Miniature Pinscher History

The Miniature Pinscher or sometimes called "Minpin" is not a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. In fact the Miniature Pinscher is the older of the two breeds. Although the two breeds
resemble each other superficially, that resemblance probably sterns in part from their common relation to the German Pinscher, an older yet now comparatively rare breed intermediate in size between the two. But to understand the Minpin of today, it is necessary to first take a step back in time. The Miniature Pinscher is both an ancient and a modem breed. Ancient because it descends from terrier-type dogs indigenous to Germany for many centuries, but modem because its present form is derived from the purposeful interbreeding of several breeds in the early nineteenth century. The ancient terriers came in both medium and small sizes, and in both smooth and wire and sometimes long coats. These feisty dogs were adept at dispatching vermin, and even today their descendants are apt and fearless hunters. Because of the emphasis upon function, the sizes and coat types were commonly interbred as late as the eighteenth century. However, as interest in specialized pure breeds grew, the types eventually were separated and became the foundation for many of the modem-day breeds, including the Miniature Pinscher. Clues about the Miniature Pinscher's development are scarce, but it is note-worthy that as early as 1640 a small cat-sized red dog, fine boned and with prick ears, is depicted in a painting of a peasant family. It is likely that this represents one of the small short-haired terries rather than a distinct breed, however. Later paintings from the 1800s include dogs of distinctly Miniature Pinscher type.
 

Although it cannot be documented, it is believed that the Miniature Pinscher resulted from the crossing of the short-haired terrier with the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Many of the traits of these original breeds can be seen in today's Miniature Pinschers: the feistiness, strong body structure, and black/tan coloration of the German Pinscher; the fearlessness and clear red coloration of the Dachshund; and the playfulness, elegance, and lithe movement of the Italian Greyhound. But there is no accounting for the sheer energy level and inquisitive nature of today's Miniature Pinschers! These little German spitfires were developed into a distinct breed, the "reh pinscher", in the early 1800s. The reh is a small red German deer (or roe deer), which the little dog was thought to resemble, and Pinscher simply means terrier, which is an accurate reflection of its feisty ancestry. German breeds of dog have earned the reputation of being some of the most finely bred dogs in the world. Their standards of perfection are exacting, and their criteria for breeding are stringent. The reh Pinscher was no exception. The early (late 1800s)
emphasis upon breeding the tiniest Miniature Pinscher, with no regard for grace or soundness of movement or body, threatened to result in a race of diminutive cripples with bulging eyes. Luckily this trend was reversed, so that by the time the breed was awarded official breed recognition in 1895, the foundation for the elegant, agile, strong-bodied Miniature Pinschers as they are known today was clearly discernible.

These modem-type Miniature Pinschers quickly became one of the most popular and well-devloped show dogs in pre- World War 1 in Germany, but following the war there the German Minpin experienced a plunge in both numbers and quality. Fortunately the breed had been exported and was gaining fans abroad, including in America, where it received American Kennel Club recognition in 1929 as a member of the Toy Group.

Since that time, the Miniature Pinscher has slowly accumulated an almost fanatically loyal following. With careful breeding, the breed has become more elegant, refined, and graceful without sacrificing its strength and vitality. Today's Minpin is lively, animated, feisty and independent. Its sleek lines, lithe and supple body and high-stepping hackney prance make it an eye-catcher in any crowd. One look at a Minpin surveying its domain and there is no question why it has been dubbed the "King of Toys".

Miniature Pinschers have long been a favourite of dog show exhibitors. With their natural "look at me" attitude, they are show dogs par excellence. But more recently, they have attracted the attention of families interested only in having an elegant showstopper in their own home. Pet owners have discovered that the Miniature Pinscher can be an alert watchdog, lively companion and an untiring clown.

But as the Minpin grows in popularity, many people are drawn to the breed without fully understanding the minuses as well as the pluses of having a whirling dervish in their homes. Increased popularity brings with it a host of uncaring and unknowing breeders who perpetuate incorrect Minpin type, poor health and poor temperaments. Ethical breeders are under increased pressure to place their puppies with great care in order to
preserve and protect this unique breed. They know that it takes a special person to fully appreciate these special dogs-are you that person?

Permissible colours- black/tan black/rust black/red chocolate stag red red

Height- 10 in. to 12.5 in. at the shoulder. Anything under or over that is disqualified in the ring.