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Pet Insurance for Miniature Pinscher

Find out all about the Miniature Pinscher, and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 27th, 2023       

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Price range

$2,000 –$4,000

Height

25cm - 32cm

Weight

3.6kg - 4.5kg

Personality

Energetic, fearless, alert

Coat length

Short, sleek

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Miniature Pinscher

Overview

The Miniature Pinscher, often called the ‘Min Pin,' is a small but fearless breed originating from Germany. Surprisingly, they are not a miniature version of the larger German Pinscher, but rather an entirely different breed of dog, with different DNA origins to the German Pinscher. Min Pins are an ancient breed thought to be a cross between a Dachshund and an Italian Greyhound. They have been known in Germany and more broadly in Scandinavian countries as ratting dogs since the 1600s. Their name is thought to derive from the French word ‘pincer’ which means ‘to catch or pinch,’ a reference to their early use as a ratting dog. They are also related to the Affenpinscher and the Schnauzer.  

This toy breed is now one of the most popular small breeds in the world, sometimes called ‘The King of Toys.’ They make excellent family pets but tend to bond strongly with only one person. They have a short sleek coat that requires minimal grooming, and only require moderate exercise, which makes them suitable for apartment living. Unfortunately, in the past their ears and tails were often docked, but now more natural erect or floppy ears and a tail are accepted breed standards.  

Min Pins are known for their alert and confident nature. They don’t seem to be aware that they’re really small dogs! They have strong personalities and need very firm training by an owner who establishes himself as pack leader.  

Common diseases and conditions of Miniature Pinschers

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.  
  • Tooth Decay: All Pinschers are known to commonly suffer from tooth decay, which can lead to mouth and gum infections and pain when eating.  
  • Obesity: This breed is prone to obesity if not given sufficient exercise.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is a potential issue with all toy breeds of dog, as they don’t have the fat reserves to supply adequate glucose in times of stress, or if they are subject to heat stress.  

Breed-specific issues:  

Due to their strong prey drive, Miniature Pinschers should never be left alone with cats (who they love to chase), rabbits or other small pets. Their confident and energetic nature means they enjoy active playtime, so they may not be the best companions for very small children. They may also suffer separation anxiety if left alone by their owner.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Miniature Pinscher?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Miniature Pinschers

Are Min Pins aggressive or possessive? 

Miniature Pinschers are known for their fearless and assertive personalities, but they are not inherently aggressive. They can be quite protective of their owners, and possessive of their food and toys, so care should be taken when handling their things. Early socialisation and training are crucial to establish a pecking order in the house and to ensure they know their owner is pack leader.  

Do Miniature Pinschers bark a lot?

Yes, Miniature Pinschers are alert little dogs and can be vocal, making them prone to barking when they perceive a threat or excitement. Proper training can help manage their barking tendencies. 

Do Min Pins make good lap dogs?

Miniature Pinschers enjoy being close to their owners and often seek attention and affection. However, they are very active and don’t sit still for long. They can make good lap dogs for those who appreciate an affectionate companion who never leaves their side. 

Are Miniature Pinschers escape artists?

Yes, they love to dig and can escape through, or under many fences with ease. Miniature Pinschers are known for their agility and curiosity, which combined with their digging abilities makes them prone to attempts to escape. It's important to provide a very secure backyard to prevent them from wandering. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Miniature Pinscher

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