The MPCA Judges' Education Committee recently reformated and updated the illustrated breed standard in an effort to improve the MPCA's judges' education material. The MPCA is dedicated to educating both judges and breeders alike.

The illustrated standard is divided into sections with a link to each section on the navigation bar on the left.

General Appearance

AKC STANDARD: The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short coupled, smooth-coated dog. He naturally is well groomed, proud, vigorous and aleart. Characteristic traits are his hackney like action, fearless animation, complete self-possession and his spirited presence.

DISCUSSION:The Miniature Pinscher is nicknamed the "King of Toys" and his self-possession, proud bearing and well balanced appearance should convince the judge that he deserves that title. He is a natural show dog, not posed or stacked on the floor like many toy breeds, but rather taught to free stack and show himself off.
Miniature Pinschers are judged on the ground, NOT on the table. Use the table ONLY to check bite, eye color, for disqualifying faults (thumb marks, white marks over 1/2 inch, or disqualifying height), and for the presence of both testicles in males. As long as these important points can be determined, do not fault a Min Pin for moving during the examination. Because Min Pins are short coated, physical features and condition can be easily seen; judges do not need to touch every inch of the dog on the table.
Min Pins should be moved around the ring once before tabling. Because they are "high spirited", this helps to take the "edge" off. While gaiting, especially the first time around the ring, many Min Pins break gait or stop at least once to shake themselves; this is "breed normal" and should not be penalized. A Min Pin should move with head and tail up, however ears do not have to be up while moving. After the initial examination, judges who wish to re-check a point on a dog should ask the handler to place it back on the table. Reaching down on a Min Pin from above can be very disturbing, even though temperament is correct.

Size, Proportion and Substance

AKC STANDARD: Size, Proportion and Substance - SIZE - 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches in height allowed, with desired height 11 inches to 11 1/2 inches measured at highest point of the shoulder blades. DISQUALIFICATION - Under 10 inches or over 12 1/2 inches in height. Length of males equals height at withers. Females may be slighty longer.

DISCUSSION: Because the standard permits a 2 1/2 inch spread between the smallest and largest allowed sizes, judges may see a great variation in size in the average class of Min Pins. All dogs within the 10 - 12 1/2 inch range must be judged equally


Proportion and balance are more important than height. A judge should look for the Miniature Pinscher showing proper breed type, balance, soundness and tempermant. This dog should be your choice, regardless of size, as long as it is within the size limit allowed. A typey, well-constructed Min Pin should look the same, regardless of size. Size, in itself, is never a fault as long as it is within the standard.

IF IN DOUBT MEASURE! Finally, if a judge has a question as to whether or not one of his exhibits in "in size" or not, please do yourself, the exhibitor and the breed a favor by measuring it! You as the judge are responsible for upholding the breed standard. Ignoring a dog in your placements because you "think" it is too big or too small is unfair to the exhibitor and the breed.