Miniature Pinscher for Sale: Toy Breed with a King-Sized Presence
Miniature Pinschers make fabulous companions for active or athletic people without any kids. If you want a strong bond with a tiny creature willing to be your partner in your daily tasks, Min Pins warrant a second look. They are anything but timid yet small enough to adapt to apartment life. The only drawbacks of Min Pin puppies for sale are their fragility and a larger-than-life demand for training and exercise.
Overview of Min Pin for Sale
A Miniature Pinscher, or Min Pin, is a Toy breed that is neither descended from nor closely related to the Doberman. An ideal dog stands 8.5 to 12 inches tall and weighs seven to eleven pounds.
History
The Miniature Pinscher likely descended from the German Pinscher and had additional influences from the Smooth-Haired Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. Another reasonable theory is that Min Pins were designer dogs that resulted from crossing Italian Greyhounds and Dachshunds. German Pinschers were possibly responsible for later infusions. Another point that lacks clarity is the timeline of when Min Pins originated. Although most historians believe the Miniature Pinscher arose at least by the 1600s, official recordkeeping did not begin until 1888. The dog was developed as a ratter in Germany. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)classifies the Min Pin as a pinscher, and the AKC named it a Pinscher, Toy, until 1972. After this date, the official AKC moniker of the breed became Miniature Pinscher.
Appearance
Miniature Pinschers should look like tiny versions of the Doberman, according to the AKC. It furthers public confusion about the breed, with many owners inaccurately calling their dogs Miniature Doberman Pinschers. Nevertheless, Min Pins have the following characteristics:
- Head balanced and in proportion to body size – should look refined, narrow, and tapered
- Eyes slightly oval and darkly pigmented from dark brown to black; rims should be black
- Ears – high-set and can be erect or button; AKC allows cropped ears but no longer requires them
- Slight stop – the drop in the muzzle from the brow
- Neck – muscular and moderate in length; proportional to both the head and body
- Body – strong, square (length and height are about equal)
- Forequarters and hind limbs well-angulated, short hocks
- Topline – level or slopes slightly from the withers to the hips
- Chest – moderately deep
- Abdomen – medium uptuck
- Tail – high-set and frequently docked in the US
- Gait – characteristic hackney movement in the forelegs
Coat and Colors
A Miniature Pinscher for sale has a short, glossy, smooth coat. The Min Pin does not have an undercoat. This combined with its small size makes it susceptible to cold temperatures. The breed has only a few acceptable colors.
- Tan-pointed – dogs are a base color of black or chocolate and have rust to tan markings above each eye, under the tail, as points on the front of the chest, and on the cheeks, chin, throat, feet, and inner hind legs; these dogs have penciling on the toes corresponding to the base color
- Clear red – no markings
- Stag red – red with black hairs mixed in
Chocolate dogs are allowed to have light-colored eyes with liver rims. Their noses are also self-colored.
Teacup Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are extremely tiny, but Teacups are even smaller. The AKC does not condone dogs under the breed standard in size, disqualifying them from shows. However, many pet owners think exceedingly small dogs are the rage. Teacup Min Pins are under 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh five to seven pounds. As you would expect, they start out as tiny Min Pin puppies for sale and may have trouble giving birth when they mature. Unfortunately, Teacups can still have standard-sized pups. They are also susceptible to a host of health challenges.
Personality
Miniature Pinschers show the breed’s close ancestral ties to terriers. A Miniature Pinscher for sale has a powerful prey drive, lively presence, and alert demeanor. At the same time, the dog is loyal, affectionate, playful, and clownish. It tends to be bold, although some are initially suspicious of training. Most will become warm to friendly guests after a short time. Finally, Min Pins are active and independent. They make highly effective watchdogs that have a loud bark backed by a sharp bite if needed. A Miniature Pinscher is not especially good for children because of its size, high energy levels, and reactivity.
Lifespan
A Min Pin is a long-lived breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
Min Pin Puppies for Sale Near Me
Local Miniature Pinscher puppies for sale are not only convenient but also allow you to visit a prospective pet before making any final decisions. Your goal is to find a litter of puppies that are clean with dry eyes and noses and no signs of vomiting or diarrhea. Puppies that are too young when they leave the seller are prone to behavioral and training challenges as well as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You should aim to acquire a pup that is at least three months old. Professional breeders often will provide you with certificates for the hips, knees, and eyes of their dogs. You can find Min Pin puppies at shelters, humane societies, or rescue organizations. Although their backgrounds are often unknown, they are healthy and frequently cheaper than those from breeders. Usually, they are also spayed or neutered.
Care
Min Pins require a little more extra care than many other breeds because of how active they are despite their size.
Needs of Min Pin Puppies for Sale
- Toys
- Feeding every two or three hours – 50 to 80 calories per pound daily
- Socialization – exposure to different people, animals and places with close supervision; unsocialized dogs may become aggressive, snapping with little to no provocation
- Training – crate, leash, basic obedience
- Limited organized exercise to protect growing bones – most exercise needs met by a puppy’s natural play
Caring for an Adult Miniature Pinscher
- Brushing – weekly to stimulate circulation in the skin and oil distribution through the coat
- Bathing – bathe using a mild dog shampoo every 6 to 12 weeks; dry completely after a bath as the Min Pin’s size causes it to readily lose body heat
- Wipe the face and around the eyes at least every other day
- Feeding amounts – three to five times a day; an adult requires 32 to 37 calories per pound per day depending on activity level and age
- What to feed – Min Pins should eat a meat-based diet with low to moderate fat levels; they can eat wet, moist, dry, commercial raw or lightly cooked, or homemade diets; dogs respond best to fresh food when possible; home-cooked foods may need input from a veterinarian or nutritionist to prevent nutritional gaps
- Exercise – 35 to 45 minutes each day split into two or more sessions
- Activities – Miniature Pinschers excel at agility, lure courses, showing, and flyball
- Training – Min Pins require assertive leadership; they are independent, domineering, and strong-minded and will take advantage of any uncertainty in their handlers; not ideal for novice trainers, especially without the aid of a professional trainer
