Miniature Doberman Pinscher
10 Facts About the Miniature Doberman Pinscher
The Miniature Doberman Pinscher is a very misunderstood breed of dog. Although it contains the word “Doberman” in its name, it is actually more terrier-like. In addition, it got its start being a hunting dog, and not the toy dog that it gets mistaken for today.
Here are 10 more interesting facts that you may or may not have known when it comes to the Miniature Pinscher.
1. Originally, the Miniature Pinschers were bred to hunt rats and other types of vermin. Because they still have this instinct, sometimes they still want to attack small objects which can present a choking hazard to them. As an owner, it’s important to make sure that things such as bottle caps are not left lying around, which the dog can attack and choke on if swallowed.
2. The Miniature Doberman Pinschers of today are more refined than the stout dogs that they used to be in the past. Their coats were once coarser as well. Over time, people seemed to mistake the fact that they were small with the Pinscher not being a work dog, which they were originally. As a result, they were bred to be toy dogs and not the hunting dogs that they once were.
3. The Miniature Pinscher stands around 10 inches to 12.5 inches in height when measured at its highest point on the shoulder blades. Anything under 10 inches or over 12.5 inches disqualifies it from being a Miniature Doberman Pinscher.
4. Although they can be trained to get along with children and other pets, they can also snap without being provoked and therefore must be watched around young children. It is also important that young children do not play too roughly with them, as the dogs can easily be damaged due to their small stature. They are very protective and loyal to their owners and will sometimes try to defend their owners even when defense is not needed. In fact, one common characteristic of them is that they can bark incessantly if they feel as though there is danger nearby.
5. Since they are known for overeating, they must be watched carefully when it comes to their diet to ensure that they do not become obese.
6. Likewise, they also need a lot of exercise every day. However, they are good at escaping so a backyard needs to be well fenced if you are going to let your Miniature Pinscher run around in it. It is not recommended that they be kept in apartments. They will become hostile if they do not receive the proper exercise that they need on a daily basis and might even destroy items in their surroundings.
7. They are very territorial and must have their own place to sleep. They also like to sleep both on and under soft objects so putting something such as a baby blanket in their bed is recommended.
8. Although they might look like miniature Dobermans, the official name for the dog breed is actually Miniature Pinscher and not Miniature Doberman Pinscher, as is the common misconception. In fact, it actually has more in common with the terrier breed than with the Dobermans.
9. The Miniature Pinscher was first introduced in Germany when an Italian Greyhound was bred with a Dachshund. The Dachshund was a good ratting dog at the time.
10. Because they were originally bred to be hunting dogs, and not necessarily pets, sometimes the breed’s instincts still rear their heads. This can come in the form of the dog liking to cuddle under blankets, such as it would have had to do back when they lived on farms and had to burrow under the hay for warmth.