore can get into trouble easily. The Min Pin has a very strong protective attitude and guard instinct. They can be a one person owner or adapt greatly to families. The Min Pin is very loyal and will alert their owner to any changes within the home environment. Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone, as they are very curious, strong willed, and frolicsome. Their owners must have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience. Keeping in mind that this breed is in fact a working breed, spoiling could result in the dog becoming somewhat of a tyrant. The Min Pin by nature can be stubborn so anything to induce this generally will result in a more difficult dog to handle.

Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. They should be brushed with a firm bristle brush. Loose hair can be removed by wiping with a damp warm cloth. Min Pin’s are an average shedder. They do have problems with overgrown nails. Be sure to check your Min Pin’s nails frequently.

The Miniature Pinscher having a refined elegance, regal look, style, grace, mighty fearlessness, and impish character has earned the title “King Of Toy Breeds”.

Miniature Dog Breeds Explained – A Complete Guide

Miniature or toy dogs are a group of very small canine breeds. Sometimes these miniature dogs are also referred as teacup varieties. There are many different breeds which are classified as toy dogs. These miniature dogs have many characteristics that separate them from other breeds and types of dogs.

Miniature dogs are very popular due to many great advantages that these dogs offer. Due to their small size, these dogs eat very little, are easy to exercise and can easily live in a small apartment or small yard. Although they are small in size, these dogs are not small in personality. Miniature dogs can have great personalities, can be very sociable and can raise the alarm by barking if intruders enter your premises.

There are heaps of different miniature dog breeds available. Chihuahuas are just one breed that is excellent for anyone to own. Chihuahuas are originally from Mexico and are easy to care for dogs that have heaps of personality and love to give.

Miniature Poodles are an excellent choice of dog. Poodles are renowned for being smart, friendly and obedient. Miniature poodles are great humans as well as other animals and will make a great addition to your home.

There are also many other breeds of miniature dogs. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Min Pin, Terriers, Shih Tzu and Pugs can all make great family dogs. Purchasing a miniature dog should be the same as purchasing any dog in that you should always research which breed will best suit your lifestyle.

If you are looking for a new puppy or an older dog, these smaller breeds can make great companion dog’s and are also great with families. Consider a toy breed dog and you will be sure to get a great dog that will love you for life. Toy dog breeds are numerous so it is important to study which type of dog breed will best suit you before going out and buying a new dog.

By Dan Fletcher

How to Find a Responsible Breeder

Animals love people and they learn their social skills early in life. If an animal is isolated and neglected he may develop undesirable character traits that would cause him to be fearful or even hostile around humans. Choose a breeder that raises animals “under foot”. This means that the kittens or puppies have the freedom to roam throughout the house, rather than being locked in cages. All pups should be breed for structure and sound temperament. Puppies from good breeders will not be sold until they reach at LEAST 8 weeks old.

A clean environment is also very important. When visiting breeders check to see whether the animals are living in a well kept area. Does the breeder take pride in his or her animals? Ask specific questions about the breed and test their knowledge. You will be able to distinguish between a breeder that is only in the business to make money and one who truly cares for her animals.

If possible meet the mother of the puppy or kitten to get an idea of her health and how she rears her little ones. In most instances some of the kittens and pups may still be nursing so it usually isn’t a problem to see the mother. If the mother is healthy her babies are also likely to be very healthy because they get their milk from her. Check her eyes for clarity and look at the condition of her coat and paws. If the mother has fleas, ticks, pink eye or other problems, her offspring will also suffer with the same symptoms.

In addition you also want to avoid breeders who run puppy or kitty mills. Over-breeding for profit is a major problem. Many over-breed animals suffer horrible health conditions and display painful symptoms. Some animals have sores on their bodies and problems walking. These conditions are very sad to see and one wouldn’t want to support this type of breeding by purchasing a cat or dog from an unethical breeder. If you come across one of these breeders move on and report this person to the local animal control authorities.

Questions to ask the breeder:

How long have you been breeding cats or dogs?

Do you give your females a rest between litters?

When do you retire your females?

How many pregnant females do you have at one time?

Does the breeder have a contract and papers for each puppy or kitten?

Whether you want puppies suitable for showing, obedience or just loyal family pets. Whether you seek puppies which are pedigreed or a non-pedigree, do take care to make sure that your puppy will be :

1.Healthy, happy and home raised.
2.Supplied with health guarantees and contracts provided.
3.From a healthy adult dog, as this leads to a healthier litter.
4.From a dog breeder that has the availability of facilities to isolate a mother and her pups from the rest of the adult dogs.

There may be more requirements which you may have, but the point is that there is scarcely a pet store than can guarantee that these requirements have been met. Pet stores cannot tell you any personal stories about the parents of your puppy, nor can they tell you about the grandparents. Also, you cannot call pet stores to tell them stories about your puppy like its first experience with an obedience command!