Miniature pinschers: description, nature, choice and care

Despite the fact that the miniature pinschers are not the smallest dogs (on average 2 times more than a chihuahua), they can please us with their slender miniature figure.

Of course, the nature of these animals is far from angelic. This little doggie can be aggressive towards strangers. He is not even afraid of many large dogs, which speaks of his bold character. It is worth noting that in German “pincher” means “tweezers”, which perfectly characterizes this breed.

Today, there are three types of German pinscher: Doberman, middle pinscher and miniature pinscher. In accordance with the breed, they all have the same structure and differ mainly in size. The smallest of them occurs in a straight line from the middle pincher and is the result of the crossing of the smallest dogs selected among representatives of this breed.

The result was a dog whose growth did not exceed 30 cm. It is believed that the smallest smooth-haired dachshunds and Italian greyhounds participated in the creation of the miniature pinscher. On the way to create this small breed, not everything was smooth. The work of breeders to reduce the size of the breed led to the appearance of dogs with signs of dwarfism: with round heads and bulging eyes, excessively noisy and hyperactive.

Over time, thanks to the consistent work of breeders, the dwarf pincher aroused great interest and became popular. These dogs are very energetic.Despite its small size, the miniature pinscher has excellent watchdog qualities, as before their ancestors hunted and exterminated domestic rodents.

Miniature pinscher - A smaller version of the middle pincher. The dog is distinguished by a stately figure and a strong muscular body.

He has an elongated head, planted on a noble curved neck. The length of the head (measured from the tip of the nose to the back of the head) is half the length of the back (measured from the withers to the base of the tail). The top of the head is flat with a profile parallel to the back of the nose. The ears are high, V-shaped, there are both erect and semi-hanging. Eating is allowed. The muzzle is elongated, with a pronounced transition of the forehead to the nose. The eyes are dark, oval, the eyelids are closed. The nose and lips are black. Strong jaws, complete dentition, scissor bite.

The body is compact, proportional. The upper line drops slightly from the withers to the back. The chest is moderately wide, oval, reaches the elbows. The tail is high set, acinaciform or crescent. The forelimbs are short, strong, straight, widely spaced. The forearm is well developed and muscular. The hind limbs are slightly longer than the front. The paws, when viewed from the side, are well slanted, when viewed from the rear, they are parallel, and are at some distance from each other. Fingers compressed and convex, claws black.

The coat of the mini-Doberman is short, shiny, dense. Therefore, they are called smooth-haired. The color of the dogs is presented in two versions: black and tan and red (from light to brown). These dogs look compact and visually have a square shape, as their body length corresponds to growth. The height of the miniature pinscher usually does not exceed 25-30 cm, and the weight varies from 4 to 6 kg.

According to breed standards, dogs should not have dwarf features such as a disproportionate large head or thin weak legs.

As for the content, the miniature pinscher does not need to create special conditions for living. A dog can live both in a small apartment and in a house with a large garden. The miniature pinscher prefers long and active walks in the fresh air, so it is ideal for people involved in sports.

When keeping a dog in a private house, it is worth remembering that the miniature pinscher is a born hunter. He can search the entire territory in search of rodents or moles.

Also, do not leave the pet for a long time alone, it will be very homesick, and it does not matter in the apartment or large yard, the long absence of the owner will be very painful for this little pet. Therefore, before starting a miniature pinscher, the future owner must understand that caring for him will require a lot of time.

Dogs of this breed require a lot of attention and love, and in return are ready to give their boundless devotion. Best of all, these miniature pets feel close to the person they love. They also prefer to be near their master at night, so they need to equip their own bed with a soft and warm blanket.

Contrary to popular belief, the miniature pinscher does not always bark a lot, but barking clearly gives him pleasure. If mistakes are made in the upbringing, it will become noisy, which can adversely affect both the atmosphere in the family and relations with neighbors. Therefore, do not admire the barking of the dog, on the contrary, all unreasonable attempts to cast a vote must be stopped.

