Differences and Similarities between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Miniature Pinscher: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Miniature Pinscher. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Miniature Pinscher is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Miniature Pinscher belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Miniature Pinscher based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Miniature Pinscher
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 8 to 11 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1470
Price Range $400 – $1200 $825 – $1500
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 82.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Miniature Pinscher. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Miniature Pinscher is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Miniature Pinscher. So, you should get the American Pit Bull Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Miniature Pinschers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is 12.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Miniature Pinschers.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Miniature Pinscher

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Miniature Pinscher.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Pinscher is 82.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.5 percent, the Miniature Pinscher has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 57 Miniature Pinschers.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Miniature Pinscher

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Miniature Pinscher puppy is $1470. The price of the Miniature Pinscher typically ranges from $825 – $1500. However, the price of the Miniature Pinscher can be as low as $100 and as high as $50000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 159 Miniature Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Pinscher is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Miniature Pinscher
    Average Price $1140 $1470
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $825 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Miniature Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Miniature Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Miniature Pinscher puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Miniature Pinscher

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Miniature Pinschers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Fathead that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Fathead on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Miniature Pinschers are also available for adoption. For example, Zeus is a Male Miniature Pinscher that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Pinschers like Zeus that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Sid is an adorable Male Miniature Pinscher on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Miniature Pinschers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Miniature Pinschers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Miniature Pinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Pinschers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Miniature Pinschers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Miniature Pinscher

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Miniature Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Miniature Pinschers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Miniature Pinschers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Miniature Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Miniature Pinschers?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Miniature Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Miniature Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Miniature Pinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Miniature Pinscher:

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Miniature Pinscher compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Miniature Pinscher to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Carolina Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenpinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Afghan Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Leonberger     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shihpoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Azawakh     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chi-Poo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus German Pinscher     Miniature Pinscher versus Shih Tzu          Miniature Pinscher versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Cavapoo     Miniature Pinscher versus Havanese     Miniature Pinscher versus Redbone Coonhound     Miniature Pinscher versus Mastiff     Miniature Pinscher versus German Shepherd Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Siberian Husky     Miniature Pinscher versus Cockalier     Miniature Pinscher versus Papipoo     Miniature Pinscher versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Vizsla     Miniature Pinscher versus Australian Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Miniature Pinscher versus Siberian Husky     Miniature Pinscher versus Great Pyrenees     Miniature Pinscher versus Australian Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Miniature Pinscher versus Morkie     Miniature Pinscher versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Miniature Pinscher versus Schipperke     Miniature Pinscher versus Border Collie     Miniature Pinscher versus Dachshund     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher better suits you and your family.