Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin - A small dog breed.

The Miniature Pinscher dog or Min Pin was developed in Germany from small German Pinschers crossed to Italian Greyhounds and Smooth Dachshunds. From the three, it inherits its traits, and qualities. Pinscher means terrier. It's no wonder it is frisky, feisty and with prey instincts, courageous like a Dachshund, playful and nimble with its charming high-stepping "hackney" gait verifying Italian Greyhound genes. It became a distinct breed in the early 1800s, known as the "Reh Pinscher" after a small Rhineland deer which, it was said, it resembled. This breed development predates the Doberman Pinscher by about 100 years, and therefore cannot be considered a miniature Doberman Pinscher. The Min pin was a very popular show dog in Germany before WWI, but its numbers declined severely afterwards. Fortunately, many had been exported to other countries of Europe and to North America, where it flourished, gaining AKC recognition in 1929, and by the CKC in 1937-38.

The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy, intelligent, fun loving, small dog breed with high self esteem, one good reason it does well at shows. Some claim it is the most energetic of all breeds. The Min pin is terrier like, not caring for other pets or dogs, and will chase small animals. Reserved with strangers, it makes an excellent watchdog, keener than a dog twice its size, but inclined to be rather noisy. A Miniature Pinscher puppy makes a good pet for older, responsible children who understand that toy breeds have delicate bones, easily broken. Playing ball in a backyard with an adult Miniature Pinscher or a Miniature Pinscher puppy is a sure way to break bones.

The close, slick coat of the Minpin requires scant grooming. It is always neat and clean, ready for business. Although its activity level is high, daily exercise needs are minimal. The Min Pin appears fragile, but in fact, it's a sturdy dog, rugged for his size. The erect ears are usually cropped, but may be natural. A Min Pin puppy needs early, persistent housebreaking, especially the males.