View source for Miniature Pinscher

{{infobox dog breed
| name           = Miniature Pinscher
| image          = Miniature pinscher.jpg
| image_alt      = 
| image_caption  = 
| image2         = 
| image_alt2     = 
| image_caption2 = 
| altname        = Zwergpinscher
| stock          = 
| country        = Germany
| distribution   = 
| height         = {{right|{{cvt|25|-|30|cm|0}}}}
| maleheight     = 
| femaleheight   = 
| weight         = {{right|{{cvt|4|-|6|kg|0}}}}
| maleweight     = 
| femaleweight   = 
| coat           = 
| colour         = 
| kc_name        = [[Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen]]
| kc_std         = https://www.vdh.de/welpen/mein-welpe/zwergpinscher
| kc2_name       = 
| kc2_std        = 
| fcistd         = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/185g02-en.pdf
| notrecognised  = 
| extinct        = 
| note           = 
}}

The '''Miniature Pinscher''' or '''Zwergpinscher''' is a German [[list of dog breeds|breed]] of small dog of [[Pinscher]] type. While the breed's visual similarities to the [[Toy Manchester Terrier]], which somewhat resembles the Pinscher breeds, remain a matter of controversy, genetic research (published in 2017) has shown that the two breeds have shared, unique ancestry.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Cell Reports|volume=19|issue=4|pages=697-708|date=April 25, 2017|title=Genomic Analyses Reveal the Influence of Geographic Origin, Migration, and Hybridization on Modern Dog Breed Development|author=Heidi G. Parker|author2=Dayna L. Dreger|author3=Maud Rimbault|author4=Brian W. Davis|author5=Alexandra B. Mullen|author6=Gretchen Carpintero-Ramirez|author7=Elaine A. Ostrander|display-authors=5|doi-access=free|doi=10.1016/j.celrep.2017.03.079 |url=https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(17)30456-4|pmc=5492993}}</ref> The ancestors of the Toy Manchester and Miniature Pinscher may have become geographically separated many centuries ago and retained similarities simply through breeding selection for the same traits; nevertheless, the 2017 research also showed that the two breeds remain more closely related to each other than to other breeds.<ref>Hence the Miniature Pinscher is not a "scaled-down" version of the much larger Doberman Pinscher, although both may share some recent ancestry. Genetic research therefore excludes significant relationships between the Miniature Pinscher and breeds such as the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound, previously suggested by historians and other researchers of the breed (American Kennel Club)</ref> The breed's ancestors may also include the [[German Pinscher]], [[Italian greyhound]]s and [[dachshund]]s.<ref name="akc.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/history.cfm |title=Miniature Pinscher History |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221223113/http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/history.cfm/ |archive-date=21 February 2014}}</ref> The Miniature Pinscher's known origins are in Germany, where it was often referred to as the '''Zwerg Pinscher''' (Dwarf Biter) in historical documents. German Kennel Club documents also refer to the Miniature Pinscher as the "reh" Pinscher, but this term is only used for a dog of stag-red color, "reh" referring to a small red deer formerly found in German forests. The Miniature Pinscher originated several centuries ago as an efficient barnyard ratter.
 
Historical artifacts and paintings place the Miniature Pinscher as a very old breed, but factual documentation began less than 200 years ago, leaving its actual origins to debate. Many historians and those who have researched the background of the breed agree that this heritage is most likely correct, adding the shorthaired German Pinscher to the family tree. The international kennel club, the [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]], lists the Miniature Pinscher in Group 2, Section 1.1 ''Pinscher'', along with the [[Doberman pinscher|Dobermann]], the [[German Pinscher]], the [[Austrian Pinscher]], and the other Toy Pinscher, the [[Affenpinscher]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/MINIATURE-PINSCHER-185.html |title=Zwergpinscher |website=Fédération Cynologique Internationale |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> Other kennel clubs list the Miniature Pinscher in the [[Toy Group]] or [[Companion Group]].

