The Miniature Pinscher, being a lively breed that appears as if they are a rocket constantly ready for take off, is a demanding little guy who can be taxing on your attention. He always wants to play in between naps (even though you may not want to!) and thrives on the company of others-dogs or human-as he’s super sociable. This is partly why having another canine companion in the same household can do a world of good for your Min Pins wellbeing. However, there is much to be said and adhered to when it comes to personality compatibility between breeds. Any two breeds can co-exist and be perfectly content with one-another providing they have been socialised properly but harmony can be maximised when both dogs speak the same ‘language’. Let me explain.

I’ve observed Mikki many times during interactions with other Min Pins and the meetings are so beautiful; it’s almost like a sense of recognition between both dogs. They prance around, do this delightful little dance and really amp one-another up-in a friendly way. You may have observed this yourself at the park, on the go or at dog day care. Indeed members of the same breed will share most of the same characteristics in the way they communicate with one-another and approach every day life. The Min Pin’s all-go, hyper, playful and dominant nature where they want to take the lead most of the time works best with breeds of a similar energy and not so great with other breeds, as I’ve observed many times myself. Here are some tips and compatible breeds if you’re considering a second dog or adding a Min Pin to your household. Ultimately though, the personality and temperament of the individual dog (whatever the breed) is the most important factor in any peaceful co-existence.

Toy and small breeds work best. This is because Min Pins can be spooked by much larger breeds and it can bring out their dominant and defensive side-not great when there is constant snapping from your little guy! This appears to be the case with very active large breeds. Mikki seems to have developed a disdain towards Siberian Huskies and I’ve seen this occur with Rottweilers and Dobermans too. But with some breeds such as the Hungarian Vizsla, he is sweet and playful. Mikki had never had this breed-prejudice a few years ago and has not had any bad encounters within that time to change his behaviour. Some Min Pins are very small and some of these breeds may be too boisterous when playing with the Min Pin and he could get hurt.

If it must be a large breed, ones that have a calm, gentle nature with some patience to boot will be best but care should be taken as some large breeds just won’t appreciate the Min Pin’s nature. On the other hand, avoiding dominant breeds with ‘small dog’ syndrome, such as the Chihuahua, is important. Most terriers are similarly aggressive and possessive in nature and there just won’t be enough room for the egos of both dogs!

• Cocker Spaniel-Yessss! Currently, Mikki has a favourite mate he sees every so often on the heath-Jake-who he does plenty of roughhousing with. Highly active and with play as their life’s motto, a Cocker Spaniel-Min Pin combination may just be doggy soulmates-or keep the entire household awake at night!
• Italian Greyhound– Equally as excitable with (probably) more pent-up energy than the min pin, this breed understands the Min Pin’s highly sensitive and affectionate nature. Part of the Min Pin’s genetic make-up, the ‘Iggy’ will likely get on very well them in all areas of life.
• Dachshund– The ‘Doxie’ is similar a Min Pin, only calmer and more reserved. Perfect partner (in stubbornness).
• Whippet-This breed’s philosophy on the importance of a good run and exploration of new smells when out and about will be appreciated by the Min Pin, as well as the fact that they also love to play.
• French Bulldog-The ‘Frenchie’ knows the importance of entertaining it’s people-something the Min Pin understands too. A similar size, the Frenchie is sociable, fun-loving with a good amount of patience for the when the Min Pin is being an annoying little s**t 😂.
• Beagle-Mikki had a friend who was a Beagle he grew up with in Spain. Although Vito (the Beagle) was fiercely independent, they did share many playful and fun moments together, even when they reached adulthood. The Beagle is lively and even-tempered which are good traits to bring into the canine relationship.
• Miniature Pinscher-Yes! Of course! You didn’t think I’d leave this one out did you..? The only caveat is with this breed being sometimes over-imposing, both may trigger one-another’s defences. Another thing to ensure harmony is to keep their desire to dominate in-check. Although sociable and loving with other dogs, there usually is room for only one showman-go figure hehe.