
The Affenpinscher, often affectionately referred to as the “Monkey Dog” due to its expressive face and lively personality, is a small yet spirited breed that captures the hearts of dog lovers.
Originating from Germany, this breed is known for its distinctive appearance and charming, mischievous nature.
Despite its diminutive size, the Affenpinscher is a bold and confident companion, making it a delightful addition to many households.
With a history rooted in hunting vermin and serving as a loyal household pet, the Affenpinscher stands out with its unique blend of playfulness and determination, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a small dog with a big personality.
Quick Look
KC Group:
Toy
Breed Type:
Pinscher
Size:
Small
Height:
9.5 to 11 inches
Weight:
7 to 9 pounds
Grooming:
More than once a week
Sheds:
Yes
Exercise:
30 minutes plus a day
Lifespan:
10 plus years
History

The Affenpinscher, one of the oldest toy breeds, boasts a rich history that is believed to date back to the 17th century in Germany. The name “Affenpinscher” translates to “Monkey Terrier” in German, a nod to the breed’s distinct facial features and playful, almost mischievous expression.
Their exact origins are not precisely known, but it is believed to have developed in the 17th century in Central Europe. It was primarily bred to be a ratter, meaning it was used to hunt and kill rodents in homes, stables, and shops. The breed’s small size, agility, and fearless nature made it well-suited for this task.
They were developed by crossing various small schnauzers and pinschers, with the goal of creating a dog that excelled at catching vermin, and the breed shares its ancestry with other small terrier breeds, including the Brussels Griffon
Over time, they became popular not only as a working dog but also as a companion animal. Its charming and affectionate personality, combined with its unique appearance, endeared it to many families.
The Affenpinscher was first recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1936. This recognition marked an important milestone for the breed, acknowledging its status as a distinct and recognized dog breed in the United Kingdom. Challenge Certificate status was then gained at Crufts in 1992.
Description
KC Group: Toy | Breed Standard
The Affenpinscher is a small, compact dog with a distinctive and charming appearance that often draws comparisons to a monkey or a mischievous elf. Typically standing between 24 to 28 cm (9.5 to 11 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighing around 3 to 4 kg (7 to 9 pounds). Despite its small size, they are a robust and sturdy toy breed.
One of the most striking features of the Affenpinscher is its face, which is adorned with a prominent beard and bushy eyebrows that contribute to its characteristic expression.
Their head is fairly small in proportion to their body, with a short, blunt muzzle and prominent, turned up chin. Their mouth is slightly undershot with the lower incisors gripping scissor-like in front of the uppers. Their eyes are round, very dark and sparkling. With shaggy hair standing away from the skull and framing the eyes and chin they have a monkey-like expression.
The Affenpinscher’s body is squarely built with a straight back, providing a balanced and agile appearance. Their tail is set and carried high, curling gently over the back when moving. Their movement is agile and purposeful, with a confident and lively gait that reflects its spirited personality and terrier-like determination.
Their coat is rough, dense, and wiry, giving the dog a somewhat tousled and scruffy look that adds to its monkey-like expression, particularly being longer on the shoulders, neck and head. Their coat is black, although grey shading is allowed.
Character
A mischievous little character who is lively, inquisitive and confident, they have been described as being “comically serious”, or “little ruffians with a swagger”.
Despite its diminutive size, they are known for their confident and bold demeanor. While originally bred for hunting rodents, today, the Affenpinscher is primarily kept as a loving and loyal companion.
Its playful nature and relatively low exercise needs make it suitable for apartment living, although it still retains its hunting instincts and may enjoy activities such as chasing toys or participating in dog sports like agility.
Affectionately are sometimes known as “Velcro dogs” because they enjoy being close to their human family members and thrive on attention. Affenpinschers are intelligent and independent thinkers, often displaying a stubborn streak, which can make training a delightful challenge for experienced owners.
Health
The Affenpinscher is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues. Prospective owners and breeders should be aware of these potential conditions to ensure they maintain the health and well-being of their dogs.
Common Health Issues
- Patella Luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness and pain and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though less common in small breeds, hip dysplasia can occur in Affenpinschers. This genetic condition affects the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: This disease involves the degeneration of the femoral head, leading to hip pain and lameness. It often requires surgical correction.
