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Your Pet, Our Passion.
Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

Small and mischievous with a monkey-like expression, the Affenpinscher is a lively toy breed with a short muzzle, round, dark and sparkling eyes and a rough coat. Despite their small size this compact little dog is not at all delicate and is described in the breed standard as having self confidence and carrying itself with a comic seriousness. 

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Weight:  3 – 4kg 
Height:  24 – 28cm 
Colours:  Black, with or without some degree of grey shading 
Size:  Small
UK Kennel Club Groups: Toy

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 3/5
Easy to train: 2/5
Tolerates being alone: 1/5
Likes other pets: 4/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 1/5

Personality

Lively, self-confident, strong willed and fearless, yet charming and comical, it is easy to see why instead of vanishing into the melting pot of working breeds, the Affenpinscher was promoted to cherished pet! Their sparkling eyes and monkey-whiskered face are irresistible and they are very affectionate with their owners, though often a little wary of strangers.

Despite their diminutive stature, the Affenpinscher still believes he is a working terrier at times, so does require some training!

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

The Affenpinscher started out as a ratting, vermin-control dog dating back to the 17th century. Their appealing round eyes, rough coat and monkey-like expression and endearing personality quicklyearned them something of an upgrade from working dog to companion breed, which in turn led to their refinement, introduction to the show ring and their survival today. 

While the origins of the breed are not certain, it has been suggested that they sprung from crossing German Pinschers with imported flat-faced oriental breeds.  When the breed nearly died out are thesecond world war, the remaining few dogs were crossed with the Griffon Bruxellois to re-establish the breed and give us the appealing and enchanting breed we know today.

Did You Know?

  • In France the breed is described as the ‘diablotin moustachu’, which translates to ‘moustached devil’ which should give you some idea of the Affenpinschers character as well as their appearance!
  • In Germany the first examples of the breed were known as ‘Zwergaffenpinscher’ which literally translates to ‘little-monkey-dog’, again, a hint towards their character as well as their looks!

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