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Breed Characteristics
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Affenpinscher
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight | 6.5 - 13 lb (3 - 6 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 9 - 12 in (23 - 30 cm) |
| Coat | Rough, dense, harsh; longer hair on head, eyebrows and beard. |
| Colour | Black, grey, silver, red, black and tan, or beige (mixed black, white, brown and red hairs), all with or without black mask. |
| Litter Size | 1 - 3 puppies, average 2 |
| Life Span | 10 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The breed dates back to the seventeenth century. The name is derived from the German Affe (ape, monkey). The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Miniature Schnauzer. No exact data about the Affenpinscher's origin exists, but it is one of the most ancient of the toy breeds. Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600, but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and also red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables. The Affenpinscher was miniaturized and became a house pet during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is still a ruthless hunter of mice and an outstanding watchdog. Today the Affenpinscher is primarily a companion dog. |
| Personality | The Affenpinscher has a terrier-like personality. They tend to get along with other dogs and pets, especially when they are raised with them. They are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous. A lively, sharp-witted little dog that is courageous and confident. A fearless defender, the Affenpinscher will quickly become an authoritarian if owners do not give the proper rules, boundaries, limitations and constantly be this dog’s pack leader. It is very affectionate and amusing. This friendly little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training. Make sure there is some variety in the training so the dog does not become bored. They learn commands very quickly. Some may be difficult to housebreak. They are not recommended for very young children, simply because most people who own the breed treat them like small dogs, lacking the proper pack leadership, causing negative behaviors to come out in the dog. Children should be taught how to properly handle a dog. Owners need to consistently be the dog's pack leader to avoid the tendency to guard their food and toys. They like to hike and go camping. Without leadership, it may unwisely challenge large dogs and other large animals. They tend to bark and even climb. This little dog does best with a family who likes entertainment and has a very good sense of humor. Any dog that displays growling, snapping or biting is lacking in pack leadership. These issues can be corrected as soon as the humans take control back from the dog. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Affenpinscher is prone to hip dysplasia and are prone to fractures, slipped stifle, pda, open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather. As with many small breeds of dog, they are prone to collapsed trachea and luxating patella. Cataracts are occasionally reported. |
| Grooming | The Affenpinscher's harsh coat should never be clipped short because this ruins the coat for many years. It should be brushed and combed weekly and it may be necessary to pluck it. A dog-trimming specialist usually does this but it is possible to learn how to do it yourself. Hair sometimes grows in the corners of the eyes, causing irritation; they should be dealt with promptly. Affenpinschers often appear on lists of dogs that allegedly do not shed (moult). However, every hair shaft in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle. Each shaft has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another shaft. When the hair shaft dies, the hair is shed. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. Frequent grooming reduces the amount of loose fur in the environment. |
| Feeding | The Affenpinscher has a tendency to eat whatever they come across, regardless of whether or not it's truly edible, so their owner must keep an eye on them. They need a balanced. high-quality diet to stay healthy. |
| Exercise | The Affenpinscher needs a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced-in yard. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. |
| Other Considerations | The Affenpinscher is good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. These dogs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overly warm living conditions are damaging to the coat. |
