Affenpinscher: Key Characteristics of Affenpinscher Dog Breed

(Affen)

Group: Toy

Also known as: Monkey Dog and Monkey Terrier   

About Affenpinscher 

Country of Origin, History of the breed The Affenpinscher originated in Germany. The breed can be traced back to the seventeenth century and similar, larger breeds were seen in the early 1600s. The name, Affenpinscher, uses the German term “Affe” (ape, monkey) to describe this breed of dog, and the full name “Affenpinscher” is defined as "monkey-like terrier." The Affenpinscher is related to the Brussels Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer breeds. The Affenpinscher was originally bred to hunt rats inside homes and outdoors in rural areas.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Affenpinscher is a suitable house pet due to its intelligence and overall behavior. The Affenpinscher has fur that appears wiry to the touch, and the dog is alert, inquisitive, and willing to participate in activities with its guardian. In addition, the Affenpinscher has a positive demeanor; these dogs are loyal and affectionate. The Affenpinscher has a strongly built body, small ears, round eyes, a short muzzle, and a short tail. This breed of dog may have a coat that is colored beige, black, gray, red, silver, or tan. The coat length varies, depending on the dog’s body. It is longer on the legs and face, but shorter on other parts of the dog’s body.

Coat colour

The breed standard for this dog’s coat is beige, black, gray, red, silver, or tan, although black is the color preferred by breeders and kennel clubs. There is variance allowed with the colors; for example, black coats may contain rusty coloring and red coats may appear brown/red or orange/tan. Some Affenpinschers have black facial masks or a white spot on the chest.

Coat type

The Affenpinscher has dense, rough fur that extends out to one inch on the dog’s body. The fur may be shorter on the tail. An adult Affenpinscher maintains a cape consisting of strong hair that blends into the coat. The fur is longer on and frames the dog’s head; the fur on and around the ears is short. This breed of dog is not known for excessive shedding.

Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches or 24 to 29 centimeters.

Weight: 7 to 8 pounds or 3 to 3.5 kilograms.

The Affenpinscher is often compared to the terrier. The Affenpinscher is part of the pinscher-schnauzer group, and these dogs are able to coexist with other dogs. The Affenpinscher is very active, curious, and playful, but the dog can also be stubborn at times. This dog is affectionate with and protective toward family members and it is loyal to an owner’s family. The Affenpinscher is also sensitive and does not like to be teased.

Temperament of the Dog

The Affenpinscher tends to be quiet, but is alert. The dog can become suddenly excited if it feels threatened or is under attack, and it does not demonstrate any outer fear to an aggressor. The Affenpinschers can be territorial with food or toys; therefore, this may not be the best breed of dog for small children. Also, this dog can become suspicious when their possessions are approached or removed from their usual locations. The Affenpinscher can be manipulative or demanding, and it will become noticeably sullen if its demands are not met.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The Affenpinscher is well suited to the indoors or outdoors, and it requires a fenced yard.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

It must be noted that Affenpinscher puppies should not be placed with small children, due to the lack of coordination shown by children. The Affenpinscher is a small dog, and a child may accidentally harm the Affenpinscher by falling, rolling, or squeezing the animal. The child’s behavior may cause the Affenpinscher to experience stress which can result in the dog biting or avoiding the child.

How to take care of the Puppy? The Affenpinscher requires early training that is consistent and firm. If the dog is not trained early in life, it may develop a petulant or “snappy” personality. This breed of dog is known to be easily housebroken; however, the toy breed of Affenpinscher is not easy to housebreak. The toy will respond to crate training. The young Affenpinscher needs to be closely watched while inside the house until it is housebroken.

Training

The Affenpinscher is known to be an intelligent breed that can be trained with consistent, patient training, using a variety of methods. This breed quickly reacts to unknown sights or sounds. As a result, they are quick to bark and should be trained to minimize barking.

Activity Level

The Affenpinscher can be raised in a house or apartment. This breed does not require a great deal of exercise, but, when it is outside, the Affenpinscher does require a fenced enclosure.

Grooming

The Affenpinscher is not known for excessive shedding. The dog should be groomed 2 - 3 times per week, and regular brushing will prevent a matted coat. The Affenpinscher’s nails should be trimmed every four months, while ear and tooth care should be performed every week.

Health & Care

Like many toy breeds, the Affenpinscher tends to be physically fragile. Care should be taken not to accidentally step on a puppy or sit on the animal when it is resting underneath covering, such as a blanket. The Affenpinscher requires consistent supervision and protection from potentially harmful environments. This breed will quickly leap from furniture and accidentally die from injuries sustained during the fall. Due to its size, the Affenpinscher needs constant supervision.

The Affenpinscher is known to contract eye ulcers and infections, hip dysplasia, and a collapsed trachea, which results from walking the animal with a harness instead of a collar.

Cautions about Breeding the Dog

Responsible, ethical breeders will check the adult Affenpinscher for hip dysplasia, cleft palate, and Willebrands Disease.

Litter Size: 2 and 3 pups per litter.

Life Span: 13 and 15 years.

National Breed Club

In the United Kingdom, the Affenpinscher is promoted by The Affenpinscher Club.

In the United States, this breed is represented by The Affenpinscher Club of America.

Recognition

The Affenpinscher was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom (UKC) in 1936.