Carlin Standard
History
Conceived as a short-haired, spunky, and unique breed, the Carlin Pinscher is bred to be a companion of distinction.
The earliest reference to Carlin Pinschers is to be found online, citing Carlin Pinscher-type dogs appearing in the early 1990's. Planned breedings of Carlin Pinschers are mentioned as occurring in the year 2000. However, no verifiable documentation of these breedings, or subsequent offspring, has surfaced to date. The first documented, verifiable litter of Carlin Pinschers was bred in 2002 by April Truscott.
In 2006, the Carlin Pinscher Association of America was founded to promote, protect, preserve, and further these unique dogs as a breed.
The Carlin Pinscher is a toy-sized dog, bred as a companion. Although Pug and Miniature Pinscher are historically the most commonly used breeds, other breeds are accepted as contributing to type.
About the Standard:
The format of the Carlin Pinscher standard was developed to help prevent trends, 'breed drift', or similar effects from altering the breed type of the Carlin Pinscher. An attempt to limit the need for interpretation is made in all areas. Additionally, all further reviews and revisions should attempt to further limit this need.
This standard may be used in both traditional evaluations of quality (ie by individuals and in 'show' settings), and in ratings performed by the CPAA.
The standard will only be reviewed, revised, and/or corrected at the following intervals from implementation: six months, one year, two years, three years, five years, seven years, and ten years. Following the ten-year review, the CPAA Board shall make a determination as to the need of future intervals.
This standard is accepted and approved on the date of 15SEP06.
General
The first impression of a Carlin Pinscher is one of strength, agility, and balance. The Carlin is cobby, not lean, but he should not appear overly bulky. All parts of his body are in harmony with the whole. Extreme exaggeration of any feature is undesirable.
He may be aloof with strangers, but is never aggressive, nor shy.
Carlin Pinschers must be shown in their natural state, including muzzle whiskers. The only hairs that may be cut, clipped, trimmed, etc are the stray hairs on the tip of the tail.
Use of dyes to disguise coat-color 'bleed-through', darkening of markings, or other alterations of color are absolutely prohibited.
Any other signs of clipping of hair or alteration of color call for a rating of zero, or immediate excusal from the ring.
Carlin Pinschers are not miniature Rottweilers, nor should they be an exact replica.
Size and Proportion:
The Carlin is slightly longer than tall, when measured from ground to withers, and forward-most point of the shoulder to rear-most point of the pelvic bone. The ideal height to length ratio is 9:10.
The Carlin is slightly longer than tall, when measured from ground to withers, and forward-most point of the shoulder to rear-most point of the pelvic bone. The ideal height to length ratio is 9:10.It bears repeating that the Carlin Pinscher is not meant to be an over-muscled dog, however he is cobby in appearance.
It bears repeating that the Carlin Pinscher is not meant to be an over-muscled dog, however he is cobby in appearance.Weight, ideally, is no more than 17 pounds as the Carlin is a toy breed. No less than 10 pounds.
Weight, ideally, is no more than 17 pounds as the Carlin is a toy breed. No less than 10 pounds.Weight and height shall be in proportion.
Weight and height shall be in proportion.Coat:
General Appearance
General AppearanceThe hair is not fine, but nor is it overly coarse.
The hair is not fine, but nor is it overly coarse.Smooth and dense without areas of thinness resembling baldness.
Smooth and dense without areas of thinness resembling baldness.Short, although not ultra-short, as in the Miniature Pinscher.
Short, although not ultra-short, as in the Miniature Pinscher.An undercoat may be present in many individuals, giving the appearance of a short ruff around the neck, and short breeches on the hind legs.
An undercoat may be present in many individuals, giving the appearance of a short ruff around the neck, and short breeches on the hind legs.Color:
Color:Carlin Pinscher color variations include both solid and pointed ('and tan', 'and rust', 'and mahogany', etc). All allowable colors are to be evaluated and judged equally, with none favored.
Carlin Pinscher color variations include both solid and pointed ('and tan', 'and rust', 'and mahogany', etc). All allowable colors are to be evaluated and judged equally, with none favored.White markings are undesirable; however, a small (less than one inch in any direction) white mark on the chest or a white toe is not a disqualification.
White markings are undesirable; however, a small (less than one inch in any direction) white mark on the chest or a white toe is not a disqualification.The nose leather is black, except in chocolate and dilute-phase dogs where it may be self-colored.
