The Miniature Pinscher owes its development to breeders in Germany. While the small dog of the 15th century was surely one of its ancestors, the Germans were responsible for crossing various canines including assorted terriers, Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds to secure the Min Pin in its present form.

The Miniature Pinscher is part of the larger German Pinscher family. While Min Pins have been documented as arriving in the United States with German immigrants in the early 1900s, it was not until March 1925 that the first Miniature Pinscher was registered in the United States with the American Kennel Club. This dog, a black and rust colored female, was known as Asta von Sandreuth and received registration under the breed name of Pinschers (Toy).

As the German dogs increased in popularity in America, the breeders in this country formed a national breed club, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America, founded in 1929. Coat color has played an important part in breed development and separation. The red and stag red color is said to have come from Dachshund crosses and led to the term Reh Pinscher, reh being the German word for deer, which the sprightly little red dogs closely resemble. The black and rust color is the original pattern and is believed to have been derived from terrier crosses. Chocolate, a recessive color, was not officially registered as a permitted color in Germany until 1900. The color white, which has remained taboo since the definitive breeding of Pinschers, is theorized as having come from early terrier/ Italian Greyhound crossings.

It has been speculated that the Italian Greyhound cross with the smooth-haired pinscher dogs was devised by the ladies of the more fashionable households who wanted a sleeker, refined, yet sturdy and intelligent pet for their boudoirs and salons. The high-stepping front action of the Italian Greyhound is said to be behind the hackney-like gait requirement for the Miniature Pinscher that exists in the present American breed standard. The Miniature Pinscher may be diminutive in stature, but this little dog considers himself to be anything but small! A toy dog with a hearty constitution, curious personality, noble bearing and affectionate manner, the Min Pin challenges one and all who wish to enter his kingdom on any terms other than his own. He is the King of Toys!

​County of Origin: Germany

Group: Toy

Life span: 12 - 15 years

Coat: Short and thick lying close to body which must be evenly covered, coat must have healthy glistening appearance.

Grooming: Brush weekly, trim nails weekly, brush teeth daily.

Height: 10" - 12 1/ 2", 11 1/ 2" being ideal. 

Trainability: High Activity Level: High! ! ! !

Known Health Problems: Demodectic mange, patellar luxation, epilepsy, legg perthes.

Best Homes: One with frequent human activity and a fenced yard. 

Good with children: Children over 6 years of age recommended.  

Good with other pets: Yes

National Breed Club: Miniature Pinscher Club of America.