DID YOU ENTER THE TREAT GIVEAWAY?! DO IT NOW!
Our breed of the week is the Miniature Pinscher, and boy howdy did I meet a sweetie this week! Meet Buck, a Min Pin love bird.
Here’s what the AKC has to say about the Miniature Pinscher:
The Miniature Pinscher can really spice up a person’s life. This dog is small, but he doesn’t know it! He’s quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The “Min Pin” will be happiest with a family that treats him like a standard-sized dog. He may be stubborn, but he’s also smart. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life. Play and a daily walk will take care of most of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing and shampooing.
After observing Buck in his natural habitat, I’d say he fits the description pretty well. Buck is a rescue dog, well suited to the family he’s in. And this Miniature Pinscher loves the Chicken Liver Taffy.
I regret not getting more and better photos of Buck. There was a room full of puppies distracting me. They distracted Buck, too. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of having a Miniature Pinscher as a pet. But first, a physical description.
- Small and smooth, with tail and ears often cropped and docked
- Ten pounds is the top of their weight range
- Black and tan is typical, with chocolate and tan, or red variants
- Similar in appearance to a tiny Doberman Pinscher, but said to be part Italian Greyhound and Dachshund
Is the Miniature Pinscher the right dog for you, for your family? Have you had a dog before? A small one? I think that’s the first question I’d ask myself, am I equipped to have a small dog? Having a small dog has changed our family dynamic.
Pros:
- Long life, typically 15 years or more
- Generally healthy – not too many health issues with the breed, which is unusual
- Easy to groom – short hair and an average shedder, the Min Pin needs regular brushing, but that’s quick and simple
- Usually good with kids and other animals – must be properly socialized for this to be so!
- Intelligent and learns quickly
- Great apartment dog, but needs daily walks
Sounds like a great dog! And if Buck is any indication of the entire breed, it really is.
Cons:
- If not properly socialized, the breed tends to develop Small Dog Syndrome – sign up for puppy and obedience classes right away!
- Prone to weight gain – watch your Min Pin’s diet, and don’t give too many treats – bones and hooves are great options
- They get cold easily – better for warmer climates, or wearing a coat and booties – and really? Who doesn’t want to dress up such a cute little thing?
- Intelligent – the smarter the dog, the more easily they’re bored, the more trouble they get into – train and keep this dog worn out and busy
- House breaking – the Miniature Pinscher is a small dog, but don’t let that fool you – it can be house broken, but small dog people tend to let puddles happen, treating it like other toy breeds – NO! House break the dog
So! The cons are all workable. I’d say, if you’re prepared to have a small dog, the Miniature Pinscher might just be the breed for you! And did I mention puppies? One of the other dogs in the home has a litter of nine. The mama is a Boxer/Lab mix. The dad is about her size, but with a white coat. Lookit!
So! If you were thinking about getting a Miniature Pinscher, I hope I’ve convinced you! They’re great dogs.
And if you haven’t already entered the treat giveaway, go do it now! You know it’ll make your dog smile!
Until I write again …
Flea
