Life Span:	11-14 years
Litter Size:	1-3 puppies
Group:	Terrier, AKC Toy
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	black, gray, black and tan, red, silver and belge (mix of red, black and white hairs). Some white hairs and small white patches on the chest are acceptable.
Hair Length:	Long
Size:	Toy/Small
Shedding:	Moderate Shed
Male Height:	10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Male Weight:	7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg)
Female Height:	10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Female Weight:	7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg)
Living Area:	Indoors with a small yard. Will do well in apartments with regular exercise.

About this Breed

The Affenpinscher is a small breed of dog that has a unique personality and a stout and hardy physical appearance. The breed is known for its terrier-like hunting ability and athletic qualities, as well as its almost monkey-like face and amazing array of expressions. Although a small breed, the Affenpinscher is not fragile or frail, rather they are strong, agile and very good hunters. The head of the Affenpinscher is round in shape, with a very pronounced stop between the eyes and the muzzle. The muzzle is relatively short, and the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the nose. The nose is very noticeable, and the longer hair grows away from the nose in a beard around the mouth. The eyes are round and somewhat prominent - but not protruding - and are always black, very alert and serious looking. Long eyebrows that are very mobile contribute to the facial expressions that this breed is known for. The ears have traditionally been cropped, but many countries now prohibit this practice so dogs may be shown with their ears natural. The natural ears will be small and triangular in shape, folded over and held relatively close to the head. The long hairs of the forehead and eyebrows will often partially cover the ears. The overall appearance of the face should be very monkey-like, with all features symmetrical. The neck is well proportioned and slightly arched, blending into well-set shoulders. The top line is very straight and level, and the height at the withers or shoulders should be approximately the same as the length of the body, providing a square and sturdy appearance to the breed. The legs are well boned and not delicate looking, rather they are sturdy and developed. The feet are small and round, with thick pads and strong nails. The hindquarters are muscled, and slightly bent at the stifle. The tail is often docked at about one to two inches, and will be carried high. A natural tail is also acceptable and it will also be carried high, often curving up slightly over the back, especially while the dog is moving or at attention. The coat of the Affenpinscher is dense and rather rough to the touch, and is between one and one and a half inches in length over the body. The hair on the face, chest and legs and stomach may be slightly longer with various lengths blending from one to the other. Overall the coat looks shaggy but neat, and there is little clipping or trimming required to keep these dogs looking tiptop. The coat may be a variety of colors including black, black and tan, silver, red or gray or belge (a mix of red, black and white hairs). Some variations in color including single white hairs are acceptable, as is a small white patch on the chest. Large white patches are not acceptable within the breed. Darker masks on the face and lighter hair color on the furnishings are acceptable.