The miniature pinscher is an excellent watchman, he always feels and immediately notices that a stranger is standing behind the door.If he feels a threat to his family, despite his small size, he will protect them without hesitation.

The miniature pinscher is attached to all members of the family, but usually singles out one person, the one who devotes the most time to him. Unfortunately, it happens that this devotion quickly becomes a serious problem. Since the pincher is a hunting dog, it is very easy to become addicted to it. Then he becomes painfully jealous and tries to scare away anyone who dares to approach his master. It can be not only strangers, but also family members. He will launch a whole arsenal of tools - from barking and growling to showing or even using teeth. This behavior must be stopped immediately.

Pincher loves comfort: a warm blanket and a comfortable place on the couch. But his favorite place is on the lap of his owner. The pet jealously guards him and does not really like to share it with someone else. It is worth paying special attention to such behavior, properly raising a dog.

A miniature pinscher is not a caring Newfoundland that will allow your child to do anything. The dog treats children well, but if they hurt or scare him, he can even bite him.

A particularly delicate moment is the appearance of a newborn in the house, especially if before that the dog was the center of attention in the family and extremely spoiled by everyone. Do not push the pet into the background and especially isolate it from the family. He perceives this as a great injustice and quickly connects this change with the advent of a new family member. This is a very common mistake.

It is necessary to show the child’s pet, let him smell, teach him to be careful, clearly establish the boundaries that he should not cross. It is important to convince him that the child is not a competitor and not a threat to him.

The miniature pinscher gets along well with animals living with him under one roof, especially if they are raised together. The only thing that is difficult is to count on friendship with rodents, given the past successes of the representative of this breed as an extremely effective rat catcher.

As befits a descendant of terriers, he has a very strong hunting instinct, so you need to follow him so that he does not run after some fussing rodent.

This little pet adapts very easily to his family’s lifestyle. Suitable for both those who love walking and people who like to travel with a dog. He tolerates trips well and easily adapts to any place.

For the miniature pinscher, one thing is important - to be near the owner. A change or loss of ownership is a disaster for him, so when deciding to have such a miniature pet, you need to remember this.

Pros of breed:

• ideal companion dog for the family;
• suitable for maintenance in any apartment;
• unpretentious in leaving;
• does not require large maintenance costs;
• good watchman;
• active and positive dog;
• well amenable to education.

Cons of the breed:

• it is hyperactive;
• rather noisy dog, likes to bark;
• can be very jealous and aggressive.

A miniature pincher is the best illustration of the saying "a great spirit is in a small body." This is a dog full of energy, constantly ready to act. She has a good, but somewhat demanding character.Therefore, it is worth treating it the same way as treating any large dog, because it is not as harmless as it looks. This dog is ideal for training and playing sports and is very tolerant of even long loads. But the first signs of fatigue should be a signal for a break.

By nature, the miniature pinscher is very lively, he likes to be in the center of events. He constantly requires the attention of the family and tries to get everyone involved in the fun. Communicating with him, you need to be vigilant and not indulge all his desires. Therefore, from the first days it is necessary to teach him that there is time for fun and time for rest. Excessive indulgence in his games will make the pet very demanding and moody.

Pincher is very smart, he needs a variety of activities, but those that lure him both physically and mentally. He can jog with his master, bring toys, look for a hidden object, execute various commands or jump over obstacles. Such an active pastime makes both the dog and its owner happy.

The basis for success in raising and training a dog is early socialization and very consistent behavior. Despite its small size, a miniature pinscher should not be perceived as a toy. Socialized and educated, he will grow into a wonderful family companion.

By nature, he is very stubborn, so the owner must remain vigilant and always seek to complete the task. Thanks to the natural mind, the miniature pincher is eager to learn, especially in the game. Good influence on the result of training the owner's encouragement and delicious goodies. The use of physical force is not allowed, as this will adversely affect the relationship between the dog and the owner.

These dogs do not like strangers and communicate with them wary. Communication with young children is also not a pleasure.

The miniature pinschers are not aggressive, but due to their natural hunting instinct, they are excellent guard dogs.

