Miniature Pinscher - the King of Toys!

The Miniature Pinscher is one of the smallest dog breeds. It originated from Germany and is often called the “King of the Toys”. The Min Pin may have been a descendant of the German Pinscher [a medium-sized pinscher breed that is also from Germany], mixed with the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund. Kennel Clubs recognize Min Pins as “toy dogs”, and because of their boldness, they are called the “King of Toys”.

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What Does A Min Pin Look Like?

There is a misconception that this little dog is the miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. Despite their incredible resemblance however, they are two distinct breeds, and Min Pins are definitely not tiny Dobermans.

Miniature Pinschers have a sturdy built, a proud stance, and a commanding presence inspite of their size. They can grow anywhere from ten to twelve inches in length.  Some pinschers have cropped ears or a docked tail. They have short, smooth, shiny coats which can either be of a solid black, chocolate, red, fawn, or blue; or a combination of black and red, chocolate and red, or these colors.

Miniature Pinscher Temperament

In terms of temperament, min pins can be very assertive, possessive, and dominant dogs. They like to think of themselves as “big dogs” and they can try to bully around other dogs or people. This attitude is often seen in smaller dog breeds and is known as the “small dog syndrome”. Min pins can take on the role of the pack leader so they need to be trained well, and training must begin early.

Miniature Pinschers are smart, energetic, alert and are very wary of strangers. They can bark pretty loud and give out sharp, shrilling cries when confronted with a stranger. These qualities make them good watch dogs. And because they are small, they are ideal for a dog lover who lives in an apartment or a home with limited space.

Min pins are loyal, loving dogs, who seem to recognize just one master. It loves to be in the company of its human and can be very protective. It can spend hours sitting beside or on the lap of its human, where it feels most at ease.

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Grooming Your Min Pin

When it comes to grooming, the Miniature Pinscher is low maintenance. Because Min Pins have short coats, a bathe once a week is enough to keep them clean and shiny. They don’t really smell even for days without shampooing. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth in-between bathing schedules.

However, although short-coated, daily combing is a must because Min Pins tend to shed a lot of their tiny hairs. Combing or brushing will remove those loose hairs and prevent them from sticking on your clothes, sofa, or pillows.

How to Deal with Dog Fleas and Ticks

Spring and summer are sure wonderful times of the year, but if you’re a dog owner, don’t forget these months are also the dreaded flea and tick seasons. Your dog can get fleas or ticks from a stray animal, or from an environment infested with the parasite. What can you do to deal with the problem?  The good thing is that they can be controlled and prevented, so it’s all about being aware and getting the right information.

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What’s the Difference Between Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas and ticks are two different parasites but they often go together and attack our dear pets like dogs and cats.  Fleas are wingless insects but they’re skilled jumpers.  Ticks are arachnids and just like spiders, they have eight legs.  Fleas have a much shorter lifespan – an average of 100 days, while ticks can live anywhere from several weeks to three years [that’s how they can get so terribly big].

An adult flea can lay twenty to forty eggs per day.  A full-grown tick lays thousands of eggs at once and dies afterwards.  Fleas thrive in warm temperatures but ticks can survive even the freezing cold!

Both fleas and ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can bring diseases to their hosts.

How to Deal with Fleas and Ticks

As pet owners, we want to make sure that our animals are protected.  But how?

Pay attention to good dog grooming habits.  Regular dog grooming – bathing and combing – are essentials to keep a dog clean and parasite-free.  Use a dog shampoo, conditioner, and powder that are especially formulated control fleas and ticks. Make sure that the anti-flea and anti-tick products you’re using are safe for pets. Examine your dog’s coat, in between the toes, and inside the ears for fleas and ticks.

Once is Never Enough.  Carefully read instructions on the label to make sure that you’re using the right amount of the product.  Check how often the treatment should be repeated, and see to it that you never miss a dose.  Remember, ticks and fleas can breed rapidly so you need to be patient and consistent in your attempts to eradicate them.

Seek professional help.  Dog fleas and ticks multiply rapidly.  If you think there’s flea or tick infestation in your place or an area near your home, contact a pest specialist right away. [reference]