Affenpinschers 101

STATS

Name: Affenpinscher (“Monkeydog” in German)

Origin: Germany

Group: Toy

Height: 9–15 inches

Weight: 6–9 pounds

Colors: Black, grey, beige, silver, red, black and tan

Life span: 11–13 years

APPEARANCE

The shaggy, scruffy Affenpinscher is small, wiry-haired and terrier-like in appearance. The have round, bright eyes surrounded by distinctly long hair that gives their faces a monkey-like look from which the breed gets its name. 

HISTORY

Ancestors of the Affenpinscher, called Ratting Terriers, were bred some 400 years old. Developed in Germany to hunt rats on farms, they were originally larger than modern Affenpinschers. Over time, they were bred to be smaller and were brought inside the house to kill mice instead of rats. Because of their small size and plucky personalities, they also were found to be ideal home companion dogs. The breed’s history is closely tied with Miniature Schnauzers and Brussels Griffons. All three breeds resulted from breeding efforts that crossed Schnauzers and German Pinschers. The Affenpinscher breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1936.

PERSONALITY

Although the Affenpinscher is a pinscher, it has a personality to match its terrier-like appearance, for better and for worse. They tend to be very energetic and playful, but that also comes with a tendency to make mischief. Affenpinschers often display something of a Napoleon complex. Bold to a fault, these confident dogs may either be unaware of their small size or heedless of it, and not afraid to pick fights with larger dogs or other animals. That’s not to say they’re mean dogs. Generally speaking, Affenpinschers are quite happy and charming.

GROOMING

Affenpinschers have harsh coats that should be brushed weekly to control shedding. Matting and tangling of the fur is not usually an issue for the breed, but the weekly maintenance will ensure the possibility of any such problems will be kept under control. Their long facial hair can quickly become messy if not cleaned regularly with a damp washcloth. Finally, keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to prevent it from causing irritation.

TRAINING AND OBEDIENCE

Bold and stubborn, Affenpinschers can be difficult to train. Owners must assert their dominance, because the Affenpinscher will take advantage of any perceived weakness. The first thing an Affen must learn before it can be trained further is that it is not the leader of the pack. If an Affen is given too much room to dominate, not only will training become very difficult, but the dog will become too bold and out of control in general. The good news is that these dogs are both intelligent and eager to please, which should work in your favor when training one, as long as you remain strong-willed, first and foremost.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Affenpinschers are generally healthy, with no major, commonly occuring health concerns, although some may be prone to patellar luxation (aka "slipped stifle"), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), Legg–Calve–Perthes syndrome, open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather.

PROS AND CONS

Besides being friendly and chock full of personality, Affenpinschers are fearless and very alert, making them excellent watchdogs. Due to their small size, they also make ideal dogs for those who live in apartments or other city dwellers. And since they were originally bred as ratters/mousers, they may even excel at fighting minor pest issues in the home. As discussed, they require a strong hand for training, and those not up to the task may find themselves with an unruly, difficult-to-control dog. Therefore, the breed may not be an ideal choice for first-time dog owners or those with children.