Miniature Pinscher

British Miniature Pinscher
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History of the Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher or the Minpin as it is colloquially abbreviated to is believed to have originated in Germany over two hundred years ago, it was originally known as the Reh Pinscher in reference to a small red deer which freely roamed the German forests many years ago. These wonderful little dogs have been pictured in oil paintings and sculptures that distinctly place them as a very old breed, however because accurate documentation began less than 200 years ago, its breeds actual origins cannot be accurately stated. In Germany they are officially called the Zwergpinscher which simply means dwarf pinscher.

" In the German books, the breed is mentioned for the first time by name by Dr. H. G. Reinchenbach who in 1836 stated that the colour was most often black and that he believed the breed to be either the offspring of the Pug and Dachshund, or perhaps of the Italian Greyhound and Dachshund. " Reference page 9 The Complete Miniature Pinscher By Viva Leone Ricketts, copyright 1957 Wm. W Denlinger Middleburg, Va.

" In his writings, Dr. Reinchenbach stated that slowly the Reh Pinscher Began to take the place formerly enjoyed by Pugs and in many places had entirely supplanted the Pug as a popular breed. The liking spread because the Miniature Pinscher was an agreeable companion, he always minded his own business, and he was a good ratter and rodent hunter. Dr Reinchenbach at that time published a picture of a Reh Pinscher which somewhat resembled the Black and Tan Terrier. Both had the same colouring, black with tan markings. " Reference page 10 The Complete Miniature Pinscher By Viva Leone Ricketts, copyright 1957 Wm. W Denlinger Middleburg, Va.

It is believed that the first Miniature Pinschers arrived in Britain in 1938 and without a doubt two Miniature Pinschers were recorded in The Kennel Gazette of October 1938, one was a female by the pedigree name of Jessy Von Adelheim who was born on 16th July 1936 and the other was a male by the name of Fredo de Bayards who was born on 15th December 1935. (Both became part of the Offley Kennels).

The first classes for Miniature Pinschers at Crufts were held on 10th February 1956 and were Judged by Mr W. Macdonald Daly. There were twenty three entries, including four not for competition, leaving nineteen between the two classes classes. Rehpin confucius won both classes.

Rehpin Confucius
Picture reference page 85 The Complete Miniature Pinscher By Viva Leone Ricketts, copyright 1957 Wm. W Denlinger Middleburg, Va

Crufts Dog Show 1956 Press Awards Room Crufts 56 Press Award Room

Copyright The Kennel Club

Reproduced with their permission.

As neither The Kennel Gazette nor The Kennel Stud Book shows a record of CC's being awarded to the Miniature Pinschers in 1956 it is possible that the above paper from the Press Awards Room may not be 100% accurate.

The Miniature Pinscher is not a, smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, their head type, gait, and other conformational aspects are all completely different. For those who disagree about the origins of this breed I would like to point out that the German Miniature Pinscher Club was formed in 1895, however the German Kennel Club had recognized the breed and published a standard back in 1880, ten years before Louis Doberman bred his first Doberman.

These proud little dogs are often referred to as " The King of Toys ". They are self assured, out going, active and very independent breed. They can be incredible escape artists, difficult to house train, however in the right home and with the proper training, they can be the best companion dog you have ever owned. Loving, affectionate and playful.

Breeders have been quoted as saying, "It's like living with a roomful of toddlers who never grow up" and "This is not a beginners breed." Because of their high energy levels and inquisitiveness, the Minpin bears close watching. They need to investigate everything and will go to great lengths to do so. Rarely does anyone own just one, as they seem to grow on you and accumulate.

I spent several years researching the history in an attempt to find out when the first Miniature Pinscher was registered with the Kennel Club. Octobers 1938 issue of The Kennel Gazette shows the registrations of Jessy Von Adelheim who was born on 16th July 1936 and Fredo de Bayards who was born on 15th December 1935. (Both became part of the Offley Kennels). Further research revealed that no Miniature Pinscher was registered with the Kennel Club prior to 1938. In July 2007 I finally completed my research and as a result of this research I have written a book covering not only this wonderful breeds history within the UK, but also it's care from puppy to senior citizen. This colourful fact filled book is available via our merchandise page.

Also available UK Registered Miniature Pinschers 1938 -1963, 1964 - 1973 spiral bound books which contain the pedigree name, date of birth, sire and dams pedigree name of Miniature Pinschers registered with the Kennel Club between 1938 -1963 and 1964 - 1973.