5 Behavior Changes You May Notice in Your Senior Dog
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Breed Spotlights
Miniature Pinscher
Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 years
Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Weight: 8 – 11 lbs.
Height: 10 – 13 inches
Where Does the Miniature Pinscher Rank?
See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories.
Trainability
The Miniature Pinscher is a relatively easy-to-train breed.
Shedding Friendliness
This breed has an extremely short coat which results in minimal shedding.
Ease of Grooming
The Min Pin is a low-maintenance dog as it pertains to grooming requirements. A grooming mitt is often sufficient.
Health
Miniature Pinschers have manageable health issues. This would require regular visits to a local veterinarian.
Exercise Needs
Your Miniature Pinscher will need continuous on-and-off activity throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically.
Good with Children
The Miniature Pinscher can become extremely good with children who treat him properly. If he feels he is being mistreated, he could become snappy. Due to this, the Min Pin is generally recommended in homes with children over 10.
Barking Restraint
Barking is not generally a problem with this breed.
What You Need to Know About Miniature Pinscher Dogs
Behavior
The Min Pin is a highly spirited, confident, small dog. He is often fearless and extremely curious. He is energetic and often makes an excellent watchdog. The Min Pin finds interest in investigating all situations and may get into trouble if not watched carefully. Crate training is highly recommended with this breed to prevent him getting into bad situations.
The Min Pin is also known to be an escape artist. He can find a method of escape in almost every situation. If he sees an opportunity, he will escape to satisfy his curiosity.
Although the Min Pin is extremely affectionate, he does not enjoy lounging. He would rather follow you around on your every activity. If he does not get a sufficient amount of activity, he is highly likely to develop behavioral problems.
Training
The Min Pin is relatively easy-to-train at an early age. Many pet parents enroll their Min Pin into Puppy Kindergarten in order to provide them with early training and early socialization.
Grooming
The Min Pin is not a heavy shedder. The Miniature Pinscher has an extremely short, easy-to-maintain coat. A grooming mitt is often sufficient.
Health Problems
Progressive Retinal Atrophy- PRA is an eye disease which involves the gradual deterioration of the retina of the eye. Dogs with PRA are night-blind may lose sight even throughout the day in advanced stages of the condition.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – This condition is caused by the blood supply to the femur decreasing. The head of the femur that connects to the pelvis disintegrates throughout this disease. Initial symptoms may begin to occur at approximately six months of age.
Hypothyroidism- If your Miniature Pinscher is experiencing a thyroid problem, symptoms may include obesity, hair loss, seizures and/or lethargy.
Allergies- This breed has skin allergies. This may lead to itchy skin and often bacterial skin infections.
Epilepsy – a structural or chemical imbalance in the brain which causes seizures.
Top 10 Most Common Health Issues for Miniature Pinschers
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease – mitral valve disease
- Allergies
- Demodectic Mange – skin disease caused by a mite.
- Cataracts
- Luxating Patella
