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A definition in Henne’s “Dictionary of the German Language” indicates that Pinscher is “borrowed from the English word pincher, meaning one who pinches, nips or tweaks.”
A member of the Toy Group in the U.S. and Canada, the Min Pin is included in guard dog Group 2 in FCI classification along with breeds such as the Boxer, Doberman, Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Great Dane (working trial not required).

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=pinscher

http://minpin.org/history.htm

I put about *thismuch* stock in the useless AKC.

For instance, the AKC says this of Dobermanns

The breed originated in Germany, around 1900, taking its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, a tax collector, who desired a medium size dog to perform as a guard dog as well as companion. Breeds utilized to develop the Doberman Pinscher may have included, the old shorthaired shepherd, Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher.

The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself as friend and guardian, As is developed, its qualities of intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training brought it into demand as a police and war dog.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America, founded in 1921 has continued to this day to foster the breed.

Only recently have they dropped the insane “Weimeraner” connection but still claims the spurious Rott connection.

Herr Gruenig, who actually had more to do with setting the final type of the Dobermann after Louis died not long after his quest began, says this:
http://www.blitzkrieger.com/breedhistory.html

I would tend to believe the people who *were there* versus the subsequent conjectures.

In Europe, the “Pinscher” part has been dropped as being incorrect.

MinPins are ratters and guards, as are German Pinschers.
Terriers are ‘earth dogs’, hence the name.

German Pinschers are exhibited in the working group, not terriers.

“In 1919 the miniature pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring. At the time, not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the zwergpinscher (little biter)”

It does the MinPin a great disservice to be unceremoniously thrown into the ‘toy group” as it’s truly a hundred pound dog in a fifteen pound body.

[yeah, I know...picky picky picky]

;]