Affenpinscher
General Information - Affenpinscher
Group:
Toy
Size:
Small
Lifespan:
12-14 years
Exercise:
Minimal
Grooming:
Minimal
Trainability:
Easy/moderate
Watchdog Ability:
High
Protection Ability:
Low
Area of Origin:
Germany
Date of Origin:
1600s
Other Names:
None
Original Function:
Small vermin
History
The Affenpinscher is considered by many to be the oldest toy breed but the breed's true history is shrouded in mystery. What is known is that the breed has been around since the 1600s and was developed in Germany to hunt vermin. Its name in German means Monkey Dog. It has been suggested that the Affenpinscher was developed from crossing the small local German Pinschers with pug-like dogs from Asia. Eventually, the Affenpinscher was used in the development of the Brussels Griffon, Miniature Schnauzer and several other toy breed dogs.
In Germany, the Affenpinscher was developed to rid the kitchens and stables of mice. Their expertise in this field was famous and the little dogs soon found their way into the homes of people throughout Europe. In France, the dog was called the moustached little devil, which describes the breed's appearance as well as its personality. From the 17th century, the Affenpinscher has been kept around small stables, on farms, and in stores for the purpose of keeping the rodent population down.
Temperament
The Affenpinscher is a sturdy little terrier, characterised by its monkeyish expression. This breed is comical, intelligent and sometimes smug and stubborn. Although a member of the toy group, it has a personality more like some of those of the terrier group. Affenpinschers are lively and self-confident dogs, full of mischief, but are loyal companion to their owners. Affenpinschers are curious dogs with fierce loyalty and affection towards their owners. They have an amicable nature and a deep devotion that makes them an excellent companion and a supreme watch dog. They can do well in the city or in the country. They do need to be watched around larger dogs since these diminutive dogs don't seem to understand that their size is a disadvantage when picking a fight with someone bigger.
Upkeep
Although an energetic and active dog, the exercise needs of the Affenpinscher can be met with indoor games or romps in the yard, or with short walks on leash. It enjoys playing outside, but it cannot live outdoors. Its harsh coat needs combing two or three times weekly, show dogs require stripping. Their coat does not moult it sheds which is minimal with regular grooming.
Affenpinscher
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
Breed Standard - Affenpinscher
General Appearance: The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry:haired terrier:like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanour 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 9½ to 11½ inches. 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 inches 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 inch 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.
Colour: 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 colours, the furnishings may be a bit lighter. Some dogs may have black masks. A small white spot on the chest is not penalised, but large white patches are undesirable. Colour 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 penalised.
Temperament: General demeanour 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.
DNZ No 102
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
01 Dec 2015
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
