Discussion About the AKC Affenpinscher Standard:
The original 1936 AKC Standard was very basic and open to a lot of variation in the breed. This could possibly explain why still today the breed has so much variation. To complicate matters, the breed also underwent changes reflecting its need to exchange genes with the parent country of Germany and other foreign countries. As much of Europe has succumbed to pressure calling for bans on docking and cropping, the standard here was changed to satisfy those who wished to breed dogs that would be competitive both in the US and abroad. The size of the dogs has also changed allowing larger dogs.
The 1990 AKC Standard, used the word terrier-like to describe the breed, which is accurate only to a point. The Affenpinscher functions as a ratter and small vermin catcher, however, they do not go to ground like most terrier breeds. In the same standard is a very loose translation of the word "Affenpinscher" to "monkey-like terrier." As the word "terrier" was not chosen by the Germans at the time of the naming of the breed, this is a false interpretation of that translation. More correctly would be a more generic term like "dog." This misinterpretation has lead to the belief that the Affenpinscher is the descendant of "terrier forebears," which according to the late 1800's German Studbook, "Stammbäume," that outlines the Affenpinscher's very first introduction, is completely false.
The FCI standard which incorporates breed standards from their country of origin does not have the word "terrier" in their accepted breed standard for Affenpinschers. The Affenpinscher, according to its German breed history, is one of the oldest and smallest of the Schnauzer-Pinscher breeds with its closest cousins being the Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Pinscher.
THE ORIGINAL AKC AFFENPINSCHER STANDARD
The original Affenpinscher standard in the US was approved by the AKC on September 15, 1936 and read as the following:
“Affenpinscher
As with most toys, general appearance is one of, if not the most important single point in the Affenpinscher. Details are of secondary importance and anatomical variations are of small concern.
General Appearance---Small, but rather sturdy in build and not delicate in any way. He carries himself with comical seriousness and he is generally quiet and a very devoted pal. He can get vehemently excited, however, when attacked and is fearless toward any aggressor.
Coat---A very important factor. It is short and dense in certain parts and shaggy and longer in others, but should be hard and wiry. It is longer and more loose and shaggy on the legs and around the eyes, nose and chin, giving the typical monkeylike appearance from whence comes his name. The best color is black, matching his eyes and fiery temperament. However, black with tan markings, red, gray, and other mixtures are permissible. Very light colors and white markings are a fault.
Head---Should be round and not too heavy, with well-domed forehead.
Eyes---Should be round, of good size, black and very brilliant. Ears---Rather small, set high, pointed and erect, usually clipped to a point. Muzzle---Must be short and rather pointed with a black nose. The upper jaw is a trifle shorter than the lower jaw, while the teeth should close together; a slight undershot condition is not material. The teeth, however, should not show.
Neck---Short and straight.
Body---The back should be straight with its length about equal to the height at the shoulder. Chest should be reasonably deep and the body should show only a slight tuck-up at the loin. Legs---Front legs should be straight as possible. Hind legs without much bend at the hocks and set well under the body. Feet---Should be round, small and compact. Turned neither in nor out, with preferably black pads and nails. Tail---Cut short, set and carried high.
Size---The smaller dog, if of characteristic type, is more valuable, and the shoulder height should not exceed 10 1/4 inches in any case.”*
*The Complete Dog Book, The History and Standard of Breeds Admitted to AKC Registration, and the Training, Feeding, Care and Handling of Pure-Bred Dogs, New Revised Edition, GARDEN CITY BOOKS, Garden City, NY. 1964.
CURRENT STANDARD
The following is the current Affenpinscher standard approved by the AKC on June 12, 2000, effective July 27, 2000.:
Affenpinscher Breed Standard
Toy Group
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.
The American Kennel Club
website: www.akc.org
Approved June 12, 2000
Effective July 27, 2000
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