HISTORY

Clues about the Miniature Pinscher's evolution are sparse, although "it is noteworthy that as early as 1640 a small cat sized red-dog, fine boned and with prick ears, is depicted in a painting of a peasant family. Later, paintings from the 1800's include dogs of distinctly Miniature Pinscher type"1. (Coile, 1996). In the same way, intellectuals have noted the stark resemblance of the Miniature Pinscher to the Egyptian icons of Anubis, a god looks very similar to the modern day Min Pin." who guarded the temples of dead pharaohs. This is speculation, but it makes you wonder if the Miniature Pinscher didn't actually descend from the Egyptian dog. The Miniature Pinscher is not a Miniature Doberman Pinscher. In actuality, the Miniature Pinscher is the elder of the two breeds. While the two breeds resemble each other outwardly, that similarity probably occurs in part from their common relation to the German Pinscher, which originated in Germany. There, Miniature Pinschers are known as the Reh Pinscher due to their resemblance to a small red deer. In Germany, these feisty little dogs were bred to exterminate vermin. However, emphasis upon breeding the tiniest Miniature Pinscher during the late 1800's threatened to produce a race of minuscule cripples with bulging eyes. Fortunately, this trend was reversed and selected cross-breeding of the German Pinscher, the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound during the same period resulted in the Miniature Pinscher we now have. Germany is its native land, but it also has been bred in the Scandinavian countries for a long time. Affectionately known as the King of Toys, this breed is friendly, faithful, flashy and flamboyant. A really big dog in a small package, its size makes it ideal as a house dog. The smooth, straight and lustrous coat comes in solid clear red; stag red (red with intermingling of black hairs); black with rust-red markings; blue, fawn and chocolate with rust-red markings. Miniature Pinschers have long been a favorite of dog show exhibitors. With their self-assured attitude and hackney gait they make excellent show dogs. Lately, Miniature Pinschers have attracted the attention of families interested in having a fascinating pet in their own home. Pet owners have discovered that the Miniature Pinscher can be an alert watchdog, a lively companion and a tireless comic.

Works Consulted Coile, Caroline D. (1996) Miniature Pinschers: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual New York: Barron's Educational.