While a dog “in” a cape evokes images of a canine super hero, a dog whose breed standard calls for a cape is something very different.

Only two AKC recognized breeds mention a “cape” in their breed standards, and while dog fanciers probably know that one of them is the Schipperke,  perhaps fewer know that the other breed is the Affenpinscher: “The mature Affenpinscher has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area.”

Affenpinscher by Janice MacLellan

To know the Affen is to know that the breed has two distinct types of coat: Hair on its “jacket” (or body) is harsh and coarse, and about an inch in length, but not “wiry”. The head coat, meanwhile, is softer but abundant, and stands off to frame that charming face. As the standard explains, mature dogs feature hair that is longer from the occiput on their skull and along the neck to their withers, and as it covers the shoulders, it forms a “cape” of strong hair that blends into the dog’s “back coat” around the withers. This shouldn’t be confused with a “mane” or “ruff.”

Affenpinscher painting by Janice MacLellan is available as wall art, home decor, and lifestyle items here.