THE REAL MIN PIN
by Shelley Erdman
D o you remember blowing bubbles on a breezy spring day when you were a kid? You would giggle with delight as the bubbles bounced along with the wind, rising high and plunging low, swirling and dancing and chasing each other as the current swept them along. Just as you reached for one it would dart off in another direction, alluding your grasp. Some- times the sunlight and the bubble crossed paths at just the right moment and the bubble took on a special glow. The instant I stepped outside at my very first Miniature Pinscher Club of America National Specialty and saw the ex-pens filled with Miniature Pinschers I giggled with that same delight! I went from pen to pen want- ing to reach in and touch them as they bounced and wiggled and swirled as only Min Pins can do. Something about Miniature Pinschers makes people smile and giggle and feel young and energized. If you don’t believe me just watch the faces of spectators, both young and old, when they ap- proach the Min Pin ring at any show.
Min Pin’s mouth healthy and prevent issues from bacteria. Min Pins require early and consistent socialization and training. They need opportunities to greet the world and see, hear, and smell all it holds. Ex- posing Min Pins in a safe, non-threat- ening manner to the world around them will help ensure they grow up confident and comfortable in all kinds of situations. Min Pins are highly-in- telligent and respond best to patient, positive training methods. Some- times their enthusiasm and knack for getting into things can be challenging but meeting those challenges with pa- tience will end better for the dog and the human. Training is an absolute must for Min Pins. Min Pins are a relatively healthy breed, living an average of twelve-fif- teen years. If you are considering pur- chasing a Miniature Pinscher please take the time to speak with reputable breeders. A good breeder can pro- vide you with information regarding health concerns and specific infor- mation regarding any health testing
Min Pins are sometimes mistaken for a small version of the Doberman. In fact, a co-worker saw me out with my Dobe and my Min Pin and asked how we got some of them to stay so small. I jokingly mentioned some- thing about a special potion when they were a few days old but realized she was serious, so quickly recanted and offered her correct information. Miniature Pinschers are definite- ly not a small, scaled-down Dobe. While both breeds originate in Ger- many, Min Pins are an older breed, likely coming from crossing German Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, and Dachshunds. The Min Pin ancestors provide our wonderful breed with feistiness, fearlessness, speed, grace, and tenacity. Min Pins require little grooming for their short, straight, lustrous coat. They need bathing and brushing to keep their coat free of loose hair and dirt. Nails need regular trimming to keep them at the proper length. Teeth need regular brushing or cleaning by a professional in order to keep the
“MIN PINS ARE HIGHLY-INTELLIGENT AND RESPOND BEST TO PATIENT, POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS.”
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