Teralea’s Risque Dancer  "Emily"

Although he looks much like a miniature Doberman Pinscher, this breed, the Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin as he is sometimes known, actually pre-dates the Doberman by many years.  In fact the Doberman was not created until 1890 and was the result of efforts to create a giant version of the existing Miniature Pinscher.  The Min Pin's true age remains a mystery as record keeping began less than 200 years ago. However, he is pictured in many paintings and depicted in sculpture indicating that he is quite an old breed.

The Min Pin is a member of the German pinscher family which also includes the Affenpinscher and the Schnauzers. "Pinscher" is a descriptive word like "setter" or "retriever" and describes the dog's method of working rather than being his surname. The word "Pinscher" actually refers to the dog's practice of jumping on and fiercely biting his prey. In Germany, the solid red Min Pin is sometimes called the Reh Pinscher because he is said to closely resemble the red Roe Deer of the region. The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany where he has been bred to be an efficient and hard-working barnyard ratter for at least 300 years.   It is believed that the Miniature Pinscher was developed by breeding the German smoothed-haired Pinscher with other smaller breeds such as the Italian Greyhound and the Smooth Dachshund. The Miniature Pinscher stands 10 to 12.5 inches high at the shoulder, the ideal height being 11 to 11.5 inches. His sleek and glossy coat is black or brown with tan markings, or it may be solid red. The coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming. One of his most charming features, his unusual high-stepping gait, is reminiscent of a hackney pony. His proud walk and bearing once earned him the nickname, "King of Toys". The Min Pin is now principally bred to be a companion. He is a sturdy, vigorous, and compact little dog. With a fun-loving, vivacious and perky nature, he is always on the go, and needs regular exercise. The Min Pin will retain his playfulness well into his senior years. He is very devoted and possessive of his loved ones. Alert and clever, the Min Pin makes a good family watchdog. In fact he is fearless and behaves as if he believes he is a much larger dog!