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Although it was not until 200 years ago that documentation began, his actual origin cannot be stated in fact for this reason, but in 1836 Dr. H. G. Reinchenbach, a German writer, stated that the breed was a cross of the Daschund and the Italian Greyhound. It is now generally accepted by historians and those who have researched the background of the breed in all countries where the Miniature Pinscher is known.
 Their most outstanding trait and unique feature that distinguished them from all other breeds is their elegant "HACKNEY-LIKE GAIT." This flashy, showy front action sets them apart from the run of the mill. Whether on a leash taking a walk with his master around the neighborhood or showing off and strutting around the show ring, it is no wonder dog lovers have coined the phrase, "The poor man's hackney show pony.".
Germany is the undisputed home and origin of the breed where they are known as "Reh Pinschers." They were so named because of their resemblence to a small stag red deer that roamed the forests of Germany many years ago. Prior to 1928, there were few Miniature Pinschers seen at shows in North America but the following twenty years, enthusiasm for this little aristocrat continued to grow. His regal build, bearing and stout heart in so small a package earned for him the title - "King Of Toys."
The formation of the Miniature Pinscher Club of America (MPCA) in 1929 and recognition of the breed by the American Kennel Club placed the Min Pins on a firm footing - thus establishing the growth and popularity that he has seen in the United States.
The formation of the Canadian Miniature Pinscher Club (CMPC)was initiated in 1986 by some breeders (Lorraine Lyons and Mary Bates) & fanciers of this alert and attractive toy dog. Some of the other founding Canadians that started the spark for a Club were: Gerona MacCuaig, Jackie Gratton, Jean Sparks, Judith Wellwood and Edris Matulock to name but a few. Without these women pushing to promote the breed, the Club would not have evolved in 1989 or may not have survived the turmoils most new Clubs have.
Recognition of the breed itself into the Canadian Kennel Club was back in 1937 with the first registered dog being "FREDDIE VON MONTGOMERY", CKC 151604 listed in CKC Stud Book, Volume 42, a red male born May 16, 1938. Breeder Harry Shier and final owner was R.H.McCullough. The first bitch to be registered was "CUTE FACE PATSY", CKC 151605-V 42, a red female born July 14, 1938. She was bred by Mr Shier and also owned by Mr McCullough. The first Canadian Champion Miniature Pinscher was "MAYSIE" 152309-V 43 in 1940 bred by R.H. McCullough of British Columbia and owned by Miss Roe, also of British Columbia.
The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, smooth-coated, naturally well-groomed toy dog and he is proud, vigorous and playful even in old age. He is very easy to train, alert, fearless when on guard and is very possessive of his loved ones which make him a guard dog second to none. His outraged voice when an intruder is discovered is the best possible burglar alarm and his deep-toned voice, when heard, gives the impression of a much larger dog.
For the sake of those who still argue that the Miniature Pinscher was bred down from the Doberman Pinscher, let us cite the fact that it is not until the year 1890 that Louis Dobermann, for which the Doberman Pinscher is named, bred his first real Doberman. Mr. Dobermann stated a wish to breed "a giant terrier that would look much like the five-pound Reh Pinscher but that would be fifteen times heavier and larger." In attaining his objectives, it is believed that he used the larger type German Short-Haired Pinscher, native German Shepherds and Rottweiler. In 1890, the first typical Doberman bitch, named Schnupp, was given the "Number 1" in the Doberman studbook. As we now can see, Miniature Pinschers were being produced in profusion long before this date.
The Miniature Pinscher has been pictured in old paintings and sculptures that unmistakingly places him as one of the very old breeds. Although he has undergone many changes for the better, especially as to shape of head and eyes and general conformation, his innate character and love of children, however is unchanged.
He is the ideal playmate and companion for young and old alike - all that one could wish for in a house dog - really a big dog in a small beautiful package that is admired and respected wherever he goes. Mom likes him because of his easy to care for satiny short coat and his naturally clean personal habits. The kids like him because he's just naturally inquisitive and wants to be where the action is, and Dad likes him because he's robust and naturally healthy dog, and easy to keep in condition, Today's version of 'a wash n' wear dog' !
I wish to thank Madeleine Miller, Sharon Krough and Armando Angebello for giving me the above information they used in Judging Seminars and that I used at my first presentation of a Judge's Seminar in Canada.
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