Carlin Pinscher Breed Standard
- Purpose:
- The Carlin Pinscher is a North American breed, developed solely to be a companion. Breeds used in creation were primarily Pug and Miniature Pinscher; other breeds thought to contribute to type (such as Harlequin Pinscher, Beagle, and French Bulldog) were added at various times.
- General:
- The Carlin Pinscher is a small-to-medium dog with a square skull and muzzle, a moderately-short nose, button ears, and medium-large eyes. The desired length to height ratio (point of sternum to point of buttocks) is 10:9. The coat is short and glossy. While athletic in appearance, the Carlin is not to be over-muscled.
- The overall impression should be one of an alert, well-balanced dog who is often standoffish with strangers.
- Head:
- The distinctive headpiece of the Carlin Pinscher is one of the defining characteristics of the breed. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the headpiece as a whole. The shape of the head and muzzle when viewed from above is a slightly tapering, blunt-ended wedge. The stop is defined, without an excess of forehead.
- Muzzle:
- The muzzle is medium length, tapering slightly to the nose. A scissors bite is preferred, although a level bite should not count against a good dog. The lines of the top of the muzzle and the top of the head are parallel. The zygomatic arch is well defined, with adequate cheek fill. The nose is black in color, or self-colored in chocolate or dilute-phase dogs.
- Eyes
- The eyes of the Carlin Pinscher contribute greatly to the overall appearance and appeal of the dog. Eyes should be medium-large in size, set moderately deep, and should complement the face, providing a soft, slightly 'puppyish' appearance. Eyes are almond shaped, never narrow or round. Dark brown colored in black dogs; self-colored in all others. Blue or partially blue eyes are permissible in merle dogs and dilute-phase dogs.
- Faults: Protruding eyes. Completely round, or narrow eyes. Small, 'piggy' eyes are a serious fault. Blue eyes in a non-merle or non-dilute-phase dog.
- Disqualifications: entropion, ectropion.
- Ears
- The ears are triangular buttons which hang with the inner edge lying against the face.
- Faults: Rose or fly ears.
- Neck:
- The neck is muscular, slightly arched, and tapers very slightly from the head to the shoulders. The neck blends smoothly into the shoulders.
- Forequarters:
- The shoulders are muscled and well laid back. The upper and lower arm should be the same length, and are set at ninety degrees to one another. The elbows are tight to the body. The forelegs give the appearance of strength and sturdy bone. The pasterns are strong, short, and nearly vertical.
- Body:
- The topline is level. The ribs are well-sprung and the chest is well-defined, with the brisket extending down to the elbow. Viewed from the front the chest is wide. The back is wide and muscled.
- Hindquarters:
- The angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the angulation of the forequarters, with upper and lower thighs being approximately the same length. The pasterns should be short and held perpendicular to the ground. The feet are compact and cat-like.
- The tail may be docked at the second vertebrae, or left natural; no preference is given. The tail at rest will be level with the topline, but when the dog is excited, the tail is held erect.
- Coat
- Short, single or double. The top coat is to be glossy, and smooth. If an undercoat is present, it is to be soft, dense, and close fitting. A fringe may be present on the neck and thighs. Coat may have a slight wave to it.
- Whiskers are not removed.
- The coat is to be left natural, without dyes, chalks, scissoring/clipping (other than removal of individual stray hairs), or other alterations.
- Faults: other than as described. Overly fine, short coats. The appearance of baldness of the throat, top of head, or chest.
- Disqualification: Alteration of coat by artificial means.
- Color
- The Carlin Pinscher may be black, chocolate, blue, Isabela/lilac/fawn, or any of these with merle patterning. Regardless of color, tan points must be present. Nose leather and eye-rims should be black in black dogs, and self-colored in others.
- No color is preferred over another.
- A very small amount of white, especially on the chest or toes, should not be counted against a good dog.
- Faults: Any color other than listed here. Lighter shading showing throughout the coat. White patches larger than one inch in any direction. Lack of clearly defined tan points.
- Disqualifications: Albinism or 'double merle.'