Although similar in appearance to the Doberman Pinscher, the Minpin is not a "Miniature Doberman.”  Conversely, in 1890, the Doberman was purposely bred to resemble its smaller cousin.  Minpins appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago, although factual documentation on this breed goes back less than 200 years.  Miniature Pinschers and Dobermann Pinschers do share common ancestors.  Similarities between the two may result from a common genetic relation to the German Pinscher.  Some genetic stock may also have been contributed by the Italian Greyhound, the Manchester Terrier, and the Dachshund.  The source of confusion regarding the relationship between the Doberman and the Miniature Pinscher may have been the result of a Miniature Pinscher breed standard from the 1930s, which basically stated that the breed should appear as a Doberman in miniature.  The Miniature Pinscher was imported into the U.S. in 1919 and was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1925.