Harlequin Pinscher

The Harlequin Pinscher is a type of Miniature Pinscher, which is a toy-sized dog. It originated in Germany and was created by crossing traditional Miniature Pinschers with various toy-sized short-haired terriers. It originated in Germany where it was used to kill rats and mice. It is known by several different names including the Harlequin Pinscher, Spotted Pinscher, Merle Pinscher, Harlequin Miniature Pinscher and the Harlequin Min Pin. It is believed that the Harlequin Pinscher was created in Germany some time during the late 18th century. They were likely the result of crosses between traditional Miniature Pinschers and Toy Fox Terriers or Rat Terriers. While Harlequin and other Min Pins were mainly used for ratting throughout history, they were also cherished pets. Harlequin Pinschers nearly became extinct following World War II; however, a group of enthusiasts worked together to revive the breed by collecting worthy specimens to breed. Today, although the Harlequin Pinscher is rather rare, select Min Pin breeders are working hard to establish it as a pure-breed that is eligible for registration.

Known History

The Harlequin Pinscher is an established breed from a one time cross or a Rat Terrier x Miniature Pinscher and taking that patterned offspring and breed back exclusively for 7 generations to develop the now known Harlequin Pinscher. Before the extinction of the original Harlequin Pinscher it originated in Germany and was created by crossing traditional Miniature Pinschers with unknown short-haired terriers or hounds with merle genetics. In Germany it was used to kill rats and mice. It is known by several different names including the Harlequin Pinscher, Spotted Pinscher, and Merle Pinscher. It is believed that the original Harlequin Pinscher was created in Germany some time during the late 18th century.

Breed Name

The Breed is named 'Harlequin Pinscher' however there are NO Harlequin genes currently known within the breed itself. To date the only breed to be genetically known to have the Harlequin gene within their genetic make-up is the Great Dane.

Appearance

Harlequin Pinschers are small dogs that weigh anywhere from 4-26# with 3 weight categories per the Harlequin Pinscher Association official Breed Standard. They are smooth coated with coats of Red, Black, Brown, Blue, Fawn, Tan or Blue-Fawn with patterns of Merle, Brindle, Piebald, Tri, Tuxedo or combinations of the patterns as well as Tweed being an additional pattern in Merle coat dogs. Markings: Tan or Rust markings are required on all Black, Brown, Blue or Fawn coated dogs. The ears can be Natural drooped, Cropped or Natural Erect. The tails can be natural long, docked or Natural Bob-tail.

Genetics

The Harlequin Pinscher should only be bred by knowledgeable breeders who can breed responsibly. The Merle gene is a modifying gene which is semi-lethal when breeding Merle x Merle. Bred responsibly the Merle gene is no different than any other - breed irresponsibly and puppies can die in the uterus causing health issues for the mother or puppies can be born deaf, blind and/or deformed. Never-Never breed a Merle to another Merle. Merle genes are dominant thus a dog HAS TO BE a merle to produce Merle offspring however Red coated dogs may hide the Merle gene. The Brindle and Piebald genes are safe genes to breed together. Red dogs can have black or brown noses, paw pads and eye rims.

Red dogs should only be used in a Merle breeding program by a responsible and knowledgeable breeder and all Red puppies placed should either be genetically tested for the Merle gene or bred to non-merle mates if the Merle gene is not readily visible. A Stag Red (*black overlay on the coat) Merle can easily be identified as a Merle. Black/Tan dogs will have black noses, paw pads and eye rims. Blue/Tan dogs must have blue noses, blue paw pads and blue eye rims. Brown/Tan dogs must have a brown nose, paw pads and eye rims. Fawn/Tan dogs must have brown noses, paw pads and eye rims. Tan dogs will have a peach-colored tinted coat with brown noses, paw pads and eye rims. Blue-Fawn will have a blue tinted coat over a fawn base coat with blue nose, paw pads and eye rims.

Origin & History

Harlequin Pinschers originated in Germany and were created by crossing traditional Miniature Pinschers with unknown Merle coated terriers or hounds. Harlequin Pinschers became extinct due to the lack of knowledge of how to safely breed Merle patterned dogs. The Harlequin Pinschers of today are a developed breed from using patterned Rat Terriers of Merle, Brindle and Piebald to re-establish the breed.

Uses

These tiny dogs were once used as ratters and still have the instinct to be rodent hunters, however today they are more known as lovable loyal companions.

Temperament

Harlequin Pinschers are known for their alert and inquisitive expressions. These little dogs are fearless despite their small size. In fact, many fanciers state that the Harlie is a big dog in a small body. They can be aggressive if not socialized at a young age. They can be protective of their family. They tend to have a slight stubborn streak that makes it imperative that the owner become the dominant one in the relationship from the start.

Health

Harlequin Pinschers like all breeds have health issues they are prone to. The most common health issues include Patellar Luxation - PLL, MPS VI, Cystinuria, Cryptorchidism, Hypoglycemia, Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA), Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia (BHFD), and Epilepsy. CDA is a wide spread issue with dogs with dilute coats (*Blue & Fawn). BHFD is found in Black coated dogs. The Harlequin Pinscher Association requires all breeding dogs in their database to be tested and found clear of PLL, MPS VI and Cystinuria in order to register litters from those dogs.

References

Nancy Anderson - Founding Breeder

Harlequin Pinscher Association - HPA harlequinpinscherassociation.com

Permission for use of info was obtained from Nancy Anderson and the HPA.