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~Disregarded Fact About the Miniature Pinscher Breed~
Unlike the Miniature Poodle, which is a scaled-down version of the Standard Poodle, the Min Pin is NOT a smaller version of the much-larger Doberman Pinscher. Both may have descended from the German Pinscher, a medium-sized black and tan dog bred to control vermin in the barnyard, but that is where the relationship ends. The Doberman includes Rottweiler and perhaps the Black and Tan Terrier.
The Min Pin reportedly came from crosses with breeds such as the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Not to be confused with the Manchester Terrier, there is no relation.
Part of the confusion in origin comes from the word "pinscher," which is a descriptive term like "terrier" or "setter" that denotes the dog's method of working, not his heritage. In German, "pinscher" means "biter" and derives from the dog's habit of jumping on and fiercely biting its quarry. The German pinscher family includes the Affenpinscher, a toy breed with a wiry coat, and the schnauzers. The name may also be borrowed from the English "pincher," meaning "one who seizes or pinches."
The whole picture of the Min Pin is one of refined elegance, both standing still and moving. The strong but not coarse head, slightly arched neck, level top line, and sleek, well-muscled body give the little dog the appearance of strength. The coat is smooth, hard, straight, and lustrous in solid red, stag red (with black hairs intermingling), black-and-rust, or chocolate-and-rust and rarely blue. The rust markings are well-defined, not bleeding into the black or chocolate and are found on cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, lower half of forelegs, inside of hind legs and lower portion of hocks and feet, and in twin spots above the eyes and on the chest.
Min Pin ears are usually cropped but can be left natural. The tail is always docked.
In spite of its tiny size and fine bones, the Min Pin is a hardy, healthy dog with few genetic problems. He is susceptible to generalized progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye abnormality that eventually causes blindness. However, he may suffer from unintentional rough handling of a child and should never be dropped, even from sofa-height, even though he might jump from the same height on his own.
Coat care is minimal. A brisk rubdown with a hand mitt or towel ensures a shiny coat. Frequent baths are not necessary and may dry the skin; instead, the dog can be wiped down with a washcloth dampened with warm water. Always make sure the dog is dry before an outdoor excursion.
As with other breeds, teeth should be kept clean and nails trimmed.
The Min Pin live to the life expectancy of 14-15 years. And has a litter size of usually only 3-5 puppies. |
Oddball and Tydy puppy pics!!!
