French Pin
12-15 yrs
15-25 lbs
10-13"
United States

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French Pin

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Dog Breeds
French Pin

15-25 lbs

10-13"

United States

French Bulldog

Miniature Pinscher

The French Pin is a mix between the French Bulldog and the Miniature Pinscher. It is believed that this hybrid was developed in the United States within the past 20 years. With characteristics of both his parents, this cute character is a small, sturdy, muscular dog with a short coat. The French Pin is a low maintenance dog. They do well in most environments but not in extreme heat or cold temperatures. The French Pin can happily live in an apartment if he receives daily walks and interactive play though his Miniature Pinscher side may make him a bit of a barker. The French Pin can make a fun and loving companion but because of his small size and spunkiness, he must be monitored around small children.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
French Bulldog, Miniature Pinscher

French Pin Health

Average Size

Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 15-25 lbs

Major Concerns

Diabetes
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Corneal Dystrophy
Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Entropion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cataracts
Sebaceous Adenitis
vonWillebrand’s Disease

Occasional Diagnoses

Obesity
Glaucoma

Occasional Tests

Skin Scraping
X-Rays
Fecal Examination
Biopsy
Electrocardiogram
Eye Examinations
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Count
Endocardiogram
Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time (BMBT)
Dermatopathology

French Pin Breed History

The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and excelled at hunting and kill vermin. Their precise ancestry is unknown although some researchers believe the Miniature Pinscher may be related to the German Pinscher, the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Although they look like miniature Doberman Pinchers there is no direct relation to the breed. Thought to have origins as far back as 2000 years ago, the breed was poorly documented until the 1800s. Breeding programs in both Scandinavia and Germany produced a dog could not only hunt small vermin but guard property as well. Despite his miniature size this breed was feisty and courageous. He still has these traits today with a little bit of mischief thrown in and this dog, known for his trot-like gait, joined the American Kennel Club in 1925. Descendant of the molosser dogs, the French Bulldog was a fighter in the pits, companion to lace makers, help mate to the farmers and entertainer in the show ring. Thankfully, the French Bulldog we know today has a gentler type of lifestyle and is currently the 6th most popular breed in America. Added to the Non Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club in 1898, their AKC breed standard makes for one cute canine.

French Pin Breed Appearance

The French Pin will have physical characteristics of both his parents. He will be a small to medium sized dog weighing 15 to 25 pounds. His height will range from 10 to 16 inches. With a sleek body that is sturdy and muscular, his adorning coat will be smooth and short. He may have a combination of colors such as black, brown, white, red or brindle. The ears of the French Pin are usually erect and are often large and bat-like as are the French Bulldog's. The French Pin’s alert and kind eyes will be dark and his nose will be black. His tail may be naturally short like The French Bulldog.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Brindle

Brown

Red

Black

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

French Pin Breed Maintenance

The French Pin is a low maintenance dog. One of the most time consuming parts of his maintenance program will be teeth care. As smaller dogs can often have dentition problems causing crowding of the teeth, adequate brushing will be important. Daily care is recommended. The nails should be checked and trimmed bi-weekly. Brushing your French Pin with a slicker brush will keep his coat shiny and smooth. He may shed a little and a comb through the fur daily during shedding season will help to loosen the fur.

Brushes for French Pin

Slicker Brush

Comb

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

French Pin Temperament

The French Pin will have behavior and personality traits of both his parents. Obedience training is recommended at an early age as this enables your hybrid to grow in confidence. He may want to listen when he feels like it, not necessarily all of the time - consistent firm instruction, coupled with kindness should enable him to have success in class. French Bulldogs are easy going but the Miniature Pinscher can be a little high strung. Your French Pin will get along with children but care should be taken as he can be possessive of his food and of his toys. Supervise your children at all times and explain to them that the French Pin is to be left on his own when he is enjoying his meal or chewing in a toy. Your hybrid will be happiest in a one dog family, though he can adapt if the introduction of another furry family member is done when he is a puppy. He is not a fan of the feline species, but again, might adapt if paired up at a young age.

French Pin Activity Requirements

Your French Pin can live comfortably is either a house or an apartment. He can be energetic and sometimes want to bounce around and rule the roost and because of this, a house with a yard in which to let out a burst of energy now and then is ideal. Make sure the yard is secure in case your French Pin's prey drive goes into high gear. You don't want him darting out into traffic after a squirrel. Off leash walking is not recommended at all - he may know his recall commands but choose not to obey when on the chase. Possibly prone to obesity, daily walks are a must. This hybrid may mind the heat and can easily over exert themselves on a hot day. Exercise in the shade and make sure water is available.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to French Pin

Similarly Sized Breeds to French Pin

French Pin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 11/08/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

French Pin Owner Experiences

Question - New pet

Question

Im in the search for a dog and am not sure what breed to get, I know I want a small, indoor dog but other rhan that idk, any advice???

Answer

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