Pinscher
Other names: Miniature Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, Medium Pinscher, German Pinscher, Deutscher Pinscher, Min Pin, King of Toys

The Pinscher exists in two varieties: the medium one, commonly called German Pinscher, and the miniature one, also known as “toy”. The main elements that differentiate them are their size, but also the watchdog aspect of the German variety. Otherwise, they are as energetic and lively as one another and both resemble a miniature Doberman, even if they have little in common with the latter.
Key facts about the Pinscher
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Origins and history
As archeological elements dating back to the neolithic era can attest to, these dogs have prehistoric roots. The origins of the miniature variety, however, are recent: it was created in Germany, in the second half of the past century. The standard was established in Germany in 1895, and the first Breed Club was founded in the same year. Both varieties are descendants of the Doberman. Both varieties were officially recognised by the FCI in 1955, and possess their own, distinct official standards.
Physical characteristics of the Pinscher
Adult size
Female : Between 18 and 20 in
Male : Between 18 and 20 in
Miniature variety size
Male: Between 10 and 12 inches
Female: Between 10 and 12 inches
Weight
Female : Between 31 and 44 lb
Male : Between 31 and 44 lb
Miniature variety size
Male: Between 9 and 13 pounds
Female: Between 9 and 13 pounds
Coat colour
The coat can be a solid colour (deer red, from red-brown through to dark red-brown) or black and tan (jet black with red or brown patches).
Type of coat
The hair is short.
The coat is luscious, shiny, laying flat over the dog’s body. No bald areas (hairless) are authorised by official standards.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark.
Description
They are proportionally-built dogs, with a clean-cut profile and harmonious traits, generally harmonious-looking. The medium-sized variety resembles a miniature Doberman. The miniature breed should never present signs of dwarfism (such as saggy eyes, enlarged back of the head, etc.). The anatomy of the torso must be as square-shaped as possible. The head is robust and elongated, with a straight muzzle, and a subtle but perceptible stop. The eyes are medium-sized and oval. The ears, when they are whole, are attached quite high, and can hang into a V-shape folding forwards, or be naturally erect. The limbs are straight and perfectly upright. The tail hangs high.
Good to know
The miniature Pinscher is a consequence of crossing several breeds, including the German Pinscher (medium-sized variety), the Italian Greyhound, and the Dachshund.
Varieties
Temperament
Behaviour of the Pinscher
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Pinscher varies depending on its origins, age, and gender. You have to count an average of £730 for dogs subscribed to the Kennel Club.
The monthly budget required to cater to this dog’s physiological needs wavers in between £20 and £30, depending on the dog’s size, with quality nutrition and necessary yearly basic care (vaccines, deworming, etc.) taking priority.
Grooming
This dog is very easy to maintain because the absence of an undercoat does not require daily brushes, not even during the typical moulting seasons. This short-haired dog will nevertheless need weekly brushes to maintain his quality, pristine coat.
Shedding
The absence of an undercoat renders moulting seasons irrelevant.
Nutrition of the Pinscher
Rather rustic, this dog is not difficult to feed but does nevertheless require quality nutrition.
Premium kibble or homemade rations (home-cooked meals) can be provided. For homemade meals, a good knowledge of the dog’s needs is necessary. It is advised to have the recipes consulted and/or approved by a veterinary.
The nutrition will have to be adapted to the dog’s age, physical activity and health. Veterinary supervision is recommended in order to guarantee the pup’s seamless growth.
One meal a day, preferably in the evening, is enough to satisfy this dog’s appetite.
Health of the Pinscher
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy is 14 years.
Strong / robust
It is a rather robust dog who nonetheless, on account of his size, remains somewhat fragile in certain aspects.
Withstand heat
Even if he is quite resistant to heat, fresh water must always be made available to the dog, especially in times of significant heat.
Withstand cold
The absence of an undercoat renders this little dog quite vulnerable to bad weather and humidity. It’s not rare to see certain representatives of the breed sporting coats during wintertime.
Tendency to put on weight
This athletically-built dog’s dynamic nature and constant activity, coupled with a moderate appetite, make it unlikely to gain excessive weight.
Common illnesses
- Cancer (canine histiocytoma)
- Skin conditions (color dilute alopecia)
- Diabetes mellitus, especially in elderly non-sterilised females
- Immune mediated hemolytic anemia
- Cystine stones (a consequence of renal anomalies)
- Acral mutilation syndrome
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Corneal dystrophy
- Dislocation of the lens
- Dislocation of the patella
- Eclampsia or puerperal tetany (a consequence of difficulty in labour)