Choosing a pet is only from professional nurseries and from conscientious breeders. This will help to avoid problems with the dog’s health, but it is especially important if the goal is to participate in exhibitions and further breeding.

Diseases that are often found in small breeds are quite rare for miniature pinschers. Miniature pinschers are considered healthy dogs. Too small individuals that weigh a little over 2 kg in adulthood come mainly from mass uncontrolled breeding. They are usually not recognized by nursery federations.

The miniature pincher is highly sensitive to cold. Their thin ears are especially prone to frostbite. At low temperatures, it is better to wear pinchers in warm clothes.

When choosing a breeder, it is imperative to check whether he is guided in his activities by breed standards recognized by the International Federation of Nursery. To be sure of the conditions in which the dogs breed, it is better to personally visit the breeder and get acquainted with the puppies. The breeder should describe in detail the properties of the breed you are interested in and advise on many issues related to raising and feeding the dog.

Naturally, a serious breeder will also be interested in the appropriate conditions for the proper development of the dog available in your home. He wants to make sure that his pets will fall into good hands.

The name of the pet is selected taking into account individual characteristics: the nature, size, temperament of the animal.Some owners prefer to call the dog a simple and common name, while others are creative.

Here are some examples of nicknames for a boy:

• Oscar;
• Spike
• Max;
• Thunder;
• Alex
• Ball;
• Pluto;
• Ruby;
• Jimmy;
• Diamond;
• Randy.

Options nicknames for girls:

• Flora;
• Fiona
• Jesse
• Burma.

The miniature pinscher is a very active dog, so she should receive high-protein, healthy and properly balanced food. It is best to choose one of the ready-made mixtures intended for small breeds. It is necessary to feed the dog in accordance with its age. It is worth remembering that during active growth puppies need completely different nutrients and vitamins than adult dogs.

In the first days after birth, puppies should eat mother’s breast milk. At the age of 4 weeks, you can already feed the puppy from a bowl. Puppies at the age of 1-2 months are fed 6 times a day, at 2-4 months - 5 times, older puppies - 4 times a day. At the age of 7-12 months, teens eat 3 times a day. By 12 months, you need to transfer the dog to two meals a day.

Manufacturers often use cheaper ingredients to produce dry dog ​​food, which can cause allergies or digestive problems. If your puppy has allergic symptoms after eating a certain food, you should contact your veterinarian and change the dish. When feeding a dry product, the puppy should be periodically given fruits and vegetables.

In the first three months of puppies' life, they need to pre-soak dry food in warm water. It is worth remembering that eating dry feed increases the animal's need for drinking water. The dry product is given to puppies according to the instructions of the feed manufacturer.

At home, natural food is allowed. In this case, the dog should be given boiled buckwheat, oats and rice. Boiled vegetables are added there. Beets, carrots and cabbage are also used for feeding. An important ingredient in home feeding is meat (calf, lamb, lean beef, chicken, and sometimes offal). It is worth adding olive oil and vitamins to food. Puppies need to add cottage cheese, eggs (once a week), fresh or boiled fish to the diet, which must be carefully sorted from the bones so that the puppy does not choke. Be sure to accustom him to fresh herbs and vegetables. Beans and potatoes are not allowed because dogs do not have enzymes to digest them.

Once a week, it is recommended that children give finely chopped cloves of garlic - this is an excellent prevention of worms.

The dog is fed from a bowl on a stand, the height of which should change as the dog grows. There should be two cups: with food and water. In order for the dog’s skeleton to form correctly, the puppy should reach for the bowl during the meal - its upper edge should be at the level of the animal’s chest. Dogs should have access to water at all times.

There is a widespread opinion that smooth-haired dogs almost do not need care. Indeed, they have no problems with felting fur, tangling wool. But their unpleasant feature is short bristly hair, falling out almost all year round. They adhere to carpets and upholstery and are very difficult to remove. Regular treatment can solve this problem or significantly reduce it.

