The Miniature Pinscher is a high-spirited little dog who is fearless and alert. The most active of all toy breeds, in fact, one of the most active of dogs of any size, they are miniature perpetual motion machines. Natural clowns, many owners turn off their TV and watch their Min Pins play together. They are sweet and affectionate with their family but tend to be very wary of strangers, which, when coupled with their tendency to bark, often excessively, makes them outstanding watchdogs. A Miniature Pinscher raised with children who are gentle and know proper behavior around a dog will make a great child’s pet, always ready to join in any activity. Because of the dog’s small size, however, many breeders are hesitant to place them in families with small children or even with older children who do not have experience with small dogs. Best in households who have only Miniature Pinchers, they are frequently feisty with other dog breeds, especially those that attempt to assert their dominance, and they will pursue other small animals with great determination. Miniature Pinscher’s need moderate exercise that can be provided by a morning and afternoon walk coupled with an exercise session or two. They are as highly active outside as they are in and should be kept on-leash or securely fenced. But even when fenced they need to be monitored. Escape artists, they will squeeze through the smallest gap, tunnel under, or they have even been known to scale a six-foot fence. Lightning fast, be especially careful when opening doors. Their strong inquisitiveness and need to investigate anything that catches their interest, which is almost everything they see, will compel them to dart between your legs and disappear. Miniature Pinschers love to chew. They are experts at destroying toys and swallowing the pieces. Beware of squeakers. They can pose a health hazard, sometimes needing surgical removal after being swallowed.

Known for their high stepping gait, Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12½ inches in height and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Their short, smooth coat has a lustrous sheen and comes in the colors of solid red, red mixed with a few black hairs, and black or chocolate with rust markings. Their coat needs virtually no grooming and sheds little if at all. They do fairly well in heat but with a sort coat and little body mass, they do poorly in cold temperatures. Use a sweater when temperatures cool and make sure their ears do not freeze.

Miniature Pinschers need a great deal of early and frequent socialization in order to deter them from becoming overly sharp. A skillful trainer can harness their intelligence but they have a mind of their own and can be stubborn and demanding. But unless exceptionally well trained, they frequently do not come when called nor stay where they are left. Their inquisitive nature and activity level simply overwhelms their training. They love to bark and house training is normally difficult. For all these reasons they are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner.