The Miniature Pinscher has existed for several centuries. Germany, of course, is its native land, but it has been bred as well in the Scandinavian countries for a long time. Real development of the breed abroad began in 1895 when Germany's Pinscher Klub was formed. This club, now called the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub, gave the breed its initial standard.

From the time of the Pinscher Klub's formation, the breed improved both in type and popularity, but more rapid headway was evident from 1905 up until World War I. That war, of course, handicapped progress in almost everything. Following it, or in about 1919, fanciers abroad once more started to advance the Miniature Pinscher, and as a result of importations to the United States, breeding was undertaken here to a limited extent.

There were few Miniature Pinschers seen at American dog shows prior to 1928, the impetus to breed advancement dating from 1929 when the Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc. was formed. Previously, the breed had been shown in the Miscellaneous Class. The little dog's popularity has increased steadily.

Although the Miniature Pinscher is similar to a Doberman on a smaller scale, it has a nature and way about it suggestive of a much larger dog. It is especially valuable as a watchdog, sometimes keener even than a dog twice its size. It is a born show dog, too, noted for its lively temperament and intelligence, while it is often used on the stage because of its style, smartness, and pep. The close, slick coat requires scant attention, hence always looks neat and clean. And last but not least, the "Minpin"'s fondness for home and master is exceptional.