 multimedia blog Snapshot: The Roo Dog hits 3!  Today, the Roo Dog hit the ripe old age of three. According to the American Kennel Club breed history, Miniature Pinschers are: "not a scaled-down, version of anything, especially the much larger Doberman Pinscher, although both are likely descended from the German Standard Pinscher. It is a distinctly German breed often referred to as the Zwerg or Dwarf Pincher in historical documents. German Kennel Club documents also refer to the Miniature Pinscher as the "reh" Pinscher, but this term is only used for a dog of stag-red color, "reh" referring to a small red deer found in German forests years ago. The one fact remains that the Miniature Pinscher originated several centuries ago as an efficient barnyard ratter, with no relation to the Doberman or the Manchester Terrier. Historical artifacts and paintings place the Min Pin as a very old breed, but factual documentation began less than 200 years ago, leaving his actual origins to debate. The Miniature Pinscher is reported to include the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound among its ancestors. Many historians and those who have researched the background of the breed agree that this heritage is most likely, adding the shorthaired German Pinscher to the family tree. Until the early 1900's Miniature Pinscher popularity was primarily contained in Germany and the Scandinavian countries but has gained great popularity in the US since the first one was registered with the AKC in 1925. Originally in the Terrier Group and reclassified as a Toy in 1930, the official name was changed from Pinscher (Toy) to Miniature Pinscher in 1972." The Min Pin's excellent hearing makes them efficient guard dogs, despite their small size, and the breed is attentive, affectionate, and very portable. Commonly referred to as "The King of Toys", Min Pins are an assertive, outgoing, active and independant breed. IMPS adds: "They can be incredible escape artists, hard to housebreak and obedience train, but in the right home, with the proper training, they can be the best companion dog you have ever owned. Loving, affectionate and playful, the Miniature Pinscher makes its own rules, but will bend to yours if treated with affection and care." Related Links |