Affenpinscher Standards
- 9-11.5"
- 7-8 lbs
- small, pinscher breed
- ears are cropped and tail docked where legal
- coat is hard and rough
- longer hair on head, eyebrows, and beard
- black
- black and tan
- grey
- red
- silver
History of the Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher has existed in Germany for centuries but their exact ancestry is not known. It is likely, due to their flattened faces, that they are the result of oriental breeds, such as the Pug, being crossed with native German Pinschers. Close relatives may include the Miniature Pinscher and Belgian Griffons. The breed was originally larger than it appears today and at one point had two size varieties, however, the last of the larger variety became extinct at the beginning of the 1900s. The main decrease in size and ‘toy’ preference occurred as it became a pedigree dog. During this time their faces also became flatter and the ‘monkey’ expression more pronounced. In the aftermath of WWII the Affenpinscher came so close to extinction that Brussels Griffon blood had to be added to the gene pool to help ensure its survival.
Related Breeds: