The miniature pinscher is actually not related to the doberman, despite appearing like a smaller version. The miniature pinscher dog was actually bred from crossing the German pinscher with a smaller breed. Doberman's were bred later.

As can be seen from the miniature pinscher picture below the article, these are sleek and muscly dogs. They weigh much less than the doberman.

Miniature pinschers have very dark brown, almost black eyes. They are classified as a 'Toy dog' by the American Kennel Club, though they are far from the lap dog image of many toy dogs. Paris Hilton may find them to her taste, however, assuming she can keep him in her Louis Viton handbag long enough!

Miniature pinschers have short coats, and as such don't need much grooming. Coat color can be black and rust, red. chocolate and rust, or stag red. Miniature pinschers usually have a docked tail, and though some people crop the ears, this isn't necessary. After all - would you like your ears cropped?

Miniature pinscher dogs were bred to work, and once they smell a rat or mouse, they won't stop until they get them. Its 'search and destroy'. This is good news if you have a problem with them!

Miniature pinschers need a lot of exercise as they have energy, and then more! They can live in apartments, but you'll need to take him for a long walk every day. Be careful not to let them off the lead though, especially in an area with busy streets. Because they are small, cars will not easily see them, and they do have a tendency to roam. If you have a backyard, your pinscher will enjoy the room to move, but make sure he cannot escape. They will look for ways to escape, and you could face the prospect of losing your pet, or worse, having him run over by a car.

If you're looking for a loyal and devoted dog, the miniature pinscher could be a good choice. They are extremely loyal, though they do have a tendency to be nippy with toddlers and babies. So if you have small children, miniature pinscher dogs may not be a good choice. There are other, more family friendly pets available. If friends visit who have small children, it would be wise to crate your pinscher, or have him in an area where he cannot interact with them.

The miniature pinscher dog is quite highly strung, and can be aggressive to other adults. Keep them away from mail people and deliverymen in particular. As puppies, miniature pinschers can be hard to control. They are stubborn and need to attend obedience classes. Owners should really take the time to make sure they learn the training. Agility training is also another good thing for a miniature pinscher as they love it.

Concerning health, miniature pinschers can develop serious problems, including thyroid problems, epilepsy, and heart conditions. They are also prone to hip dysplasia. As such, it's a good idea to feed your pinscher a high quality diet. They don't eat large amounts of food, but if they start to gain weight, you should feed them a weight control food instead. And you will need to check your miniature pinscher dog's nails to make sure they don't become overgrown.