Miniature Pinscher

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 11-13 years
Energetic and rambunctious, the Miniature Pinscher generally boasts good health, but there are a few health concerns that pet owners should keep a watch for. Of course, the Miniature Pinscher can develop the usual health issues, such as heart disease, bladder cancer, and heartworms, which can plague any pup or any breed at any time in their lives. But there are also a few severe and minor health concerns that a Miniature Pinscher can develop, either genetically or spontaneously.

Two of the biggest health conditions that your Miniature Pinscher might encounter are:

Cataracts

This condition occurs when cloudy lenses gradually spread across each eye, obstructing vision and causing eventual blindness. Symptoms are obvious, but treatments vary. Some pet owners allow the cataracts to progress before their pups are too advanced in age and risk for surgery. However, most pet owners opt for surgical intervention to remove the lens and somewhat clear the pup’s vision.

Epilepsy

This brain disorder causes recurring seizures and painful full-bodied tremors. Most of the time, the underlying causes of epilepsy are unknown, but vets can work with pet owners to discover a medication mixture that slows the symptoms, or stops them completely.

Other health issues that your Miniature Pinscher could eventually suffer from include dry eyes, cherry eyes, progressive retinal atrophy, skin allergies, and genetic tooth decay. The average lifespan of a Miniature Pinscher is between 11 to 13 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Also playfully referred to as the king of the toy breeds, or Min Pins, the Miniature Pinscher is a sweet, affectionate, lively pup with a fearless nature. These purebreds think they are the biggest, baddest dogs around, despite their super-small stature and itty-bitty bark. Socialization is important in the puppy stage, because these pups think they own the world. So, if they continue to think that way into adulthood, it could cause dominance fights with much bigger dogs in the future. And, despite their bigger-than-life attitude, the Miniature Pinscher is a fragile purebred—not the fighting kind.

Min Pins are outgoing and boisterous little dogs, so they need plenty of daily exercise to deplete their built-up energy. However, exercise for a Min Pin might be different than exercise to a bigger pup. For example, Miniature Pinschers would do well in an apartment, where they have the room to run on the floor, with a stockpile of toys to play with and sling around. This would be great exercise for a Min Pin, as long as you took him outside to do his business a couple of times per day. Or, let him romp free in a fenced-in backyard for an hour or so (under your supervision, of course).

Also, on the note of a fenced-in backyard, the Miniature Pinscher is an excellent climber and skilled high-jumper. Make sure your fence is high enough to prevent a jailbreak.

Training a Miniature Pinscher presents a bit of a challenge because these pups are headstrong and easily distracted. Use a firm, patient tone in a positive, strong voice to establish yourself as the leader of your pack. Be determined and consistent, but remain calm and kind. Never get frustrated and hit or yell at your Miniature Pinscher, as this kind of negative behavior has the opposite effect of the obedience you want. Reward him with treats, cuddles, and lots of praise when he complies with your commands.

Grooming

Miniature Pinschers have close-cropped, smooth hair that is simple to maintain. These pups are low shedders, but you should still use a warm, slightly damp cloth to brush the excess hair from their frame 2-3 times a week. Brushes, even the soft ones, are often too rough on their sensitive, delicate skin. Ask your vet if there is a recommended, very soft brush to smooth out and manage the fine hairs on your Min Pin.

Diet

Miniature Pinschers are dainty in frame, but voracious in appetite. These pups think they can eat more than they realistically can, so many of them will go after a meal with vigor. Keep your pup on a feeding schedule of one meal in the morning and one meal towards the evening. Divide ½ to ¾ cups into those two meals to keep them satisfied and feeling full throughout the day.  

Find A Miniature Pinscher Breeder

Miniature Pinscher Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Miniature Pinscher

Cost

Check the local animal shelter before you search for a trustworthy, reliable breeder. You may get lucky in finding a Miniature Pinscher to add to your family, in which case the adoption fees will range from $75 to $250. There are also add-ons, such as in-shelter vaccination updates, health checks, and spay or neuter operations, that will bring the price of adoption to around $400 to $500.

If you take the breeder route, Miniature Pinscher puppies are priced from $400 to $700, usually. The overall cost depends on the expectations and inclusions, as each breeder is different. For Miniature Pinschers with AKC show qualities, you can expect to shell out upwards of $1,000 for pure, well-documented bloodlines.

You should also factor in the costs of both short-term and long-term care, such as toys, wholesome kibble, a fund for medical emergencies, regular vet visits, a professional trainer or groomer (if necessary), and other accessories and necessities your pup will need.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Miniature Pinschers rank a solid 1.5 on the integration scale. These purebreds are strong-willed and stubborn, but love, patience, and lots of opportunities to socialize go a long way towards instilling acceptance, tolerance, and friendliness towards others. Use your positivity, kindness, and affection to show your Min Pin how to behave. On the whole, these pups are sweet, lively, and great pets for apartment dwellers.

 

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