What's a Min Pin?

The Miniature Pinscher (also known as a 'Min Pin') is a small, German breed of dog. Min Pins are very energetic, playful, and friendly dogs. They are very loyal dogs, although usually only to one or two masters. Given the opportunity for social interaction, Min Pins can easily get along with other dogs, pets, and children. Socializing at an early age is good for any puppy, seeing as it will help them co-exist and interact with other people and animals as they mature.

Min Pins are extremely outgoing, but also extremely protective of their master. They will be withdrawn around people they have never been introduced to, deeming any unknown person as a threat. Their natural instinct is to protect their master in the event of a threat. Fortunately, Miniature Pinschers aren't a violent breed - they will merely stand at attention and bark loudly until they've grabbed your attention.

Size and Weight

Much as the name implies, Miniature Pinschers are a very small breed of dog. According to the AKC, they fall under the category of 'toy' dogs. A Min Pin usually stands around 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) at the shoudlers, and generally weighs about 8 to 12 pounds (4-6 kg). Females usually tend to be smaller than males, although not by much at all.

Health Issues and Caring for a Min Pin

For the most part, Min Pins are a very healthy breed of dogs. They have a life expectancy of 15 years or more! Now, much like any pet, there are certain things you'll need to pay special attention to when raising a Miniature Pinscher. Here's a few tips:

  • Grooming Minpins is very easy. Their short hair requires very little attention, which is nice.
  • However, because of their thin coat and small frame, Minpins are very succeptable to cold weather and shouldn't be left outside for more than a few minutes in low temperatures.
  • Miniature Pinschers are known to overeat. Simply monitoring their diet is an easy way to prevent obesity.
  • Minpins were raised to hunt vermin, so they have an instinct to 'attack'. Small objects, such as bottle caps or coins can pose a choking haza rd, so it's important that you keep that in mind.
  • Rough play with a Minpin can be dangerous. Although Minpins are strong for their size, they still are a smaller dog. Children in particular should be educated in how to properly handle and play with them.
  • A very energetic breed, Minpins need excercise daily. It's a good idea to have a dedicated area that is spacious and open for them to run free. A fenced in yard is ideal, although a large family room or apartment can also suffice.
  • Minpins should sleep on a soft object, such as a pillow or blanket. If you don't want to share your own bed, it's a good idea to close your bedroom door. Minpins are territorial, and beds seem to be their first choice of territory.

What's a Pom Pom?

Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. This breed of dog loves to be around their owners, and is very intelligent and easy to train. Pomeranians are somewhat extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively in any situation. They are somewhat defensive and bark at any outside noise. Some also say that Pomeranians have a "Napoleon complex" because they are not afraid to stand up to dogs much bigger than they are in size.

Because of their long double-coat, they tend to seek out cooler environments, and it is common to find them lying down on a cold floor, in the shade out of the sun when outside or on an isolated hard surface. Because of their size, they do well in condominiums and apartments, being able to adapt almost to any situation or environment.

Size and Weight

Pomeranian are small dogs weighing between 4-8 pounds and around 9-11 inches high at the withers. It is a compact but sturdy dog with an abundant textured coat with a highly plumed tail set high and flat. The top coat forms a ruff of hair on the neck and back, and it also has a fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters.

Health Issues and Caring for a Pom Pom

The average life expectancy of a Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years! The breed suffers from a variety of health issues common to many breeds, although some issues such as hip dysplasia do not tend to be as great a problem due to the Pomeranian's lightweight nature.

Luxating patellas is the most common health issue in the Pomeranian breed. It occurs when the ridges forming the grove in the knee are not prominent and are too shallow to allow the patella to properly sit. This can cause the patella to jump out of the grove sideways, which will cause the leg to lock up with the foot off the ground. This problem, although common with Pomeranians, has not been seen in the bloodline of our Poms Poms.