Breed standards

Affenpinscher

Breed standards are the official guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential.

Last Updated: 09 Oct 2012

Kennel Club, London 1994.

Group:
Group 1 (Toys)
History:
General:

Rough coated, sturdy in build with a mischievous monkey-like expression. Although small, not delicate in any way.

Characteristics:

Lively and self-confident, carrying itself with a comic seriousness.

Temperament:

Loyal and loving companion; watchful of strangers and fearless toward aggressors.

Head And Skull:

Fairly small in proportion to body; domed forehead, broad brow and marked stop which is not indented. Muzzle blunt and short but not flattened sufficiently to cause difficulty in breathing or wrinkling of skin. Nostrils large and open. Chin prominent with good turn up. Distance between dark eyes and black nose forming an equal sided triangle.

Eyes:

Round, very dark and sparkling. Medium in size and not protruding.

Ear:

Small, set high, either drop or erect.

Mouth:

Slightly undershot. Broad lower jaw with incisors in a straight line. Teeth or tongue not showing when the mouth is closed.

Neck:

Short and straight. Skin of throat tight and unwrinkled.

Forequarters:

Front legs straight, elbows neither in nor out carried close to sides.

Body:

Back short and straight. Height at withers about equal to length of body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock. Well sprung ribs with chest not too deep, combined with only a slight tuck up at loin giving a sturdy appearance.

Hindquarters:

Hind legs well set under body without excessive angulation.

Feet:

Small, round and compact turning neither in nor out. Pads and nails dark.

Tail:

Set high and carried high, left a natural length to curve gently over back when moving.

Gait/Movement:

A lively, strutting movement. Lifting feet high when in motion, with no hint of hackneyed action or plaiting.

Coat:

Correct coat needs no trimming, rough and harsh in texture, short and dense on some parts of body and shaggy on others. In particular, longer on shoulders, neck and head where loose shaggy hair stands away from skull framing eyes, nose and chin giving desired monkey-like appearance.

Colour:

Black. Grey shading permissible.

Sizes:

Height: 24-28 cm (9.5 -11 ins)

Faults:

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.

Notes:

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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