Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is not to be confused with the large Doberman Pinscher breed, although the Min Pin looks like a shrunken replica.  The Doberman is a younger breed than this one. Unfortunately, the Min Pin’s ancestry is under debate.  Most people can agree this breed is very old, dating to possibly 2,000 years ago, but detailed accounts of this breed were only kept starting in the 19th century.  Most believe they hail from the German Pinscher family, Pinscher being the German term for used for biter or terrier. Some people have also suggested the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund influenced breed development. The red coat variety of the dog was nicknamed the Reh Pinscher for their similarity to small red deer living in Germany at the time. By the late 1800s, development of the canine was underway and the Pinscher Klub was formed in Germany; the association was later renamed the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub.  By 1900, the Min Pin was being shown at the Stuttgart Dog Show in Germany.  Only a short 19 years later, they arrived in the United States where they gained popularity.  By 1929, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was formed and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club the same year. Originally, this breed was used to help control the rat populations just like a Manchester Terrier, but now the Min Pin is considered a wonderful companion dog.  Today, this small package breed with their regal look and stout heart has earned the nickname “King of Toys”.