The nose leather is black, except in chocolate and dilute-phase dogs where it may be self-colored.In tan pointed dogs the point margins must be clearly defined. Any color from the lightest tan to dark mahogany is allowed for point-color. The points shall be as follows:
In tan pointed dogs the point margins must be clearly defined. Any color from the lightest tan to dark mahogany is allowed for point-color. The points shall be as follows:oOne mark above each eye.
One mark above each eye.oOne mark on either side of the sternum. These marks may touch in some specimens, however, clearly defined, separate marks are preferred.
One mark on either side of the sternum. These marks may touch in some specimens, however, clearly defined, separate marks are preferred.oOne mark under the tail, vent area.
One mark under the tail, vent area.oOne mark one either side of -but not crossing- the nose, extending stripe-like along the length of the face to cover the cheek. These marks meet under and cover the throat
One mark one either side of -but not crossing- the nose, extending stripe-like along the length of the face to cover the cheek. These marks meet under and cover the throatoCovering each foot, and the inner portion of each leg to the mid-section of the upper leg.
Covering each foot, and the inner portion of each leg to the mid-section of the upper leg.Serious fault: White areas larger than 1 inch in length or width.
Serious fault: White areas larger than 1 inch in length or width. Disqualifications: Albinism.
Disqualifications: Albinism.Head:
Overall Appearance
Overall AppearanceWhen dog is relaxed, the forehead is dry; when alert, wrinkling is preferred.
When dog is relaxed, the forehead is dry; when alert, wrinkling is preferred.When viewed from the side, the lines formed by the top of the skull and the top of the muzzle should be parallel. The distance between these lines should be approximately one-third of the distance from stop to bottom jaw-line.
When viewed from the side, the lines formed by the top of the skull and the top of the muzzle should be parallel. The distance between these lines should be approximately one-third of the distance from stop to bottom jaw-line.Nose is black, self-colored in dilute-colored dogs.
Nose is black, self-colored in dilute-colored dogs.Skull:
Skull:When viewed from above, distance from the tip of the occipital bone to stop should roughly equal the widest point of the skull measured zygomatic arch to zygomatic arch.
When viewed from above, distance from the tip of the occipital bone to stop should roughly equal the widest point of the skull measured zygomatic arch to zygomatic arch.When viewed from the side, the skull should be off-square in proportion, although not in shape.
When viewed from the side, the skull should be off-square in proportion, although not in shape.Side profile should show a slight, but definite brow ridge.
Side profile should show a slight, but definite brow ridge.Ears: Semi-erect, button-type
Ears: Semi-erect, button-typeWhen alert, the crease at point of fold-over should be above and nearly parallel to the line formed by the top of the skull. The crease should be well-defined. The inner edge should lie against the face. The tip of the ear should be level with the corner of the eye.
When alert, the crease at point of fold-over should be above and nearly parallel to the line formed by the top of the skull. The crease should be well-defined. The inner edge should lie against the face. The tip of the ear should be level with the corner of the eye. When relaxed, the ears may fall away from the parallel, tip of ear may fall below the corner of the eye.
When relaxed, the ears may fall away from the parallel, tip of ear may fall below the corner of the eye.Serious faults: erect, erect with 'soft' tips, spaniel-type, or 'fly' ears
Serious faults: erect, erect with 'soft' tips, spaniel-type, or 'fly' earsEyes:
Eyes: Almond shaped.
Almond shaped.Dark colored, except in chocolate or dilute dogs, where lighter eyes are permitted. A darker eye will always be preferred.
Dark colored, except in chocolate or dilute dogs, where lighter eyes are permitted. A darker eye will always be preferred.Lids should fit tightly, neither rolling out or rolling in, nor drooping.
Lids should fit tightly, neither rolling out or rolling in, nor drooping.Eyes should not tear excessively, as with blocked tear ducts.
Eyes should not tear excessively, as with blocked tear ducts.Serious fault: Blue eyes, light eyes. Ectropian (drooping or rolling outward) of the eyelid.
Serious fault: Blue eyes, light eyes. Ectropian (drooping or rolling outward) of the eyelid.Disqualifications: Entropian (rolling inwards). Evidence of excessive tearing.
Disqualifications: Entropian (rolling inwards). Evidence of excessive tearing.Muzzle:
Muzzle:Blunt ended, when viewed from the side and above.
