[SunBun]

I found an 8 month old Min Pin that I AM IN LOVE WITH!! However, I live in an apartment, and I'm just not sure if min pin's are good for apartments...they seem to have SO much energy.

So, min pin owners, tell me what you can about the breed

[sirius-dressage]

I don't own one but I worked as a vet tech for a few years and I will always remember one MinPin who came in. She was so sweet. Diagnosed with addison's and her owner didn't want to treat so we took her and found her a new home. I almost took her home. She wasn't hyper at all, was just as happy as a clam to sit in my lap all day and hold her dog biscuit in her mouth.

It depends on the individual. I don't think they are a super high-energy breed but certainly need exercise like any small terrier/working breed would. They are small and clean and would, IMO, be a good apartment breed if you have enough time to walk the dog once a day and have a fenced area for off-lead time occasionally. You can certainly tire them out in a smaller space than a large breed.

[meljean]

In-laws have one that rode in 18 wheeler with them. She is a big baby, they are off road now, but she has figured out if she goes outside to do business, they give her a treat, so she will go to door, and ask to go out, then come back inside for treat.

She got to where she was doing this 4 or 5 times an hour, but not going...so finally clued in that she just wanted her treat.

She also will not go out when it is raining, because she has to have her boots on, and will stand there until someone puts them on. She is a hoot.

If you can spend time with her, and she doesn't bark from loneliness, then keep her. She will probably be a great dog. If you can't find a Min Pin rescue group, and get them to her.

[SunBun]

Originally Posted by meljean

In-laws have one that rode in 18 wheeler with them. She is a big baby, they are off road now, but she has figured out if she goes outside to do business, they give her a treat, so she will go to door, and ask to go out, then come back inside for treat.

She got to where she was doing this 4 or 5 times an hour, but not going...so finally clued in that she just wanted her treat.

She also will not go out when it is raining, because she has to have her boots on, and will stand there until someone puts them on. She is a hoot.

If you can spend time with her, and she doesn't bark from loneliness, then keep her. She will probably be a great dog. If you can't find a Min Pin rescue group, and get them to her.

She has little min pin booties?!!??! That is SO ADORABLE!! I want mine to wear booties LOL

Thanks for the info, very helpful. I read a little bit on google, and it seems that they have a tendency to be pretty vocal. Hm. I'll have to meet her and find out. I also read that you have to really protect them from the "elements"....so, if I get her, of course I can't wait to buy little sweaters and rain coats and (if I'm lucky) BOOTIES!!

[Miss Patience]

We got one min pin as a puppy when my son was a small baby...he was a one person dog...he liked my hubby and did not like myself or my son...growled at my son once so unfortunately we gave him to a single gal that worked with my husband on the base. He was not a family dog.
Now fast forward to Jan 06. We got another one, and she is our loveable butter ball...we love Bailey, and she was always great with the kids...our home is not overly huge, and she does fine. I think they make great any home dog...she is not hyper, loves to play, loves car rides, and crates well. Its not that we did not love the other one, but he was just not a family dog, he was a single owner or couple..no kids dog...but not Bailey...she is a family dog for sure. I plan on owning another one in the future.

[Kamara]

We have some Min-Pin/Chihuahua mixes that I'm rehoming, all except for two look exactly like Min-Pin's. (I had a rescue come to me pregnant and she decided to have seven sons)
Anyone want one? LMAO

They can be barkers (it varies) but will shut up if we tell them to and not keep yapping like some other small dogs. They love to snuggle and love attention. They have all been great with our girls. Most of the time they sit in my lap when I'm on the puter and I have to type with one hand heehee

Find out what toys (she/he ?) likes and it will help with boredom.
And like any apartment dog, walks are great. Activity uses up energy and they are happier for it.
There are a lot of people who have Min-Pin Meetups depending on where you are.
Try looking on some breed forums or a good dog forum to check it out.

Penelle

[Sandra-A1]

DH and I are owned by a Min Pin....and want to get one or even two more!!!

Yes, they are little dogs with a lot of high energy and attitude! They do need exercise and training is a MUST with these little dogs! That terrier blood in the breed's background seems to be very dominate in some of these little guys and unless you have the time to devote to getting a good foundation on your puppy your going to have problems no matter if you live in a tiny apartment or 40 acres!

Our little guy is a canine "Albert Einstein" and the time I spent working with him was very rewarding and worth every second. Once he caught on to what I wanted the progress he made came faster and faster.
He is eight years old now...and just went to the Vet today for his yearly check up. (Our Vet said he is in excellent health for a dog his age.) While he can be quiet loud and a on ocassion bit too pushy with his enthusiasm when greeting guests.....everyone likes him once they get to know him and he even talks to several of my family members on the telephone!

Now this next is strictly MY OPINION.....
Sadly, with Min Pins there really is no middle ground...it is either all good or all bad.
Which of those it ends up being depends on two things....the first is that you get a good quality puppy from a responsible breeder of the breed....and the second is that the owner has educated themselves about the breed and is totally committed to taking the time necessary to train their puppy right from the start.

Here is our little guy....ELMO

[SunBun]

Awww, Sandra, Elmo is SO CUTE!! I love the santa hat pictures

This little guy (not a girl..whoops!!) seems like the very loving/affectionate type, from what the owner told me. I guess the owners have a 16mo old daughter and they quickly found out that she is allergic to him ( ) so he has to be re-homed.

She has all of the paperwork from the company (?) they got him from, which includes proof of his shots and care instructions (again...?). Right now the little guy is trained just on those puppy pee pads, they have not tried to train him to also go outside (which will happen if he comes to live with me!!).

From what I've read, I think a min pin could be a really fun, challenging little dog for me

Thanks for the info, guys! Keep it coming! I luff hearing your stories

[James Robert]

Diane and I have a little min pin that's eleven and a half years old. Her name is Peanut. She is in charge of the house. She protects it with her life. If I park my car in the wrong spot in the yard she barks at it until I move it. In fact she barks at everything that moves. We love her to death but I don't think we will replace her with another min pin. She is smart but mule headed. She wants what she wants when she wants it. Diane and I can't hug unless she is in the middle of the hug.

I wish I could post a picture here but haven't been able to post a picture on the forum for about a year now and don't know why. Nobody seems to be able to figure that out.

If we get another dog after Peanut Diane wants a Poodle. I do not want another dog. I'm much too old to fall in love with another one. It will be a sad day when Peanut passes, much worse than when we gave away the horses.

I'm glad we have had this little girl for the 11+ years but no more min pin for us.

JR

[Sandra-A1]

James Robert....I found these two photos of your grand little lady, "Peanut" in your gallery....I hope you don't mind me posting them for you here: