Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest decorative breeds in Europe, originating in Germany in the 17th–18th centuries. Initially, these small yet energetic dogs were used to hunt rats and small rodents in homes and farms. Over time, they became popular as companions among city dwellers and the aristocracy. The breed is easily recognizable by its characteristic “monkey-like” facial expression, which gave it its name. Today, the Affenpinscher is valued as a cheerful, loyal, and rare companion breed.
General Appearance
The Affenpinscher is a small, compact, squarely built dog with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. It stands proudly, with a confident posture and a distinctive “monkey-like” expression. The head is proportionate to the body, the muzzle short, and the eyes expressive. The ears are set high, and the tail is carried lively. The coat is harsh, medium in length, slightly tousled, and contributes to the breed’s characteristic appearance. Despite its decorative purpose, the Affenpinscher remains energetic, agile, and confident in movement.
Important Proportions
The Affenpinscher’s build is square and well-balanced: the height at the withers approximately equals the body length from shoulder to tail base. The head is proportionate, the skull rounded, the muzzle short but not overly flat. The chest is moderately broad and deep, reaching the elbows, and the loin is short and strong. The limbs are straight and parallel, providing stability and freedom of movement. The tail balances the overall outline, emphasizing the compact, cohesive look. These proportions convey strength and energy within a small frame.
Behavior and Temperament
The Affenpinscher is lively, bold, and intelligent. Despite its miniature size, it shows confidence and a guardian’s alertness, without fearfulness. Loyal to its owner and affectionate with family members, it may be cautious toward strangers. Its temperament combines playfulness, humor, and independence, giving it a distinct personality. Properly socialized, the Affenpinscher gets along well with other pets, enjoys active play, and can also be a calm, affectionate companion.
Head
The head is proportionate to the body, rounded, with a prominent forehead and a short but not overly flat muzzle. The cheeks are slightly pronounced, and the stop is clearly defined. The overall head shape gives the breed its signature “monkey-like” look, enhanced by the nose shape and hair arrangement on the face.
Muzzle
The muzzle is short and blunt, yet not flat. The nose is small, black, with wide, open nostrils. The lips are tight and well-fitted, without wrinkles. The chin is strong and slightly protruding, forming a proper bite and accentuating the breed’s typical facial expression. The hair around the lips and chin forms a beard and mustache, intensifying the “monkey-like” impression.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, dark, and set straight and wide apart, giving the breed an expressive and lively look. The eyelids fit tightly, and the eye rims are dark, harmonizing with the nose and overall coat color. The expression is intelligent, often with a touch of mischief and alertness—one of the most recognizable features of the Affenpinscher.
Ears
The ears are set high, of medium size, and may be erect, semi-erect, or slightly drooping, positioned symmetrically. The tips are rounded or slightly pointed. The ears are mobile, clearly reflecting the dog’s mood, and framed by coat that harmonizes with the overall outline of the head.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, and muscular, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is carried proudly, slightly arched, giving the dog a dignified posture. The skin is tight, without dewlap, and framed by dense coat that enhances the breed’s silhouette. The neck complements the compact, well-balanced body.
Body
The body is compact, sturdy, and well-muscled. The topline is straight and stable, the loin short and firm. The chest is deep and moderately broad, reaching the elbows. The ribs are slightly arched, but not barrel-shaped. The belly is slightly tucked up, giving the impression of agility and lightness in a small frame.
Tail
The tail is set high, of medium length, and carried lively and confidently. In natural position, it may curve slightly or form a sickle shape, emphasizing the breed’s spirited temperament. It is covered with dense hair, harmonizing with the body and maintaining overall balance.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, parallel, with strong bones and dry muscles. The shoulders are long and moderately sloping, fitting closely to the body. The elbows are directed straight back, neither turned in nor out. The forearms are straight, the pasterns firm, and the stance balanced, ensuring stability and freedom of movement.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong and muscular, with well-defined angulation. The thighs are powerful, the lower legs of medium length, with firm muscles. The hocks are strong, low-set, and directed straight back. The metatarsus is short and vertical. The hind legs are parallel, providing stability and drive.
Gait / Movement
The Affenpinscher’s movement is free, light, and confident, with good drive from the hindquarters and reach in the forelegs. The stride is straight, without crossing or swaying. The dog moves energetically, maintaining a compact silhouette and proud carriage. The gait is lively, reflecting the breed’s alert temperament.
Coat
The coat is harsh, dense, of medium length, standing slightly off the body, giving a rough, tousled outline. The hair on the face is longer, forming a beard, mustache, and eyebrows that highlight the “monkey-like” expression. The undercoat is thick, providing protection from the weather.
Color
The preferred color is black, with black undercoat and skin. Other acceptable shades include dark gray, silver, black-and-gray, black-and-brown, reddish, or tan, with slight markings permissible. A uniform color without patches is preferred.
Size
The Affenpinscher is a small, compact dog. The ideal height at the withers for both males and females ranges from 24 to 28 cm (9.5–11 inches). Weight typically varies between 3 and 6 kg (6.5–13 lbs). Minor deviations are acceptable if overall proportions and harmony are maintained.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from the breed type that does not severely affect health but detracts from general appearance. These include an elongated or rectangular body, weak musculature, narrow chest, or flat ribs. A muzzle too long or too short, coarse or fine head, light eyes, or poor expression. Ears disrupting balance of the head, soft or overly long coat, absence of the typical rough texture, uneven or spotted color. Behavioral faults such as excessive timidity, aggression, or lethargy are also undesirable.
Disqualifying Faults
Serious faults preventing exhibition or breeding include height well above or below standard, deformities of body, limbs, or head. Overshot or undershot bite, missing teeth, malocclusion. Blue or mismatched eyes, very light irises. Cropped ears or tail (where prohibited by ICCF regulations). Complete lack of undercoat or silky, soft hair. Loss of the typical “monkey-like” facial expression. White markings or unrecognized coat colors. Unstable temperament, extreme aggression, or fearfulness are grounds for disqualification.
Important Notes
The Affenpinscher is a rare and valuable breed requiring careful breeding to preserve its typical traits. Evaluation should focus on compact build, coat texture, and characteristic “monkey-like” facial expression. Minor variations in size or color are permissible if the overall type remains true. Cropping of ears and tails is not allowed where forbidden by ICCF exhibition rules. Mental stability is crucial — the dog must be cheerful, balanced, and free of excessive aggression or fear. Only dogs with official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and breed purity may be used for breeding.
Conclusion
The Affenpinscher is a unique breed combining ancient origins, compact structure, and a bright personality. Its expressive appearance and cheerful nature make it a valuable companion and an excellent show dog. Under the ICCF system, the breed is judged strictly by standard, considering overall type, proportions, coat, character, and mental stability. Participation in exhibitions and breeding is permitted only with official ICCF documentation verifying origin and compliance with the organization’s requirements. These measures ensure the preservation of breed purity and continued development within the international system.
