GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 24-28cm (9½”-11”).
Colour: Solid black or black with lighter shadings.
Coat: Rough and harsh in texture. The head is surrounded by a wreath like circle of hair framing the face resulting in a monkey like appearance.
Gait: A strutting lively action with the forelegs lifting well up and out.
In German, ‘affe’ means monkey, and the apish expression is the hallmark of these members of the Toy Dog family. Their comical expressions are set off with sparkling eyes, an upturned underjaw and the small ears may be erect or dropped. The square body has a deep chest which reaches to the elbows, and a tail which is carried up and over the back in a cocky fashion. 
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
These members of the Toy family display an attractive prancing gait. They are devoted to their families, and when the occasion arises, can be quite fearless towards aggressors. Being so alert, they make excellent watch dogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train once they realise who is boss, however if they are spoilt, then the owners may find their home run by a little canine dictator. Grooming is relatively easy - brushing once or twice a week will remove the dead hair and keep the coat free of knots. 
HISTORY
The Affenpinscher originated in Germany several centuries ago and pictures of them can be found depicted in the paintings of the early Dutch masters. The evolvement of the breed may have come about with the crossing of Miniature Pinschers to the local wire coated terriers. It has been broadly accepted that the Affenpinscher is the progenitor of both Smooth and Rough coated varieties of the Toy Griffon.