info on mini doberman?

me and my family are thinking about getting a mini doberman ?pincher? i am not sure of the exact name.. but heres my questions... 1) how big do they get... 2) how old do they live to be... 3) are they bad for shedding anddd 4) expences?
thanks in advance
justin

 

Miniature Pinscher.
I dont have much experience with them although I have a couple of friends who have had them. Healthwise I really havent noticed any specific problems, temperement, Ive come across quite a few with aggression problems so I would recommend getting one from a good breeder, maybe see if you can see the parents, visit with them etc. Its possible that the the agression could be a result of back yard breeding. And/or bad ownership as the ones that my friends had, all but one (that did come from an abused home) had good personalities.
Ive posted a link that gives the basics on them.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniaturepinscher.htm

 

Min Pins, as they are affectionately known, aren't related to Dobermans at all. They're actually the older of the two breeds. There can be a wide range of sizes, depending on how well they're bred. I've seen some that were pretty large, almost as large as a German Pinscher! But being toys, they should be under 10 pounds.

My texts on genetic abnormalities lists progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, umbilical hernia, glycogen storage disease, patellar luxation and collapsing trachea, so these are disorders you'll want to be aware of.

They can be difficult to house train, as many toy breeds are. They also have a reputation for being barky and stubborn, and can be quite territorial.

If you like the Doberman look, and want a small dog, you might also concider a Manchester terrier, or Toy Manchester terrier. To me, those two breeds look more like a small Doberman than a Min Pin does.

 

Min Pins are definitely feisty little dogs. They are NOT for the first-time dog owner or faint of heart. They require good, consistent training. They can be quite dominant and stubborn little beasts. They are also cute as a button and with the proper training are wonderful little dogs. Just be sure you want to put in the time and have the knowledge to train them correctly.

They are also very high energy. I have a friend who has about a half dozen of them and runs them all in agility. It's hysterical watching her taking them all outside to potty at the same time.

 

Min Pin King of the Toys

as a breeder and one who has adopted several Pins I can confirm that these little dog's are a handful. They are very independent by nature and just when you think you have got them to do what you want you will realize that they did it only because they were going to anyway. Their average size per standard is 10.5 to 12.0 inches weight in accordance.
Approx 10 to 12 lbs. I have 10 ranging from 9.0 to 14.5. Shedding is very minimal as they only have one coat. This must be kept in mind as they are not a winter breed. Though they like the warm summer heat they can overheat so they need to be monitored. They like to burrow under blankets anywhere they can keep snug. With children they can be ok so long as the adults limit the play. Pins like most small breeds are not toys and unless you watch and monitor the way they are played with can find you have a dog that can become a little frightened and may nip to keep people from overhandling. If the children are small you may want to get a family oriented dog, lab etc. Pin's due to normal temperment generally do not do well with children due to too much hands on where Pins are adventurous and want freedom to move about alot. You will need a fenced yard as noted they generally are very hyper. The breed is a ferreting breed bred to hunt down vermin, mice, moles etc. The breed usually does better with adults or adults with older children. My vary so much but one thing all has including my 5 adopted, none does well when children come over. They don't mind being petted but as soon as a child goes to try and pick them up they get irritated. They like to be cuddled at their leisure. Will jump to a warm lap and generally love to be petted but overhandling and not knowing when to let go is the issue.