General
As referenced by the American Kennel Club, the following is the breed standard for the Min Pin.
The Miniature Pinscher is structurally a well balanced, sturdy, compact, short-coupled, smooth-coated dog. The Min Pin is naturally a well groomed, proud, vigorous and alert dog.
Characteristic traits are a hackney-like action, fearless animation, complete self-possession, and a very spirited presence.
Colors
There are four color variations the AKC regognizes:
red, stag red (red with a mix of black hairs), black and rust, or chocolate and rust.
Disqualifications: Any color other than listed, including the "blue" variation. Thumb mark (patch of black hair surrounded by rust on the front of the foreleg between the foot and the wrist; on chocolates, the patch is chocolate hair). White on any part of dog which exceeds one-half inch in its longest dimension.
Coat
Smooth, hard and short, straight and lustrous, closely adhering to and uniformly covering the body.
Size
10 inches to 12 1/2 inches in height is allowed, although the desired height 11 inches to 11 1/2 inches measured at highest point of the shoulder blades. Length of males equals height at withers. Females may be slightly longer.
Disqualifications: Under 10 inches or over 12 1/2 inches in height.
Gait
The forelegs and hind legs move parallel, with feet turning neither in nor out. The hackney-like action is a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear. The head and tail are carried high.