Primary Health Conditions of the Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is prone to a hereditary disease
called Legg-Perthes disease, which is at times misdiagnosed
as hip dysplasia. The two conditions have similar symptoms –
the dog may have difficulties walking, and may appear to have
soreness in the hip and back legs. Legg-Perthes, however, has
a different cause. In most cases a dearth of blood supply
causes the femur head to stop developing; resultantly, the
femur and hip socket don't fit together as they should.
Surgery is the usual treatment. The Miniature Pinscher is
also prone, like many dogs, to patellar luxation, in which
the kneecap becomes loose and shifts. Surgery is sometimes
used as treatment, although medicinal management is sometimes
possible.
Secondary Health Conditions of the Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is one of a few breeds that are
subject to canine mucopolysaccharidosis, an inherited
inability to manufacture the enzymes essential to the
building of bone, cartilage, and skin. Unlike most neurodegenerative
diseases, mucopolysaccharidosis generally has an adult onset,
with most dogs manifesting the disease when they are 3-5
years old. Dogs suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis can be
abnormally small with flattened faces and skeletal
abnormalities. There is no treatment for this condition, and
dogs with the condition should not be bred. This breed is
also predisposed to congenital heart defects, some of which
may not present until later life. Sometimes heart issues may
be corrected surgically, and sometimes the ailments are
serious and incurable.
Miniature Pinscher Exercise and Walking Needs
The Miniature Pinscher needs a moderate amount of exercise
that can be satisfied with a daily walk or two and some
lively play. Much of this play can occur indoors, such as
chasing and retrieving toys, although this dog will enjoy a
chance to go into the yard for free runs. Because the
Miniature Pinscher is a good jumper, a fence of sufficient
height might be required to keep the dog from chasing other
animals or heading off to explore. With its short coat, the
breed does not do well in the cold, so owners should minimize
outdoor exercise during the winter.
Miniature Pinscher Nutritional Needs
This breed of dog does not have any particular feeding needs,
although, as with any dog, a high quality food with the
correct mixture of proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients
will provide better health and longer life. At times, the
Miniature Pinscher can have weight issues, and food portions
should be tailored to the dog’s activity levels and age. A
healthy weight will help manage the hip and knee conditions
to which the breed is prone.
Characteristics of a Miniature Pinscher
The miniature
pinscher dog has a long history that is thought to
extend back several centuries. The little dog's main job
originally was to catch rats in barns and stables, but
miniature pinschers have found their niche in the modern
world as family companion dogs. Contrary to popular belief,
the breed is not a miniaturized version of the Doberman
pinscher, which it predates by centuries. The original
short-haired German pinscher is believed to be included in
the ancestries of both breeds. The miniature pinscher is
fearless, intelligent, highly energetic and playful,
sometimes dog-aggressive, and tends to be suspicious of
strangers.
Intelligence
Miniature pinschers are intelligent dogs with great
confidence and self-possession. Naturally adventurous,
min pins need the close attention of their owners to
prevent them from heading off to explore. The breed's
inherent inquisitiveness frequently leads min pins into
trouble, and many are struck by cars while darting across
traffic in pursuit of an interesting object.
Assertiveness is a characteristic of the breed, and the
males are particularly dominant. They will try to
dominate other family pets, and often will assert
dominance over the humans in the family as well.
Courage and Fighting Drive
Sometimes called the “king of the toy breeds,” min pins
appear not to be aware of their tiny size, and are
exceptionally courageous. Male min pins are particularly
territorial dogs, marking their home turf by urinating
everywhere possible and kicking up the soil to leave the
scent from their footpads. They will tackle a dog much
bigger than themselves given the occasion, and they are
fearless watchdogs. They are also bold, and will bark
incessantly when defending the home. Min pins will not
hesitate to attack an intruder, biting whatever body part
they are able to reach. While min pins are good family
dogs, they will not tolerate rough handling by young
children, and will bite if necessary to defend
themselves.
Learning Ability
Miniature pinschers are lively, alert little dogs who
learn quickly. Their high energy level demands plenty of
physical exercise, as well as regular mental stimulation
to keep their minds occupied. They do exceptionally well
in obedience training and in fun disciplines such as
agility and dog dancing. Training a min pin requires an
understanding of the breed’s dominant personality and
behavioral traits, such as their stubbornness and
occasional aggression towards other dogs.
Working Ability
Min pins have worked in almost every canine discipline
suited to their size. At the St. Mary’s Mayo Clinic
rehabilitation unit in Minnesota, a min pin named Dr.
Jack works with patients as a therapy dog, helping to
relieve stress and providing speech therapy for 160 hours
per year. Dr. Jack’s trainer says the dog behaves
remarkably well by seeking out those patients who need
help the most, and by showing exceptional empathy and
compassion to them.