==Etymology==
The misconception that the Miniature Pinscher is a "miniature Doberman" occurred because the [[Doberman Pinscher]] (a breed developed by [[Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann]] around 1890) was introduced to the U.S. before the Miniature Pinscher. In 1919, the Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring. At the time, not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher (little biter), the AKC referred to the breed as simply "Pinscher" and listed it in the miscellaneous category. When the Miniature Pinscher Club of America (MPCA) was created in 1929 (the year of the breed's official introduction into the AKC), they petitioned for Miniature Pinschers to be placed in the Toy group. The AKC's description, that the dog "must appear as a Doberman in miniature," led to the misconception common today that this breed is a "Miniature Doberman Pinscher".

The original name for this breed in the U.S. was "Pinscher (Toy)" until 1972 when the name was officially changed to Miniature Pinscher.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher History |url=http://www.minpin.org/?page_id=23832 |website=Miniature Pinscher Club of America |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Bungartz-Pinscher.jpg|thumb|Drawing of a pinscher and a miniature pinscher by [[Jean Bungartz]]]]

Documentation of this breed begins less than 200 years ago.<ref name="akc.org"/> They were used traditionally to hunt mice, lizards, small birds, rabbits, pests and vermin and were hunting dogs. There is a drawing by Jean Bungartz, published in 1888 comparing the Miniature Pinscher to the [[German Pinscher]].

== Appearance ==
The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. They are naturally well groomed, vigorous and alert. Characteristic traits are their [[Hackney horse|hackney]]-like action, fearless animation, complete self-possession, and spirited presence. Legs should be straight with no bending in or out. They are also known to have separation anxiety.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard">{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard |url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/ |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410061839/http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/ |archive-date=10 April 2012}}</ref> The Miniature Pinscher frequently has a [[docking (dog)|docked]] tail and [[cropping (animal)|cropped]] ears, though the [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] no longer requires ear cropping for shows. They can also sometimes have natural erect ears.

=== Size ===
According to the [[American Kennel Club]], the Miniature Pinscher should be {{convert|10|-|12+1/2|in|cm}} high with most desirable height {{convert|11|-|11+1/2|in|cm}} at the highest point of the shoulder blades. Length is equal to height, though females may be slightly longer.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard"/> The ideal weight is {{convert|8|-|10|lb}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ideal Weight Ranges |url=http://www.petobesityprevention.com/ideal-weight-ranges/ |website=Association for Pet Obesity Prevention |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> There are also Teacup Miniature Pinschers, which are about half the size of normal Miniature Pinschers.

=== Coat and color ===
The coat is short and smooth, with no undercoat. Available colors include solid red, stag red, blue stag red, chocolate stag red, fawn stag red, as well as black, grey, chocolate, blue, and fawn with tan points or rust points. For showing in the United States, the AKC disqualifies all colors but the solid or stag red and the black or chocolate with rust points.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher - Colors and Markings |url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/color_markings.cfm |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505002002/http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/color_markings.cfm |archive-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> The Pinscher-Schnauzer Club, which maintains the standard for showing in Germany, has the same restrictions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zwergpinscher Standard |url=http://www.psk-pinscher-schnauzer.de/download/rasse-zp.pdf |language=de |website=Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub |access-date=10 May 2013 |archive-date=18 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018214557/http://www.psk-pinscher-schnauzer.de/download/rasse-zp.pdf }}</ref> In the UK, blue with rust points is allowed in the show ring.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kennel Club UK Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=6160 |website=Kennel Club UK |access-date=10 May 2013}}</ref> White spots larger than half an inch or black spots on the points are disqualifications for showing in most countries. Merle is not an accepted coloring of the breed.
<gallery mode=packed heights=220px style="text-align:left; font-size: 93%">
File:Pinczer miniatura 546r.jpg|At a dog show
File:Zwergpinscher.Denzo-vom-Reichsgraf-zu-Herrenheim 1500X1500.jpg|The black
File:Adult Male Miniature Pinscher.jpg|The brown and black coat
File:Three Minature Pinschers.jpg|Puppies
</gallery>

