In dogs, the BMP3 mutation is found among a number of smaller breed dogs whose rostrum length tends toward being brachycephalic, but not everyone who owns an Affenpinscher cares about the genetics behind their dog’s simian-like appearance. They just know that their “monkey dogs” are the best dog out there.

Part of the breed’s name is a literal translation from German: Affen –  “to ape,” so named because it is the monkey-like facial expression that gives the breed its moniker. In our view, this expression comes from three elements of the breed’s face. Round dark eyes are intelligent, penetrating, and curious, and don’t bulge or protrude. They are set in the middle of the skull, and are never set obliquely. They eyes appear without corners. What other animal has round eyes without corners?  Ding ding ding if you named the chimpanzee.

A short and slightly narrowing muzzles ends in a blunt nose that is turned neither up nor down. Most importantly for type (our view),  the nostrils should be well opened.  Again, a trait seen in a primate like the chimpanzee.

A prominent chin completes the look, making the eyes, nose and chin the “trifecta” of elements that earned the Affenpinscher its “monkey dog” name.

Image: Photo of Westminster 2013 Best in Show winner, GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari by Kristy May for Pets Advisor www.petful.com and shared here under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 license. Joe was the first affenpinscher to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show