If you’re looking for a dog that’ll provide you and the family with pure entertainment, the miniature pinscher is the breed for you. With enough personality for a dog five times their size, this canine not only will keep you on your toes, it’s also known to have the best prance in town. Looking for even more insight on these dogs? Here’s what their devoted followers (also known as their owners) adore about them.
1. Nope, they aren’t miniature Doberman pinschers
Many people are convinced that miniature pinschers are just a miniature version of the Doberman pinscher, but in fact, they are their own unique breed. Most sources agree that miniature pinschers are centuries old, and are actually a combination of the German pinscher, the dachshund, and the Italian greyhound. They were actually fairly unknown outside of Germany and Scandinavia until the early 1900s, but since then their popularity has definitely increased worldwide.
2. They’re rockin’ a cool nickname
The people who love this breed really love this breed—and that means they’ve created special nicknames for them. They’re often affectionately referred to as min pins, and their big, sparkly personalities have also earned them the title of “King of Toys”. We think that pretty much speaks for itself.
3. Fearless and full of personality
Everyone always says that miniature pinschers seem completely unaware of their diminutive size. They’re also considered extroverted with big, big personalities, along with being full of spirit and intelligence. They make wonderful companions and generally form deep bonds with the humans they live with. They also love their toys, so be sure to keep a variety of playthings around for these scrappy little friends to play with. And don’t forget—training for this breed is essential since they have a stubborn streak and tend to get a bit cocky.
4. Ideal for apartment living
Though this breed is super energetic, as long as you give them daily walks and plenty of playtime they can happily live in an apartment. And if you do bring them outside to exercise, keep a close eye on them—they can be quite the escape artists.
5. Despite their size, they make excellent guard dogs
Some find it surprising, but min pins actually make great security systems. Yes, they’re small, but their bold, assertive personalities mean that everyone will know if there’s an intruder. And their high-pitched, noisy barks are better than any alarm.
6. They usually stick around for a while
Min pins tend to live for a long time (some as long as 18 to 20 years), so when you welcome one into your family, you’re making a commitment to a longtime friendship.
7. Their gait truly sets them apart
You only have to see a min pin prance across the room to understand what all the fuss is about. This breed is known for its unique gait. Called a “hackney gait”, which comes from the high-stepping gait of the Hackney horse, it’s truly an interesting sight to behold. According to The Miniature Pinscher Club of America, their “forelegs and hind legs move parallel with feet turning neither in nor out. The hackney-like action is a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear.”
8. Keep them cozy and warm
Min Pins aren’t huge fans of the chilly great outdoors, and they’re likely to want to cuddle under the covers in a warm bed—which sounds pretty great to us. When you take them outside during the cold months make sure to deck them out in some adorable, warm dog attire…as if you needed an excuse to accessorize.
9. They have energy, so make sure you do too
Min pins are high energy. These dogs are always on the move—which is great if you’re an active family or individual but might be a little challenging if you’re more of the couch potato type. Another reason why it’s best to train Min Pins early on, since you’re going to want to reign in some of that electric, adorable energy.
Featured image: Gexon/Flickr
