Does anyone have a Miniature Pinscher?

Question

I want one but I have a real small place but I plan on taking it everywhere with me. If you do ALOT of socializing will they still be aggressive to strangers? Also if they are outside with you will they stay close or run off? Potty training also, I have read its easy and read its not, which one is it? I am looking at a female 8 wk old puppy right now. Really want some personal experence.

Answer 1

As a long time former breeder of Miniature Pinschers (now rescue and adopt I currently have 10) I first would ask if you have any real knowledge of the breed other than your general question.
Yes, Min Pins by nature are extremely difficult to house train. They are not cold blooded but only have one coat of hair which is why they burrow very often.
They are territorial though not normally aggressive. They will defend defiantly and do not comprehend that they are little dogs. They require a great deal of socialization to ensure friendly demeanor.
As for space, a small space is not sufficient for this breed. This breed was created to hunt and ferret rodents and vermin. Of all the "Toy" breeds, the Min Pin's instinct to perform what it was bred for are still intact today. They need room to run in a secured Min Pin proof fenced area. They are the greatest escape artist of all breeds and will find any fence weakness in a heart beat.
They do not take overly to excessive handling as by nature they are a very independent breed.
You should never let a Min Pin walk freely. Always keep them on a haltered leash. They are sight oriented and if they see something they want, they will bolt with no regards.
They are not a fist time dog owner dog. They require a patient and firm hand.
They also are rated the 3rd worst dog for apartments based on their natural guarding instincts which create neighbor complaints due to barking. In addition, high energy. An apartment does not allow this breed to work off the energy it needs to expel regularly.
I would suggest you look around for another breed more compatible with your lifestyle. They are not a breed to be packed around and taken everywhere due to their inherited independent nature. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Talk to a few Min Pin breeders -- they will be able to tell you what their lines are known for and can help you pick a puppy that best suits your needs.

Potty training the small dogs is considered harder than other dogs -- they have small bladders and need more frequent attention for their relief than larger dogs. Dogs will run off easily if you don't have them trained -- you need to invest in some good obediance classes so that you are comfortable with your dog, and your dog is trained to do what you need him/her to do.

One idea might be to talk to a few breeders and ask for a slightly older dog. Many breeders will keep potential dogs for themselves and will re-home them after they've shown them or bred them. These dogs are usually rehomed while still adults, not seniors, and have a lot of life left in them (a good 5 - 10 years; the smaller dogs tend to live longer). But at that point, you would know the status of its training, you would know its adult behaviour (is it aggressive? Does it like cats? People? Other dogs?) And often, these dogs are MUCH cheaper than the puppies. Just a thought.

Answer 3

We have two Min Pins and love them like they were our children. Our's bark at strangers but have never tried to bite one. Usually once they 'meet' the stranger then they are instant friends. They will run off if not on a leash but the male seems to be worse about this. We have potty trained our dogs to use a product from Purina called 'Second Nature'. It's a litter pan filled with stuff made for dogs. The dog will want to go everywhere with you and share your bed. Have fun!

Answer 4

I have a min pin which has been with me for 3 years now. He is a male and very territorial as was said earlier. You couldn't ask for a more dedicated friend as mine constantly stays on my lap 24/7, so you should be really dedicated before taking one on. I live in the south so we take ours outside to use the bathroom. Usually someone is at home during the day to let him out periodically and he does pretty well. Should he get in a bind, at least he uses the bathroom floor....:) Mine is a very timid and very good at socializing until he has been around someone for quite awhile. Mine will bark and try to bite almost anyone who stands around me (I guess that is when he feels threatened). He is very cold bodied and prefers to sleep under the covers. I have seen other min pins not as timid as mine. If I was buying another pet for myself, I would definitely go with the same breed. Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Each case is different. I never had one, but knew someone who did. It was the meanest little you know what I've seen in a long time. It would jump up and launch itself off the back of their full sized pinscher to get over the fence to chase vehicles and terrorize anybody that walked by. Their neighbors hated that little monster. It even went after the neighbors in their own yards. This could be an isolated case, but that dog was waaaay too hyper.

Answer 6

My grandparents used to have a miniature pinscher, it was there baby. She was very aggressive and territorial though. They get easily attached to one or two people. But then again it usually just stayed in the house. You should try adopting a small mixed breed or something.

Answer 7

I don't have a pinscher but I have a tea cup chihuahua..she is fantastic. she does go everywhere with me and is very sweet and gently.

She is a noise maker and likes to bark for no reason but never bites but my hardest thing is potty training..she currenlty is paper trained and we are working on litter training her. She is so tiny and get cold so easily..that I can't get her to go outside. You'll need to take that into consideration depending on where you live because of the winter months.

Answer 8

i had one when i was growing up i did his training and show him in obedience and in the breed ring love everybody was not aggressive to strangers or other dogs he lived with chows and a German Shephard. he lived to be 19 years old and was blind from the time he was 4 to 5 years old so i hope you find one and enjoy it. either male or females are good dogs

Answer 9

They are the perfect size,but for a dog that looks very similar and with ten times the personality get a toy fox terrier !!

Answer 10

No idont but want one