== Care ==
Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention, needing only occasional brushing and shampooing.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard"/> Care must be taken in cold weather.  Sweaters or baby blankets can help keep a Miniature Pinscher from getting too cold.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher |url=http://animal-world.com/dogs/Toy-Dog-Breeds/MiniaturePinscher.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007161808/http://animal-world.com/dogs/Toy-Dog-Breeds/MiniaturePinscher.php |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |website=Animal-World |access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref> Miniature Pinschers are an active breed and need access to a fenced yard, or be given a daily walk.<ref name="Sandhorst"/>
Some Miniature Pinschers are prone to becoming overweight, so it is necessary to watch calorie consumption and weight level.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher">{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher |url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-pinscher/ |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=28 December 2020}}</ref> Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher"/>

== Temperament ==
Miniature Pinschers are for experienced dog owners. Many people underestimate the care, time, and effort needed in order to raise a Miniature Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher is an assertive, outgoing, active, and independent breed.<ref name="Sandhorst">{{cite web |last=Sandhorst |first=Cindy |title=Miniature Pinscher Breed Profile |url=http://www.rescueeverydog.org/min_breed.html |website=Rescue Every Dog |access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref> Miniature pinschers are energetic and need a fenced yard to run in; they make great [[Dog agility|agility]] dogs. They are great escape artists and some recommend having a kennel with a lid on it for them to run around in.<ref name="Sandhorst"/> They are good watchdogs, as they are alert and wary of strangers.<ref name="Miniature Pinscher Breed Standard"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Miniature Pinscher - Did you know? |url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/did_you_know.cfm |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505001620/http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_pinscher/did_you_know.cfm |archive-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> They can easily alert their owners of someone's presence, their happiness or their loneliness with their frequent high-pitched bark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-21 |title=Do Miniature Pinschers Bark A Lot? - Miniature Pinscher Barking Problems - Pet Net ID |url=https://petnetid.com/breed/miniature-pinscher/miniature-pinscher-barking-problems-at-night-and-strangers/ |access-date=2022-08-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is recommended that adults and teenagers, rather than young children, play with a Miniature Pinscher as younger children play rough.{{cn|date=March 2024}} Miniature Pinschers are a stubborn breed when it comes to training, but once trained they will obey commands well.

==Health==
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.7 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=McMillan | first=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=| pmc=10834484 }}</ref> A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 11 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Roccaro | first=Mariana | last2=Salini | first2=Romolo | last3=Pietra | first3=Marco | last4=Sgorbini | first4=Micaela | last5=Gori | first5=Eleonora | last6=Dondi | first6=Maurizio | last7=Crisi | first7=Paolo E. | last8=Conte | first8=Annamaria | last9=Dalla Villa | first9=Paolo | last10=Podaliri | first10=Michele | last11=Ciaramella | first11=Paolo | last12=Di Palma | first12=Cristina | last13=Passantino | first13=Annamaria | last14=Porciello | first14=Francesco | last15=Gianella | first15=Paola | last16=Guglielmini | first16=Carlo | last17=Alborali | first17=Giovanni L. | last18=Rota Nodari | first18=Sara | last19=Sabatelli | first19=Sonia | last20=Peli | first20=Angelo | title=Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy | journal=Preventive Veterinary Medicine | volume=225 | date=2024 | doi=10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106155 | article-number=106155| doi-access=free | hdl=11585/961937 | hdl-access=free }}</ref>

== References ==
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{{German dogs}}
{{Toy dogs}}
{{Pinschers and Schnauzers}}
{{ratters}}

[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in Germany]]
[[Category:Companion dogs]]
[[Category:Ratters]]