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APRI Affenpinscher Breed Standard

AFFENPINSCHER

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: At withers, 9 to 11 ½ inches, with 10 ¼ being ideal for both sexes.

WEIGHT: Proportionate to height.

COAT: Dense, rough, wiry and harsh, approximately one inch in length on shoulders, body and back; shorter on rear and tail; longer, shaggier, and less harsh on neck, chest, stomach, and legs; mature dogs may have longer hair on neck and chest, forming a cape; monkey-like expression is accentuated by longer hair on head, eyebrows, and beard which stands off and frames the face; ear hair is usually cut very short.

COLOR: Color is not a major consideration. Dogs may be black, black and tan (with symmetrical markings), grayish-black, bluish-gray, dark gray, red, and reddish-yellow; red may vary from a brownish-red to an orangey-tan with black, brown and/or white hairs mixed in the coat and furnishings; with various colors, some may have black masks and furnishings may be somewhat lighter; a small white spot or fine line of white hairs on chest is permissible, but large white patches are undesirable.

STANDARD:

Head: Wide round head, proportioned to its body, with monkey-like facial expression, carried confidently upright; round and doomed, but not coarse, skull with well-defined stop.

Eyes: Dark, round and full, medium sized in proportion to head, neither bulging nor protruding; eye rims are black.

Ears: Set high and natural or symmetrically cropped to a point; if natural, may be carried erect, semi-erect, or dropped; if cropped, must stand erect; no preference given to natural or cropped type.

Muzzle: Short and narrowing slightly to a blunt nose; length is approximately same as distance between eyes; black lips with lower lip more prominent; lower jaw is broad enough for lower teeth to be straight and even; teeth and tongue do not show when mouth is closed.

Nose: Black; not obviously turned up nor down.

Bite: Undershot with lower teeth closing closely in front of upper teeth; level bite is acceptable if monkey-like expression is maintained, teeth should not show.

Neck: Short and straight with upright carriage.

Topline: Straight and level.

Body: Body proportions give a square appearance; short and straight; rather broad, deep chest has moderately sprung ribs; underline is slightly tucked up at the short, only slightly tucked loin; perceptible curve in croup before the tail; female may be slightly longer in proportion.

Forequarters: Moderate front angulations; shoulders have moderate layback and are flexible enough to allow free front movement; forelegs, viewed from front, are straight; elbows held close to body; upper arm and forearm approximately same length; short, straight and relatively short pasterns; dewclaws should be removed.

Hindquarters: Moderate rear angulations; viewed from rear, hind legs are straight; viewed from side, legs are set under body to maintain square appearance; length of upper thigh and second thigh about equal; moderate angulations of stifle and hock joint; hock joint straight when viewed from rear; short, straight rear pasterns; dewclaws removed.

Feet: Round, small and compact with black pads and nails.

Tail: Full length and carried over back or docked at one to three inches in length and carried high; natural tail should be carried curved gently up and over back while moving; neither tail style is to be given preference.

Movement: Smooth flowing gait, light, sound, and balanced, with graceful movements, tending to exhibit comic seriousness; walking, legs move parallel to each other if viewed from the rear; dog tends to single track as speed increases.

Temperament: Fearless, loyal, alert, inquisitive, and willing to please; displays great loyalty and affection toward master and friends.

General appearance: The total, overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is to be considered more important than any individual characteristic. It is a small, balanced, wiry-haired, toy-type dog with intelligence and friendly demeanor.

Disqualifications:

Viciousness or extreme shyness.

Overbite.

Albinism.