Affenpinscher

The affenpinscher originates from the word 'pinscher' means terrier and 'affen' means to mock of Germen origin. This dog is used for working to remove rodents from granaries, kitchens and stables.

In seventeenth century the affenpinscher was started existing in Germany and similar type of dogs appear in the paintings along fifteenth and sixteenth century. First of the monkey faced dogs are affen and two other dog breeds Griffon Bruxellosis, Griffon Belge which are ancestor of affen. It is one of the oldest type of breed, which is also recognized as a 'Monkey Dog'. Affe means monkey in German language. In 1936 Affenpinscher registered with AKC.

The affenpinscher is existing in two sizes like smaller one which survives as toy terrier and larger one has become extinct. When compare to the working dogs affens are very small in size and kept these as companions. Mainly it was trained for ratting.



The affenpinscher is looking like a balanced toy dog with rough coat. This coat is dense, harsh with one inch long. May be it is shorter on the tail and rear, shaggier on the chest, legs, head and stomach. Affenpinscher dog coat is growing in swirls. According to the UK and FCI breed standards the coat must be black but the AKC allows red, grey, silver and belge means combination of black red and white hair. Affenpinscher has medium bone structure and is sturdy,but it is not a delicate toy dog.

It is very straight and has blunt muzzles. The body of affenpinscher is looking as a square shape with round head with a deep chest and short neck. Slightly the under coat is curly. when mouth is closed then teeth and tough are not appeared. The ears are small dropped or erect and set high. The skin of throat is unwrinkled. The affenpinscher eyes are round, medium in size, sparkling and very dark.

Always black, black and tan, grey, red and silver.

The preferred height is 9.5 inches to 11.5 inches and the bitch is little longer.

The dog was between 7 to 8 lbs and the bitch also same with slight change.

A healthy affenpinscher lives for about 14 to 15 years.



The affenpinscher is always itself carrying comic seriousness and looking very intelligent, elert, and self-confident with a great loyalty. It has good name as a watch dog. It is very quiet, but very angry when threatened or attacked and fearless to any one. They are bold, busy, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being mischievous and playful. Affenpinscher is an authoritarian, courageous and a fearless defender.

Affenpinscher as a Pet

Affenpinscher is a good house pet. If proper training is fallowed for affenpinscher, it becomes a good companion for people and especially with children. It improves great affection on master and children. This little dog enjoys with the family and very friendly.

Affenpinscher Breed does not become bored because the training is different and includes some variety when compare to other. It learns the commands very quickly at the time of training.