Miniature Pinscher
A small, high-stepping German pinscher with a fearless attitude and lots of energy.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 25–30 cm
- Weight
- 4–6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Exercise
- 45–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Red, Black and tan
- Bred for
- Companionship, Terrier work
- Country of origin
- Germany
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 185 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 5/5 – Very high |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 1/5 – Very low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small dog with lots of energy
- enjoy an independent, cheeky character
- can provide a secure garden
Think twice if you …
- have small pets
- need a quiet dog
- live somewhere very cold without dog coats
Care
Temperament
Bold, energetic and curious, loyal to its people but often wary of strangers. It can be bossy with other dogs.
Exercise
Needs daily walks and active play; enjoys agility, lure games and fast fetch sessions.
Grooming
The short coat needs only a weekly brush; it feels the cold, so a coat in winter helps.
Training
Intelligent but independent; keep training short and fun, and work on recall in safe areas.
Health
Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy are reported. Ask the breeder for knee and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Miniature Pinscher, or Zwergpinscher, is an old German breed developed from small pinschers kept on farms and in stables to catch rats. It is often mistaken for a miniature Dobermann, but it is the older of the two and the resemblance is coincidental.
A Min Pin is a busy, confident dog with a distinctive prancing gait. It loves to explore, chase and play, and will investigate every corner of the house. It needs secure fencing and a watchful owner, because it is quick, clever at escaping and keen on small animals. Owners who enjoy a lively, cheeky dog usually find it great company.
Did you know?
The Miniature Pinscher was a recognised breed in Germany before the Dobermann was even developed.