Appearance

The AKC calls the Affenpinscher's appearance, “shaggy but neat.” Affenpinschers have a thick, rough coat that is about one inch think on the body, and becomes shorter toward the hindquarters and longer toward the head, creating a mane around the face. Their coats come in several colors ranging from beige to black. The unique facial structure of the Affen, complete with a tiny mustache has earned this breed its “Monkey Dog” nickname. They often have a slight underbite, but many have an even jawline. Affens' tails are almost always docked, as this is the show standard. Affenpinschers are small dogs who carry themselves with great confidence.

Size and Weight

The standard height for this breed is between 9 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder, though some come slightly smaller or larger. Typically, Affenpinschers weigh between 7 to 9 lbs when fully grown.

Coat and Color

Affenpinschers have a short, wiry coat that comes in several colors: black, gray, silver, black and tan, beige, or red. Some dogs may have white or gray hairs mixed in to their mostly solid-colored coat, and some have a patch of stark white hair at their neck.

Grooming Needs

Maintaining the desired appearance of the Affenpinscher requires a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed several times a week with both a slick brush and a metal comb. The Affen's coat should also be stripped several times a year, in order to maintain it's characteristic feel. Stripping of the coat involves pulling “dead” hair out by hand. Professional dog groomers can teach this simple technique.

If the dog does not naturally wear his nails down, regular nail clippings are a must, as are monthly ear cleanings.