Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher’s thick eyebrows, playful expression, and untamed fur are unforgettable. Couple that with their confident stride and obliviousness to their own size, and you’re in for many delightful, entertaining moments.

Country of Origin

Germany
Breed Group

Companion dogs
Height

Male 9-11 In
Female 9-11 In
Weight

Male 7-9 Ib
Female 7-9 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

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In a Nutshell

When it comes to Affenpinschers, dull moments are simply unheard of. This pint-sized toy dog, with an almost human-like appearance, fearlessly and confidently navigates the world – a striking contrast to its diminutive size. Sporting a face reminiscent of a monkey, it can convey an array of expressions much like humans can. Overflowing with vitality, curiosity, and entertainment, this breed also carries a mischievous streak, often favoring its own way of doing things. Above all, it revels in the company of people, especially those within its own family. This intelligent breed requires regular mental stimulation and physical activity. While generally lively, it’s worth noting that its fiery temperament might lead it to show some hostility towards strangers. This characteristic makes it an excellent watchdog, readily voicing its concern at anyone approaching the household doorstep.

Life With a Affenpinscher

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Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

Despite its small size, the Pinscher is both strong and robust, renowned for its impressive athletic abilities. Characterized by a flattened nose framed by long hair, round black eyes, small triangular ears, and additional long hair on the forehead region accompanied by bushy eyebrows, this unique combination has led to various endearing nicknames over the years. Its wild, dense, and coarsely textured fur further contributes to its charmingly comical appearance.

While this breed carries the confidence and courage characteristic of terriers, its size prevents it from being effectively used as a working dog. As a result, it makes an excellent pet for any family. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that this breed exhibits both stubbornness and a fiery temperament, meaning it won’t always readily comply with commands. In relation to its small stature, it’s remarkably energetic and benefits from around 20 to 40 minutes of daily activity. Games that engage their intelligence are highly recommended, although caution is advised as they may become overly enthusiastic during play.

These dogs have an inherent love for climbing and exploring their surroundings. If you fail to dedicate time daily to expending their energy, they might develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing. Additionally, their strong protective instinct means they guard their food and toys zealously, which might lead to clashes with young children in the household. Furthermore, if extended periods away from home are on your agenda, think twice, as their dependence on your presence makes it challenging for them to cope without you for extended periods.

Common Health Problems

While puppies bought from responsible breeders are generally healthy, the small and short faces of Affens put them at a higher risk of developing particular health concerns. They are also more vulnerable to heritable diseases like patella luxation, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart diseases.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

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A tip from a vet

Because of the distinctive structure of their nose, this breed can be prone to a condition known as narrow nostril syndrome. This is a structural issue that can lead to difficulties in the passage of air through the nose, resulting in breathing problems. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing such a problem, it's crucial to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. Your vet might suggest a surgical procedure to widen the nostrils, which can significantly alleviate the issue.

A tip from a trainer

The breed gained a reputation for being difficult to train due to their stubbornness, inclination towards independence, and fiery temperament. On the positive side, they possess high intelligence and a strong desire to please their owners, making basic obedience training quite feasible. However, it's important to keep in mind that they can become easily bored and may lose interest during extended training sessions. Opt for shorter and more frequent training sessions to maintain their engagement.

Did You Know

Despite having a full and wild coat, the Affenpinscher is hypoallergenic and sheds very little hair.

Historically bred as ratters, the Affens get along better with other dogs than rodent pets like gerbils and ferrets.

The Affenpinscher doesn’t bark much under normal circumstances, but if a stranger happens to be outside the door, it will bark incessantly until its barking can be heard throughout the whole neighborhood.

In The News

Banana Joe, officially known as GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, won” Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2013 and became the first Affenpinscher ever to win the prestigious award. His victory at Westminster garnered significant media attention and showcased the charm and charisma of this small and adorable breed.

The History Behind the Breed

Affenpinschers were originally bred as exterminators, with a specific goal: to eliminate the mice infesting stables. Over time, they found their way into the affections of high-class women in Germany (which is hardly surprising). These women lovingly adopted them, transforming them from working animals into cherished pets.

The Affenpinscher is considered one of the world’s oldest breeds. Paintings dating back to the 15th century depict dogs with a similar appearance to this breed. The Affenpinscher appears to be the precursor to monkey-faced dog breeds and the progenitor of two other breeds celebrated for their distinctive facial features: the Belgian Griffon and the Brussels Griffon. It is believed that the breed once existed in two sizes – the smaller survived and is now known as the “Toy Terrier,” while the larger variant became extinct.”

Famous Affenpinscher Owners

Ernesto Lara, Gigi Hadid, Sam Claflin, Bella Thorne, Sam Smith, Jamie Chung, Demi Lovato.

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