A Dog Gone Purpose

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi, wonderful site here, and I would just like to make a comment, which I hope can help someone looking for a dog. We live on a farm, retired mostly, and our children are older. After researching many breeds, we decided on a Miniature Pinscher puppy which we got from a reputable breeder in the city. The breed is defined as a "dog kepted by a farmer's wife in the kitchen as an excellent ratter, watchdog, and loyal companion". Redefined it means, not an outside dog, loves to chase and can kill small furry animals, barks and can defend it's territory if needed. A high-energy dog, that can run at an unbelievable speed and agility when hunting. Loyal to it's owner it thrives on a job to do, and a willingness to please it's owner, but can be tempermental at times. We just adopted another min pin from a local city shelter that was given up because the min pin "personality" did not fit into their family. I find no difference in my two min pin's personalities, even though they came from different backgrounds. The original purpose of why the breed was created shines through when it is given the chance to excell at the job it was meant to do. So if you find your dog does not seem happy in your home, whether mix breed or purebred, look into the history and purpose of why the breed was created and maybe it can help someone make a more responsible choice, happier dogs and owners, and less dogs in shelters and rescues. Just my opinion. Thanks...

[Guest Anonymous]

well said.

[Bensam]

Hi, Min Pin owner. I have had Mins for over 30 years and your description fits exactly. Bundles of energy on the go all the time. I have always had large fenced properties so mine have always been inside/outside dogs and delight in trying to catch any low flying birds. We have mobs of galahs perching in the gumtrees and my 2 are always trying to climb the trees to get them. I take them out in the paddocks during the winter (cant during summer - snakes) and they have a marvellous time chasing bunnies down the holes. Mine do have different personalities, the girl is not a cuddler except when she wants to, the boy would sit on my knee 24/7 if I let him.
If everyone were to check out the suitability of a breed before getting a dog, there would be a lot more happy owners and dogs around. I have many times advised some-one not to get a particular breed as it would not fit in, some listen, some dont, but one can only try :roll:

[Cheetah]

I agree 100% Smidgen dog! There would be far less dogs going to shelters and pounds or being put to sleep because of behavioral problems if people weren't so stupid and figured that the puppy would mostly take care of itself. If people actually researched the different breeds they would find that every dog - personality wise - is definitely not the same as every other! I bet at least half of those people would realize that none of the dog breeds were right for them because they really just aren't ready for the time and committment that a puppy/dog takes!

Also, because we're on the subject of Min Pins, I figured I should mention that on Sunday I was volunteering at my shelter and they had 5 eight week old Min Pin puppies (the pregnant mother was surrendered to the shelter) who were about to go up for adoption. I got to play with them for about an hour and although they were very very cute and equally entertaining; they were also a handful! Feisty little guys, they definitely have attitude! 8) Actually, one of the females did seem a little more of a cuddler, happy to rest in my lap for a while - but the rest of them were high energy, tearing up the room and each other - little balls of dynamite :D They were fun to watch, but I definitely don't think they're the dog for everyone.(no dog is) Basically what i'm saying is people can't expect to get a small dog like a Min Pin and leave it kenneled in an apartment all day.