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Min Pin FAQ
Is that a miniature Doberman?
Nope, the two breeds are not related. They may look the part, but the the Min Pin is actually the older of the two breeds.
Is he supposed to be that little?
The breed standard calls for dogs between 10 and 12 1/2 inches tall. The Min Pin is a very elegent looking dog, with a proud stance. They have no idea how little they are.
How good are they in obedience?
Min Pins are very intelligent, sometimes too intelligent in their owners opinions, so they can learn obedience easily. On the other hand, they may find a way to do it that is more 'fun'. I heard of a Min Pin that decided to heel to the judge in the obedience ring. She had never done that before, and never did it again, but it was hilarious. She was just being a clown. This is probably not the dog for anyone who wants to consistently be in the ribbons, but they are a lot of fun if you like a challenge.
How about agility?
All of the Min Pins I've met love agility. They get to run fast, dive through tunnels, and jump over things. Min Pins are natural jumpers, and are sturdy enough to survive the rigors of the sport. They are fast little devils. One concern is that the equipment, such as the a-frame and the dog walk are rather high in the air, and a tumble from the equipment could be devestating. Practice low to the ground and slowly add height as the dog builds muscles and balance. Don't worry too much, these little guys are a lot tougher than they look. Again, they may very well find a more creative course to take, but they are a lot of fun.
How are they with small children?
Depends on the dog. Some love them, some are terrified. Depends on how the dog was brought up and what experiences they have had. I don't recommend the Min Pin for owners with toddlers or very young children. They can be rough at times, and Min Pins are tiny. Never leave a small child unattended with any dog of any breed.
I'm hooked, where do I get one?
If you go to the MPCA (Miniature Pinscher Club of America) website, you will find links to help you find a reputable breeder. You can also look into a rescue Min Pin. These Min Pins need a home, and usually through no fault of their own. Check the links page for pages to help you find that perfect Min Pin.
But what about the one I saw at the pet store/flea market/in the paper?
Get your Min Pin from a reputable breeder or rescue, you will be much happier for it. The ones sold in pet stores and such are typically not well bred, and many have temperment or physical problems. Please do not support breeding for profit, which creates so many dogs that do not have homes and must be destroyed.
Should I spay/neuter?
Absolutely. If you are asking the question, then you aren't thinking about breeding. Spay/neuter your Pin by six months old. Males aren't as likely to lift their legs when neutered, and females won't go through their heat cycles which can be messy and annoying. Don't worry, they will develop properly, and they won't miss anything. You will be improving their health (reduces the risk of cancer later in life, we lost a Cocker Spaniel to ovarian cancer) and their well being, since they won't be so frustrated.
My baby is so cute/I want my children to see a birth/all of my friends want one. I want to breed. Should I?
Not for any of those reasons. You should only breed for the betterment of the breed. That means that your dog follows the breed standard, and most likely has it's breed championship. Your dog must have a sound temperment as well. Most dogs are fixed, even in show kennels. Only the best of the best are allowed to breed. If you think your dog is good enough, take him/her to a few conformation shows and see how he fares. If you do really well (meaning that you get points, for more information on this go to the AKC website) then you can consider breeding. Any other dog should be fixed. There are too many puppies in this world as it is.
