Contents
History of origin
Many consider the Miniature Pinscher to be a dwarf form of the Dobarman Pinscher. But no. We can say that the opposite is true, it is the Doberman who, in the process of selection, was given the harmonious features of this small dog.
The first miniature pinscher-like dogs were depicted in German engravings and paintings of the XNUMXth century, not as decorative accessories for the nobility, but as fearless guards. In those days, the ancestors of the miniature pinscher served at the stables, where they caught rats that spoiled oats. But soon European aristocrats liked the cute little dogs so much that they turned into pets.
Subsequently, they were crossed with Manchester Terriers, from which they inherited a black and tan color, as well as with Italian greyhounds and dachshunds. The modern look of the dog was acquired by the end of the 1880th century: in XNUMX a single standard for this breed was adopted. The miniature pinscher reached its peak of popularity at the beginning of the XNUMXth century in Europe and America. In the Soviet Union, in everyday life, “dwarf pinschers” were called all small smooth-haired dogs, which, as a rule, had much more in common with modern toys, weeks with real miniature dogs. But today in Our Country the breed is gaining more and more popularity.
Breed description
The Zwergpinzer is a small (up to 30 cm at the withers), but very harmoniously and proportionately built dog, with a lean body and strong bones, and therefore looking strong and athletic. The head is rectangular, the line of the nose is parallel to the line of the head. Ears in childhood are semi-erect, in adult dogs erect and very large (drooping ears in adult dogs are considered a serious flaw in the exterior). The paws are high, strong, the muscles of the body are well defined. The eyes are large, the look expresses readiness for action. The tail is docked at the request of the owner (however, modern standards tend to abolish this practice more and more).
The coat is very short, smooth and shiny. The miniature pinscher has only two colors: black and tan and red, but in the USA it is also found brown and tan.
A characteristic feature of these dogs is their unusual gait, reminiscent of the running of a thoroughbred horse, which raises high and gracefully sets its front legs.
Photos
Character
Sometimes it seems that somewhere in the body of a miniature pinscher a perpetual motion machine is hidden. These dogs never sit still. They are always in the center of events, and often these events are created by the pinschers themselves. They need to stick their black nose into everything, take part in any business and be sure to draw more people into it. They are always ready to run somewhere, they are very happy to walk – since this small dog can be taken with you not only to the park, but also, for example, shopping. But you should visit with them carefully and only to those whom the pinscher already knows – despite outward friendliness, these dogs are quite tense towards strangers, and this applies to both people and animals. The instincts of hunters and watchmen are still alive in them, so the tsvergs are ready to courageously protect their family, not sparing their own barking.
Care and maintenance
First of all, it should be noted that the miniature pinscher is by no means a decorative pocket dog, which is enough to run around the apartment and go to the tray. They need to walk a lot and for a long time and be sure to give them the opportunity to play with other dogs. Despite their small size, Pinschers are very strong and athletic, so it is advisable for them to walk at least a few kilometers a day.
Other than that, this is an easy to care for dog. Short hair does not need combing, cutting and frequent washing, usually there are no problems with food either. Unless in cold weather it is worth taking care of a jacket, because miniature pinschers do not have their own warm coat.
Education and training
Early socialization is a must for a miniature pinscher. If from childhood they are not accustomed to the idea that strangers are not enemies, and cats are not game, many problems can arise later. Also, in no case should these dogs be spoiled, otherwise they grow up capricious and vicious.
Another bad habit that needs to be eradicated from the Miniature Pinscher is their love of their own barking. They talk a lot, for a long time and intoxicated, which often becomes the subject of complaints from neighbors, and the owners themselves can only dream of silence. However, forewarned means armed, so start weaning babies from unreasonable barking from the very first months of life.
Miniature Pinscher is a very quick-witted dog with a lively mind, however, natural mobility makes them somewhat restless, so patience is required to teach them commands.
Health and disease
The miniature pinscher is usually not subject to any breed diseases, except that its mobility can cause any injuries, such as sprains or dislocations. But the psyche is their weak point. Very emotional and excitable zwergschnauzers, once in a nervous environment, become hysterical and unbalanced, which can manifest itself in the form of hysterical barking, uncontrollability or even aggression. Therefore, do not stress your little friend and do not give him any reason to be nervous.
And another stumbling block is obesity. Often, owners begin to overfeed their dogs, and in the absence of long walks, this ends up being overweight, which does not benefit them at all.
Word to the breeder
breeder Elena Kozlova, owner of the miniature pinscher kennel “Tula diamond” says about this breed: “This is a breed for active people. I began to keep statistics for myself, why they take this particular dog, I constantly ask my owners a question. It turned out that many people need a miniature pinscher as an antidepressant. The Pinscher is very active, it is something between a dog, a cat and a monkey, he remembers everything – both good and bad, copies the behavior of the owner, is very curious, loves to take part in all the master’s affairs. If you take the zwerg, for example, with you to the store, he will help the owner choose the wallpaper with a businesslike look.
A creepy thief, he can think of something to do that other dogs don’t even think of. The parcel with the brain arrives late, about three years old. BUT! It is because of such a broken character that the dog is bought, and those who take the pinscher forgive him for all his antics. Pinschers can smile. These are terrible sycophants, but at the same time they love the clarity of the owner’s actions. Terrible gluttons. Food is sacred.
They well differentiate words in a person’s speech, they can correlate them with certain actions. They love to engage, they like it when the owner is in close contact with them. Training sessions are very close. This is a dog with a high level of logical thinking, which is why the Pinscher likes to explore the world around him and learn on his own. It is ideal for some types of training – agility, dancing with dogs, circus training and many other types.
The dog is very jumpy, curious, therefore, in the absence of the owner, most often the dog is closed in a cage so that he does not figure out how to entertain himself when no one is at home. In this, his fantasy is very diverse.
This is not a decorative breed, this is a big dog in a small body.
But the opinion breeder Svetlana Vinediktova (miniature pinscher kennel “Duvinal”, Moscow): “The miniature pinscher is a special breed of dog that combines the qualities of a service dog and a miniature size, this is a great option for those who want to have a dog that will be hardy, courageous and active, but cannot afford keep large breed dogs. The miniature pinscher, due to its small size, will not be able to stop the criminal, but it will warn you of a possible attack. Dogs of this breed have a very emotional temperament and high intelligence, so before you start this breed, you need to think about whether you will have enough time for walks and activities with the miniature pinscher.
А Madina Romanovna Slobodyanik, owner of the kennel “From the St. Petersburg patrol” (St. Petersburg) adds: “The miniature pinscher is the king of miniature dogs. This is only a companion and friend, a dog for those who are ready for the indefatigable temperament and cheerfulness of this breed.
They cannot live without a person, in the literal sense of the word. They cannot live even a minute without their owner. They always need to be there, on the handles, on their knees, on the couch, in the car.
This fact is important to take into account when purchasing a puppy, since for a miniature pinscher – loneliness and waiting for the owner is a tremendous stress.
Dogs of this breed are very sensitive. They will be the first to hear the doorbell. They will certainly warn everyone about the arrival of guests, both invited and uninvited.
Popular questions and answers
We talked about the content of miniature pinschers with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.