Affengriffon

The Affenpinscher is a small, sturdy toy breed that presents a square, compact build with medium bone structure. Standing between nine and eleven and a half inches at the shoulder and typically weighing seven to ten pounds, this breed exhibits balanced proportions where the height at the withers approximately equals the body length from shoulder point to buttocks. The body is thickset without appearing delicate, demonstrating substance despite its diminutive stature. Female specimens may appear slightly longer in body than males, though both sexes maintain the characteristic square silhouette that defines the breed. The coat is one of the breed's most distinctive features, consisting of dense, rough, harsh hair approximately one inch long on the shoulders and body. The texture should be wiry rather than soft or silky, with shorter hair permitted on the rear and tail areas. Longer, less harsh furnishings appear on the head, neck, chest, stomach, and legs, creating the breed's signature neat but shaggy appearance. A mature dog develops a mane or cape of strong hair blending into the back coat at the withers. Acceptable colors include black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge, which features a mixture of black, brown, and red hairs. Black coats may display a rusty cast or occasional white or silver hairs. The head is proportionate to the body and carried with confidence, featuring the characteristic monkey-like facial expression that inspired the breed's German name. Round, dark, brilliant eyes of medium size are set well apart and framed by black eyelids with long black eyelashes. Bushy eyebrows, prominent whiskers, and a beard of wiry hair stand off from the face, accentuating the distinctive simian expression. Ears may be cropped to stand erect or left natural in standing, semi-erect, or dropped positions. The undershot jaw with a slightly upturned chin completes the unique facial structure.

The Brussels Griffon is a sturdy, compact toy dog that commands attention through its distinctive almost-human expression and confident carriage. Standing approximately seven to eight inches at the shoulder and weighing between eight and twelve pounds, this breed presents a thickset, short body with good bone structure despite its small size. The square proportions create a balanced silhouette that suggests substance without delicacy. Quality and type take precedence over size considerations in this breed, with smaller dogs that maintain proper proportions being equally valued. Two distinct coat types characterize the Brussels Griffon: rough and smooth. The rough coat features dense, wiry hair that should feel harsh rather than woolly or silky, with longer furnishings around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin forming a distinctive fringe that frames the face. This facial hair earned the breed its nickname as the bearded dog. The smooth coat variety displays straight, short, tight hair with a glossy appearance and no trace of wiry texture. Both coat types come in four accepted colors: red, which includes reddish-brown shades with minimal black at whiskers and chin; belge, a mixture of black and reddish-brown typically with black mask and whiskers; black and tan with uniform markings; and solid black. The head represents the breed's most important feature, appearing large in proportion to the body with a rounded skull and domed forehead. Large, dark, prominent eyes are set well apart with long black eyelashes, creating an alert, intelligent expression often described as almost human. The deep stop between skull and muzzle leads to a short, blunt nose with large, wide-open nostrils. A slightly undershot bite with even teeth contributes to the characteristic pushed-in facial appearance. Small ears set high on the head may be cropped to a point or left natural in semi-erect or dropped positions. The tail is typically docked to one-third its original length and carried high.