What is the difference between a pinscher and a toy terrier?
Today it is very popular to acquire small dogs. They attract many fashionistas and secular ladies who prefer to regularly walk with their four-legged friends, dressing them in beautiful fur coats. The small size of dogs is very much in demand, since such animals can be taken with you on trips or travels without any problems, and they also do not require too scrupulous care. In this article, we will consider how pinschers differ from toy terriers, find out what kind of care they need, and also get acquainted with the conditions of their maintenance.
Description of toy terriers
Russian toy terriers are very small dogs, they belong to decorative ones, their height ranges from 20 to 28 cm at the withers. They weigh about 2.5-3 kg. Today, toy terriers are short-haired and long-haired.
Dogs belonging to this breed have many advantages: they are very affectionate, kind, obedient and loyal to their owners. Despite the fact that the animals are small enough, they are very hardy and prudent. The breed standards include the following characteristics.
- The head is rounded and not wide, while the forehead is convex.
- Smooth nasal bridge and tightly compressed lips. The outer lip line is usually dark in color. The nose is dark, but sometimes the shade depends on the color of the coat. The bite is correct, the teeth are small but even.
- Slightly protruding eyes.
- Ears are triangular, standing upright. They are not stopped.
- The muzzle, like all limbs, is dry. The hind legs are slightly wider than the front ones.
By breed standards, the tail of toy terriers is usually docked up to 2-3 vertebrae, but sometimes it is left.
Having considered the advantages of toy terriers, we will also consider their disadvantages.
- Difficult upbringing, especially if the dog was not taken as a puppy.
- Hypersensitivity to temperature changes. These miniature dogs are very afraid of the cold.
- The presence of genetic diseases. These dogs are very susceptible to knee dislocation. They may also have problems when changing teeth.
Pinscher description
Miniature Pinschers are slightly larger than Russian Toy Terriers. Their height reaches 30 cm, and their weight ranges from 3 to 5 kg. These dogs have a very harmonious and sinewy body. They are very similar to a miniature Doberman. Also, the characteristics of pinschers include the following.
- A triangular head with a flat forehead. The transition to the nose is smooth.
- The eyes are protruding and oval. The nose is almost always deep black.
- Ears when docked, remain standing or semi-standing if not trimmed.
- Breast rather wide, at the same time oval.
- This breed has very strong neck, and all limbs are parallel to each other, while the hind limbs are slightly pulled back.
Pinscher tails are often docked. Pinschers are very active dogs, they are energetic and always friendly with their owners.... In terms of body shape, these animals are very athletic, and in nature they are quick-witted. But they are also quite headstrong and stubborn, and therefore need a relatively strict upbringing. It is difficult to be friends with children, they can put themselves above them.
But at the same time, such shortcomings can always be eliminated through training and other regular training.
Distinctive and similar features
Both toy terriers and pinschers, also called miniature pinschers, get along equally well with other animals. They are very friendly at any age, especially as a puppy.
Let's consider the differences.
- Toy terriers and miniature pinschers have a similar appearance, and therefore many fans often confuse them.... But at the same time, the former's appearance is more fragile, modest and neat, like that of deer, and the latter's is stronger and more muscular. It is not difficult to distinguish between them, knowing these features.
- Both breeds differ in nature.... In order for the Pinschers to behave agreeably, they need to run and play regularly, otherwise they are lazy. Toy terriers are not so active and do not need constant movement, although they really like walks.
- Both breeds, despite their very miniature size, are always ready to protect their loved ones and owners.... But in general they are not hostile, unless they are very angry.
- As for education, then toy terriers are usually trained to be educated, for example, did not bark for no reason and knew the basic commands. But dwarf pinschers should be trained for a long time, otherwise they may begin to feel superior to their own owners.
- Toy terriers have softer coats. compared to the tough skin of pinschers.
Similar features.
- In terms of height and weight, both breeds are almost identical. The maximum weight of toy terriers is only 3 kg, while dwarf pinschers can weigh from 3 to 5 kg. The difference in height is also only a few cm, which is not a significant difference.
- Both breeds are similar in color. By standards, pinschers can be red, hazel or deep brown, and often black. Toy terriers can also be black, red and chocolate.
- On the ears, the dogs are also similar. Cropped ears of Pinschers are very similar to those of toy terriers. Tails for both breeds are docked if desired.
- Also, both breeds have a lot in common. by nature and temperament, they are very loyal to their masters and do well when trained regularly. Although dogs are from different breeds, they equally need attention.
On average, dogs from both breeds live 13-15 years... Life expectancy and quality of life are always increased if animals are spayed or castrated.
Dog prices vary. So, pinschers and toy terriers on average cost from 25 to 35 thousand rubles, if we talk about purebred individuals from elite nurseries. Individuals over several thousand are extremely difficult to find, as a rule, they do not have a pedigree.
Dwarf pinschers very often participate in exhibitions and competitions, but toy terriers often only in exhibitions, this is due to some peculiarities of their health.
Puppy girls of both breeds tend to be very calm, but boys can be mischievous. They can mark all corners in the house if they are not taken in time for castration.
Care and maintenance
Both breeds easily get used to the toilet (diaper), which is important, because it is not always possible to walk the dog. Grooming for animals is not difficult, but it should be regular, including:
- clipping your nails (usually every 2-3 weeks);
- ear cleaning;
- bathing several times a year, as well as washing paws after every walk on the street;
- annual vaccinations;
- cleaning wool with a special brush.
Pets should also have their teeth checked regularly. Animals can be walked at a maximum temperature of -6–7 degrees; at lower temperatures, clothes should be used. As a rule, dogs from both breeds are not very susceptible to diseases, but basic vaccinations are shown to them, as well as drugs against parasites. In summer, flea and tick collars are desirable.
In order for the animal to tolerate clipping and bathing well, it is advisable to accustom it to such procedures from early childhood.
It is recommended to feed the animals with ready-made balanced feed, preferably premium or super-premium, and you can also consider laps for small breeds, but they are the most expensive. If fed naturally, feed the animals low-fat meats, cereals, vegetables and fruits, so that the diet is as balanced as possible.
Summing up, it should be noted that it is not so difficult to distinguish between dogs of two breeds, the main thing is to consider some of their main features... As a pet for an apartment, of course, it is best to choose a toy terrier, because pinschers need not only a lot of space to spend their energy, but also constant training. Besides, toy terriers are more "domestic" and affectionate pets, while pinschers are not always famous for their obedient character.
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