Min Pins are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Min Pins will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. The Min Pin’s small size makes him a good pet for apartment dwellers.
Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting. Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you’re not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. For more on feeding your Min Pin, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. The Min Pin doesn’t have a lot of fur, which means he’s sensitive to cold.
When you aren’t supervising, he should be securely tucked away in a crate. Because they were originally bred to hunt vermin, Min Pins may attack small objects , which can be a choking hazard. He may also take off after small pets that he perceives as prey. Be sure to put a sweater or coat on him when you take him outside in really cold weather. If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in.
I, Mitchel Omeara, am a retired American zookeeper and a former director emeritus of the Zoo and Aquarium. I have dedicated my life to the care and well-being of animals. I am 56 years old, and I have worked in zoos for over 35 years. I have been married for 32 years, and I have two children.