There is documented information by a Dr Reichenbach, in 1836, that the breed Miniature Pinscher was created through a cross of a Dachshund and an Italian Greyhound. The original intention of this breed was as a working dog. It was to be left in the barn to keep vermin away. It still carries this instinct today, and it is necessary to leash this dog when in public, because if anything catches its eye, it will take off on a chase. The original dog was a rougher looking and acting animal than those of today. Because many Miniature Pinscher breeders were looking for a good family friend, a lot of the ‘rough’ traits of the former dog have been bred out. For instance the coat of the original dog was much course than the dog of today.

The Miniature Pinscher of today presents with a short, smooth coat in colors of red, stag- red and black or maybe chocolate with tan and/ or rust accents. Other colors include blue and fawn. This breed stands ten to twelve and one half inches at the withers and weighs in at eight to twelve pounds. Grooming of this dog is simple, with the short, smooth coat. The largest concern is that special care must be taken during the colder months because the coat provides very little insulation, lending the Miniature Pinscher vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures.

An interesting fact about this breed is the standards placed on the gait vary from country to country. The AKC specifies the need of a high - stepping gait, where the legs are placed directly in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The head and tail to be carried high. In Europe this high stepping gait is considered a fault. Another trait that shows up occasionally is a white patch on the neck or chest. Although many Miniature Pinscher breeders have attempted to eliminate this patch, it still remains as an seldom occurrence. The AKC states that this trait is OK as long as the white area is no larger than one half inch in any direction.

Exercise is a must for the Miniature Pinscher, making it a poor choice for apartment dwellers. Because it needs more than a daily walk, pent up energy can turn into ornery behavior. This could include destruction of property or unprovoked barking. Most Miniature Pinscher breeders will discuss the need that this dog has for unrestrained exercise, at least needing a small yard to romp. Although the yard must be well fenced because this breed has been referred to as the Houdini of small dogs. It is able to see ways to get out that the rest of us could not imagine.