Oftentimes mistaken as a small Doberman, it is by no means one even though the cost of the Doberman is somewhat similar to Miniature.
The Miniature Pinscher is a dog breed hailing from Germany. It is a possible mix of German Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, and Dachshund resulting in a small-sized breed.
It was formerly registered under the terrier breed type because of its expertise in hunting down rats. It was later classified by the American Kennel Club as a toy dog in 1930.
The Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin as commonly called was tagged as the “King of Toy Dogs.” Its activeness level and trotting-like presence earned its name.
It is one of the most energetic toy dogs. It usually comes in clear red, stag red, black, or chocolate in color.
One Time Expenses for Having a Miniature Pinscher
You have many options in owning this adorable pup. You may opt for reputable breeders or check the American Kennel Club in buying Min Pins. AKC has various certified Min Pins even coming from champion bloodlines.
The AKC Marketplace and the Miniature Pinscher Club of America have a list of reputable breeders for your peace of mind.
A Miniature Pinscher price will have a range from $650 up to $6,000 depending on the certifications and level of lineage. You will be assured of health certifications and registration papers for the top quality dogs. It is important to screen the source of your dogs if you are on a limited budget.
If you are from a different state, away from the origin of your pup, then shipping costs need to be considered. There are options to have it shipped thru air or by ground. You should carefully go through over the different pet shipping companies if you want it delivered thru the ground.
It may cost you from $450 to $550 depending on your pet’s size and type.
The Min Pin also has a nickname as a lap dog because of its size. So you may personally pick up your pup and have it as a carry-on. Of course, you have to check prior with your airline on updated regulations regarding carry-on pets.
Travel carriers should be within the guidelines of the airline that allow pets on air. You may be able to find carriers from $34.99 to bags with wheels at $109.95. There are other accessories available for your traveling dog at the Pet Travel Store that you may add for your dog’s convenience.
They are highly trainable and would be good if they start at a young age. There are obedience schools that will teach them the basics and encourage socializing. These schools usually have group classes starting from $155 typically for 8 sessions at the least. Private training can also be a good choice for a more flexible schedule that may start at $80 per hour.
You may individually register your Min Pin in AKC for a basic fee of $34.99 thru paper and $30.00 thru online. These can go higher depending on your choice of package. Packages usually include pet insurance, free initial veterinary services, custom collar tag, and a training helpline.
Upkeep of Owning a Min Pin
As with any other dogs, owning one comes with responsibilities and here are the considerations:
Food – Diet for Min Pins should be according to its age and physical activities. A good diet having a high protein content is recommended to maintain its leanness and weight. A good source would be food containing pork, beef, or meat meals which is high in protein.
They are very energetic dogs so they naturally have a fast metabolism.
A quality diet of fats and carbohydrates should also be maintained such as fish oils, potato, wheat, or oatmeal combinations. There are also available commercial dog foods naturally formulated for small breeds at around $29.99 to $34.99 for a 13 to14-lb. bag.
Medical Expenses – Their life expectancy is from 12 – 15 years and maintenance check-ups plus required vaccinations ($20 to $30 for each shot) are needed to prolong your dog’s life. There is also the regular de-worming ($12 to $60), and spaying/neutering ($125 to $295) that should be discussed with your veterinarian. Regular vet visits cost $40 to $100 depending on the location and urgency.
One thing to watch out for this particular breed is Patella Luxation or the dislocation of the patella. It would be good to have this tested to prevent surgery which will cost you around $1,980 to $2,980 for small to medium-sized dogs. Always remember to keep your dog’s weight at its optimum as well.
Accessory – Min Pins are very sensitive to the cold so it would be nice to have a good collection of clothes. You may look around for clothes starting from $10.50 up to a fancy $76.50 vest. This should also liven up your daily walks with your dog’s jazzed-up fashion style.
Buyer’s Guide
- It is important to understand if this breed is the right dog for you. The Min Pin is very smart, alert, and has an outgoing personality. It is also known to be a bold barker even with its size. So make sure its future home would be able to handle its barking and playfulness.
- Min Pins need lots of exercises as they are active and very athletic for a toy breed. The required daily walk is a must. Adding in a good amount of fun with balls or frolicking in an open area is essential to your pet’s physical and mental health.
- They are typically easy to groom with their short, shiny, and smooth hair. You may bristle brush them once or twice a week. Trimming of nails and brushing of teeth using veterinarian-approved toothpaste should also be done occasionally.