Blunt ended, when viewed from the side and above.Tapering slightly from skull to tip.
Tapering slightly from skull to tip.Ideal muzzle/skull angle forming the stop being greater than 90 degrees, with the top of the muzzle and top of skull forming parallel lines.
Ideal muzzle/skull angle forming the stop being greater than 90 degrees, with the top of the muzzle and top of skull forming parallel lines.Stop is present, but not over-pronounced.
Stop is present, but not over-pronounced.Ratio (length) of muzzle to skull, measured stop to tip of occipital bone, equals 2:3
Ratio (length) of muzzle to skull, measured stop to tip of occipital bone, equals 2:3When measured at the stop, the muzzle should be narrower than the skull by at least one-tenth. An overly wide muzzle is as objectionable as a narrow muzzle.
When measured at the stop, the muzzle should be narrower than the skull by at least one-tenth. An overly wide muzzle is as objectionable as a narrow muzzle.Sides of the muzzle should be free from extreme wrinkling.
Sides of the muzzle should be free from extreme wrinkling.Scissor bite preferred, level bite not penalized
Scissor bite preferred, level bite not penalizedMissing or damaged teeth due to age or injury should not be penalized.
Missing or damaged teeth due to age or injury should not be penalized.Fault: Pointed muzzle, reverse scissor bite
Fault: Pointed muzzle, reverse scissor biteSerious fault: Undershot, overshot, retained primary teeth, wry mouth, severely misaligned teeth.
Serious fault: Undershot, overshot, retained primary teeth, wry mouth, severely misaligned teeth.Forequarters
The scapula lays at approximately 40 degrees from vertical, providing moderate layback and definition of the withers.
The scapula lays at approximately 40 degrees from vertical, providing moderate layback and definition of the withers.The chest is never narrow, but should not be overly wide as to give the impression of a 'bully' front.
The chest is never narrow, but should not be overly wide as to give the impression of a 'bully' front.When viewed from the front, the legs are straight to the pastern, with elbows fitting closely to the body.
When viewed from the front, the legs are straight to the pastern, with elbows fitting closely to the body.The feet are compact and cat-like, and point to the front.
The feet are compact and cat-like, and point to the front.Front dewclaws may be removed.
Front dewclaws may be removed.Neck, Topline, Body:
Neck
NeckSlightly arched, without excess folds of skin.
Slightly arched, without excess folds of skin.From the base of the skull, to the withers, the neck shall be approximately 1/3 the length of the distance of withers to the base of the tail.
From the base of the skull, to the withers, the neck shall be approximately 1/3 the length of the distance of withers to the base of the tail.Neither fine nor coarse, the neck is in proportion with the whole.
Neither fine nor coarse, the neck is in proportion with the whole.Topline
ToplineLevel or sloping slightly to the rear. Withers are defined.
Level or sloping slightly to the rear. Withers are defined.Body
BodyRibs are well sprung, but dogs are never to be barrel-chested.
Ribs are well sprung, but dogs are never to be barrel-chested.The depth of the chest (brisket) extends to the elbow.
The depth of the chest (brisket) extends to the elbow.Hindquarters:
Appropriately muscled, as to contribute to the overall appearance of balance; width is in balance with that of the front.
Appropriately muscled, as to contribute to the overall appearance of balance; width is in balance with that of the front.Rear angulation is balanced with that of the front; the stifle is never straight. A line drawn from the rear-most point of the pelvic bone to the front of the hock to the ground would be perpendicular.
Rear angulation is balanced with that of the front; the stifle is never straight. A line drawn from the rear-most point of the pelvic bone to the front of the hock to the ground would be perpendicular.The legs are straight and parallel to one another, both in motion and rest.
The legs are straight and parallel to one another, both in motion and rest.The feet are as in the front, except rear dewclaws are to be removed.
The feet are as in the front, except rear dewclaws are to be removed.Faults: Straight stifle, sickle-hocked, cow-hocked or pigeon-toed.
Faults: Straight stifle, sickle-hocked, cow-hocked or pigeon-toed.Gait:
The Carlin Pinscher has a jaunty, prancing, hackney-like gait with the rear feet touching the print of the rear. The gait is two-beat diagonal; pacing is considered a major fault.
Temperament:
Carlins are naturally alert, watchful dogs. They may show some suspicion or reserve toward unknown persons, but are never aggressive or overly shy.
Thanks to Jen for providing the standard!
