THE MINIATURE PINSCHER JUDGING by Pamela DeHetre
I t is an honor to be asked to write about Miniature Pinschers, as they are one of my favorite breeds. My love of this breed began in the late 1960s and continues to this day. Their spirit and presence captured me. Hopefully, some of you judges who are newer to this breed will under- stand the Min Pin better after read- ing this article. I’m hoping that some of you breeders out there will also benefit from my “words of wisdom.” However, my opinions are just that— my opinions. Judging the Miniature Pinscher can be challenging as they are not shown stacked motionless like most other breeds. They are very animated, with complete self-possession and a spirited presence. If you have one in the ring without these characteristic traits, please do not reward it. I bought my first Miniature Pinscher in 1968.What an experience that was! She was fearless in my arms and fear- less on the ground, but a real wimp on the table. Not being an experienced handler, I would get so embarrassed every time my wonderful Min Pin would shrink fromexamination. I was told by those with more longevity in the breed to simply exclaim, “Oh my, I don’t knowwhy she is doing that, she has never done that before!”Well, that
“HOWEVER, THEY ARE BIG LITTLE DOGS AND SHOULD BE EXAMINED ON A TABLE—AND JUDGED ON THE GROUND.”
worked fine until the day she won the Breed and then wimped on the table for the Group judge (same judge). Be- fore I knew what I was saying, I de- clared, “Ohmy, I don’t knowwhy she is doing that, she has never done that be- fore!” Well, needless to say, I learned my lesson to keep my mouth shut. So, in a further effort to learn about this breed, I actually talked to people who really knew them. Mr. John Mc- Namara of Jay-Mac fame was one. I spent quite a bit of time listening to him at the shows, and he graciously let me come to his home for more Min Pin education. Most are now better trained for the table than the dogs of old. New techniques and a concen- trated effort can produce stability on the table. However, they are big little
dogs and should be examined on a ta- ble—and judged on the ground. Some advice for you breeders is to get a grooming table and put your pup- pies on it (one at a time, of course) on a leash, and play with them using some bait and toys. You could even take it a step further and feed them on the table. If they are comfortable on the table at home, you have a much better chance of them being happy on the table in the ring. Take the time to do this even if you have to put the table in front of your couch or chair and do it while you are watching TV. I know I don’t have to mention this, but I will anyway: Never leave a Min Pin alone on the table. Other breeds you can leave alone on a table, but NOT a Min Pin!
T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2022 • 51
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