Information on AKC Affenpinscher Puppies
Affenpinscher Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence
and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher
means, "monkey-like terrier." The breed was developed to rid the kitchens,
granaries, and stables of rodents. In France the breed is described as the "Diablotin
Moustachu" or moustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and
attitude of this delightful breed. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher
is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having
a neat but shaggy appearance.
Size, Proportion, Substance
A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. Preferred height
at the withers is 9 1/2" to 11 1/2". Withers height is approximately the
same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to point of the
buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.
Head
The head is in proportion to the body, carried confidently with monkey-like
facial expression. Eyes-- Round, dark, brilliant, and of medium size in proportion
to the head but not bulging or protruding. Eye rims are black. Ears-- Cropped
to a point, set high and standing erect; or natural, standing erect, semi-erect
or dropped. All of the above types of ears, if symmetrical, are acceptable as
long as the monkey-like expression is maintained. Skull--Round and domed, but
not coarse. Stop--Well-defined. Muzzle-- Short and narrowing slightly to a blunt
nose. The length of the muzzle is approximately the same as the distance between
the eyes. Nose-- Black, turned neither up nor down. Lips--
Black, with prominent lower lip. Bite-- Slightly undershot. A level bite is
acceptable if the monkey-like expression is maintained. An overshot bite is
to be severely penalized. A wry mouth is a serious fault. The teeth and tongue
do not show when the mouth is closed. The lower jaw is broad enough for the
lower teeth to be straight and even.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck-- Short and straight. Topline straight and level. Body--The chest is moderately
broad and deep; ribs are moderately sprung. Tuckup is slight. The back is short
and level with a strong loin. The croup has just a perceptible curve. Tail may
be docked or natural. A docked tail is generally between 1" and 2" long, set
high and carried erect. The natural tail is set high and carried curved gently
up over the back while moving. The type of tail is not a major consideration.
Forequarters
Front angulation is moderate. Shoulders-- with moderate layback. The length
of the shoulder blade and the upper arm are about equal. Elbows-- close to the
body. Front legs straight when viewed from any direction. Pasterns short and
straight. Dewclaws generally removed. Feet small, round, and compact with black
pads and nails.
Hindquarters
Rear angulation is moderate to match the front. Hindlegs straight when viewed
from behind. From the side, hindlegs are set under the body to maintain a square
appearance. The length of the upper thigh and the second thigh are about equal
with moderate bend to the stifle. Hocks-- Moderately angulated.
Coat
Dense hair, rough, harsh, and about 1" in length on the shoulders and body.
May be shorter on the rear and tail. Head, neck, chest, stomach and legs have
longer, less harsh coat. The mature Affenpinscher has a mane or cape of strong
hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. The longer hair on
the head, eyebrows and beard stands off and frames the face to emphasize the
monkey-like expression. Hair on the ears is cut very short. A correct coat needs
little grooming to blend the various lengths of hair to maintain a neat but
shaggy appearance.
Color
Black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, or belge are all acceptable. Blacks
may have a rusty cast or a few white or silver hairs mixed with the black. Reds
may vary from a brownish red to an orangey tan. Belge has black, brown, and/or
white hairs mixed with the red. With various colors, the furnishings may be
a bit lighter. Some dogs may have black masks. A small white spot on the chest
is not penalized, but large white patches are undesirable. Color is not a major
consideration.
Gait
Light, free, sound, balanced, confident, the Affenpinscher carries itself with
comic seriousness. Viewed from the front or rear while walking, the legs move
parallel to each other. Trotting, the feet will converge toward a midline as
speed increases. Unsound gait is to be heavily penalized.
Temperament
General demeanor is game, alert, and inquisitive with great loyalty and affection
toward its master and friends. The breed is generally quiet, but can become
vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor.
Approved June 12, 2000
Effective July 27, 2000