Daily care for the miniature pinscher is simple and does not take much time. It is enough to brush the dog’s fur regularly with a thick bristle brush. A rubber brush is also very good, but only with soft, flexible tips adapted to the size of the dog. Metal brushes are not used for this type of wool.

Bathing a small pincher is enough four times a year or as the coat becomes dirty. For baths, it is worth using special shampoos adapted to this type of wool. It is important to thoroughly rinse the animal’s fur so that the rest of the shampoo does not cause skin irritation. Sometimes it is allowed to simply wipe the fur with a damp sponge.

Preparation of wool for the exhibition consists mainly in keeping it in good condition. Wool will look great if you spray conditioner on it before shining on the podium. Shake the air conditioner before use, as oils usually settle on its surface. This simple procedure will enhance color and emphasize muscle.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the paws - the claws should be so long that they do not touch the floor. If the dog does not grind them naturally, it is best to do so a few days before the show. It is also worth checking if there are any wounds or abrasions between the fingertips, and if there is, you need to treat the wound with medicinal ointment. This is very important because the dog will be limp and will not be able to correctly present himself at the exhibition.

If the exhibition is held in the hall, on the smooth floor the dog may slip and lose balance. There is a special balm that creates a non-slip film on the pillows of her fingers, improves adhesion and helps to eliminate this problem.

Overweight can sometimes be hidden in dogs with very dense hair, but for smooth-haired dogs this is impossible. As a result, the dog loses proportions, elegance and sportiness, and therefore a chance of success. Therefore, it is advisable to look after the weight of the dog, preventing its overfeeding.

The miniature pinscher has excellent health, excellent physical shape. Usually these animals live up to 15 years.

Therefore, it is worth taking care of providing them with additional warm clothes - this can be overalls, jackets and pants. For colder weather, you should choose warmer clothes, preferably with a hood. Using boots to keep your feet warm is ideal.

For a walk in wet weather, wear clothing made from waterproof fabric. The miniature pinscher loves to walk, but does not like moisture and cold. He quickly copes with physiological needs on cold days and does everything he can to get home as soon as possible. A warmly dressed, he can forget about winter and have plenty of frolic in the snow.

Of the diseases that, although not very common, are found in dogs of this breed, visual impairment should be mentioned. Therefore, when deciding to buy a puppy, you need to look for a kennel, where breeders conduct appropriate tests and can confirm that the dogs used for breeding are not susceptible to this disease.

Many pinchers have a tendency to be overweight, so you should control not only the weight of the dishes, but also limit the amount of extra delicacies eaten by the animal. This will be useful not only for health, but also for beauty, because a thick pincher looks unattractive.

In the initial period of life, one should remember about regular deworming and protective vaccinations. Until they are completed, the dog must be quarantined.

The miniature pinscher is a stubborn and active dog, so she needs constant training and a good upbringing. She chooses one owner to whom she implicitly submits and is absolutely devoted. Usually there are no problems with the upbringing and training of the miniature pinscher, since he likes to work with people and learns quickly. In the process of education, the elements of the game must be present, in which case the dog will be happy to carry out the necessary commands.

This dog performs very well in competitions. Thanks to her hunting instinct, she loves to follow the trail and look for hidden objects.

Owners of representatives of this miniature breed say that these dogs are sociable and friendly, but prefer silence. In houses where there is noisy and constant bustle, the dog can become nervous, which often causes causeless barking.

The miniature pinscher is a great friend for active people who spend a lot of time outdoors or outdoors and are able to provide their pets with motor activity.

Miniature pinschers are sociable dogs, so it is important for them to constantly be near a person. The best option for them would be owners who will not leave them alone for a long time.

The dog chooses one owner. Usually this is an adult who is her authority.

Many owners agree that miniature pinschers do not like small children: they do not allow children to play with them, pick them up, hug, iron. There are times when dogs bite too persistent or noisy children. Sometimes problems are possible due to the dog’s zealous attitude towards the owner.

The owners of miniature pinschers note that they are clean, beautiful, loyal, unpretentious in care. These dogs are easy to train, and also have good health.

In this video you can learn about the features of the training of miniature pinschers.