Zwergpinscher – Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher nicknamed as “King of the Toys” differ from other toy breeds by their well groomed appearance, self confident deportment and their characteristic gait.

History:

The native of Germany, the Miniature Pinscher was developed in the German Rhine Valley, where it was sometimes called “Reh Pinscher”. One reason for the name was his stag red colour often reminded people of the Reh or Roe Deer. Many people wrongly call the Miniature Pinscher a Miniature Dobermann or conversely call a Dobermann a Standard Dobermann. The Miniature pinscher is a much older breed that the Dobermann. Although there is no evidence to support the idea that Herr Louis Dobermann designed his breed to be a giant brother to Miniature Pinscher, it is true that they do bear an obvious resemblance to each other. No written record of the Miniature Pinscher can be found until 1836. A German geneticist Dr H G Reinchernbach, stated that the breed is most likely a cross between an Italian Greyhound and Dachshund. In around 1895, the breed got registered with German Pinscher Club which included all four types of pinschers originated in Germany. The Reh Pinscher as it was called in those days showed coarseness in its coat and came in a variety of colours. The breed was preferred as a vermin hunter, and showed similarity towards English Black & Tan Terrier (known as the Manchester Terrier in USA), so the Reh Pinscher was classified in the terrier family.

At the turn of the 20th Century, the breed’s quality deteriorated as breeders strived to produce small dogs and neglected the breed’s endurance and soundness. In order to revitalize the breed the Reh Pinscher Klub united with the Schnauzer Klub in 1918. Through combined efforts, The Reh Pinscher has revived.

Essentials of the Breed:

The head is wedged shaped. The body of the Miniature Pinscher is square with a deep chest, but without being barrel chested. The topline slopes from withers to the tail. The nose is black, except that it may be chocolate in chocolate coloured dogs. Colours range from red, stag-red or black with sharply defined tan, rust red markings on the cheeks, lips, lower jaw, throat, and twin spots above the eyes, on the chest, lower half of the forelegs and inside of the hind legs. The ideal height of males and females is 25 to 30 cm with a weight of around 4-6 kg.

Tags: Dobermann, german pinscher, german pinscher club, italian greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, small dogs, Zwergpinscher