Miniature Pinscher vs. Min Pin: Part 4 Old American ideal

The American and European Miniature Pinschers did not become what they are today overnight. The breed could have gone in a number of directions. Both strength and frailness were available in the early German Miniature Pinscher and old American Min Pins. Over time, diversity of styles was naturally phased out to unify the breed according to standard and category. As the breed advanced in Europe, stricter attention was given to the development of strong bodies, while in the U.S., the greatest focus was given to creating and accommodating the hackney-like gait.

Prior to the 1980s, the ideal was Rebel Roc's Casanova Von Kurt, known as "Little Daddy," born Sept. 11, 1958. He has been called "the greatest American-bred toy dog of all time."³ His image continues to be used everywhere, on websites, books, logos, to represent "the" American Miniature Pinscher.

Ironically, Little Daddy did not have a hackney-like gait,⁴ which is considered an American Min Pin's distinguishing characteristic. Today, without a proper hackney, this most famous of American Miniature Pinschers would not qualify under the AKC standard, despite his many appealing qualities.