The Affenpinscher, a smaller version of the working terrier, is a small dog with a harsh, shaggy coat with longer hair over its face. This breed is spunkier due to its terrier background, is small and easy to carry and rather amusing to watch, as he tends to take himself very seriously.
Origin
While there is no exact data as to where the Affenpinscher originated from, early accounts believe to have traced the dog’s heritage to the 1600s in Germany. The name “Affenpinscher” translates to “monkey-like terrier” because of its monkey-like facial structure.
Related to the Brussels Griffon and the terrier, the Affenpinscher was first used as a farm dog and a ratter before being miniaturized and made into a house pet in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Temperament
The Affenpinscher gets along well with other dogs, especially when raised together, but this breed is not recommended for families with young children. With the terrier-like temperament, he tends to be bold, inquisitive and stubborn one minute, while playful and mischievous or affectionate and amusing the next.
This breed tends to learn commands very quickly, but may be difficult to potty train and can be become authoritarian if the owner doesn’t set rules, boundaries and limitations early on.
Dog facts | | Breed: | Affenpinscher |
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| Country Origin: | Germany |
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| Size: | Small |
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| Height: | 9 1/2" - 11 1/2' |
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| Weight: | 7 - 8 lbs |
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| Family Friendly: | Yes |
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| Grooming: | Yes |
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| Allergy: | No |
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Height and Weight
These are a smaller breed, another reason why they are not suitable for families with small children. At just 10-15 inches tall and only weighing 7-8 pounds, if the dog is dropped, stepped on or sat on, the results could be fatal.
Body Characteristics
The purebred Affenpinscher is characterized by a square body and deep chest. The lower jaw is under shot, the nose is short and the eyes are round, black and prominent. His neck is short and arched and the ears are docked, pointed and erect. The tail is high and docked to 2/3 its length. The coat is generally black or dark grey, although tan and red are acceptable. The undercoat is slightly curly.
Health Issues
Although there are a few health-related issues associated with this bred, there are no major concerns.
He is prone to fractures and, due to the short nose, may suffer from respiratory problems in extremely hot weather.
The life expectancy of the Affenpinscher is 10-12 years.
Living Conditions
The small nature of the Affenpinscher makes it a suitable breed for apartment living. He can be very active indoors; meeting most exercise needs, but still need a daily walk.
Exercise
They love to hike and camp as long as the temperature remains above 20 degrees. He is very sensitive to extreme temperatures, with very warm living conditions damaging their coat.
Grooming
His coat should never be clipped short; doing so will ruin it for many years to come. The coat should be brushed and/or combed weekly.
The Affenpinscher sheds little if at all.
Classification
Although the Affenpinscher was originally used as a ratter in homes and stables, in later years they were bred to be smaller lap dogs and now belong to the “Toy Breed” Classification
Westminster Titles
Although the Affenpinscher is considered a rare breed in the United States, the “monkey dog” received international attention by winning the Toy Group at the 2002 Westminster Kennel Show.