The Affenpinscher dog is considered to be the smallest of the Pinschers and Schnauzers.
Alternate Names
Affe (German)
Monkey Dog
Monkey Terrier
Mustached Little Devil
Appearance:
Has a resemblence to a Terrier
Body: A short and stocky body with a level back and deep, moderately broad chest
Coat: Wire haired, dense and shaggy – approximatel one (1) inch in length
Color: Black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, black and gray, beige. The primary or preferred color is generally black.
Ears: Cropped or natural, set high, erect or dropped.
Eyes: Large, round, dark, and penetrating with black rims.
Face: Large, round, dark, and penetrating with black rims.
Feet: Small, round, and compact. Pads and nails are black. Toes are tight and well-arched.
Head: Round, domed skull with well-defined stop, black nose and lips with a prominent lower lip.
Legs: Forelegs and hind legs are straight and well-boned with the elbows held close.
Neck: Short and straight.
Size:
Weight: 7 – 8 pounds (3 – 3.5kg)
Height: 9 – 11 inches (23 – 29cm)
Tail: Docked or natural with short hair and is carried upward. The tail is not docked in Australia.
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers.
Not recommended for children.
The Affenpinscher is a quiet dog with an amusing and inquisitive personality. He is often referred to as the Monkey Dog because of his prominent chin, hair-tuft, and mustache that give him a monkey-like facial expression. The expression is even further defined by his bushy eye-brows and round, dark, penetrating eyes.
This is a neat, shaggy, rough-coated breed known to be very loyal and affectionate to their owner and friends. They make a wonderful companion to their owner.
Because they don’t respond well to obedience training, it’s essential that the training begin at an early age before their sense of stubborn behavior is fully developed.
Not Recommended For Children Although the Affenpinscher is known to be good with other animals, they are also known to snap at children due to their territorial tendencies. They can be very protective of their food and possessive when it comes to their toys.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Toy
The Affenpinscher is a Sight Hound originally bred to kill rodents.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Regular daily exercise is necessary.
Grooming: Because the Affenpinscher is a wire-haired dog with a shaggy, dense coat they need to be brushed and bathed weekly. If not properly groomed, they are susceptible to eye and skin problems.
Health
Life Expectancy: 14 – 15 Years
Genetic Dispositions: None
Possible Problems:
Hip dysplasia (rare)
Juvenile cataracts (rare)
Legg-Calves-Perthes
Although the Affenpinscher has well-boned legs, the bones are of a fine structure and can easily be broken by jumping off of furniture, beds, and other high areas such as from the back of SUVs.
Country of Origin
Germany – believed to have originated in the 1600s though the exact history is unknown