- Respiratory Issues: Due to their short muzzles, Affenpinschers can be prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.
- Heart Problems: Mitral valve disease and other heart conditions can affect Affenpinschers, necessitating regular veterinary check-ups.
- Eye Conditions: The breed can be prone to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can affect vision and potentially lead to blindness.
Health Tests and Screenings
For responsible breeding, The Kennel Club and breed clubs recommend several health tests and screenings:
- Patellar Evaluation: To check for patellar luxation.
- Hip Evaluation: To screen for hip dysplasia.
- Ophthalmologic Examination: To identify any eye conditions early on.
With proper care and attention to their specific health needs, Affenpinschers can lead long, healthy, and happy lives, bringing joy to their owners for many years.
Grooming
Whilst Affenpinscher do not tend to shed much, their distinctive coat requires regular grooming. Their wiry fur should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Their coat should never be clipped, however, regular hand stripping is necessary to keep their coat neat and tidy. Additionally, regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are essential aspects of their grooming routine.
Start a grooming routine with your new puppy to get them used to it and have it stress free. Use positive reinforcement and maintain a regular groom schedule.
Brushing: The have a dense and wiry coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Use a slicker brush or a metal comb to gently brush your Affenpinscher’s coat at least a few times a week. Pay extra attention to areas like behind the ears, under the arms, and around the legs where mats are more likely to form.
Bathing: Bathe your Affenpinscher as needed, typically this might be every 4-6 weeks or when they get dirty. Use a mild dog shampoo that is specifically formulated for a rough, wiry coat type to avoid drying out their skin. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo, as residue can irritate their skin.
Stripping: Their coat should never be clipped, however, regular hand stripping is necessary to keep their coat neat and tidy.
Nail Care: Keep your Affenpinscher’s nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause discomfort and even affect their gait. Using either nail clippers or a nail grinder, trim the nails regularly, being careful not to cut into the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance.
Ear Cleaning: Check your Affenpinscher’s ears regularly for signs of wax buildup, dirt, or infection. Clean their ears gently with a damp cotton ball or a dog ear cleaning solution to remove any debris. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal and stop if your dog shows any signs of discomfort.
Dental Care: Like all small breeds, Affenpinschers can be prone to dental issues. Brush their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Providing dental chews or toys can also help keep their teeth clean.
Eye Care: Affenpinschers can be prone to tear staining, so wipe around their eyes daily with a damp cloth to remove any discharge and prevent staining.
Exercise
The Affenpinscher is a lively and energetic breed that enjoys regular physical activity. Despite their small size, they have a surprising amount of energy and a playful nature that requires regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. This can be achieved through a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
Keep their exercise routine varied to prevent them from becoming bored. Alternate between different types of walks, play activities, and training sessions. In hot weather, exercise them during the cooler parts of the day to avoid overheating.
- Walks: A brisk walk of 20 to 30 minutes twice a day helps them burn off energy and provides mental stimulation from exploring their environment.
- Playtime: Interactive play sessions are a great way to meet their exercise needs. They enjoy games like fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Playing in a securely fenced yard or an indoor play area works well.
- Mental Stimulation: Affenpinschers are intelligent dogs that benefit from activities that challenge their minds. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and agility courses can keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
In bad weather, indoor exercises can keep them active. You can use a soft ball or toy for a game of indoors fetch, puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys can provide both mental and physical stimulation, practice obedience commands and tricks to keep their minds sharp.
Training
Training an Affenpinscher can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligent yet sometimes stubborn nature. They are quick learners with a lively personality, but they also possess a strong will and can be stubborn, which requires patience and consistency from their owner.
Being independent and stubborn at times, patience is the key. Stay calm and persistent, and avoid getting frustrated if progress is slow. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and rewards. Use these to encourage good behaviour and to motivate them during training sessions.
Basic Obedience Training
Starting with basic obedience training is essential for an Affenpinscher:
- Start Early: Begin training as soon as your puppy is settled in their new home. Early training helps establish good habits and prevents unwanted behaviors.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior. Affenpinschers respond well to rewards and encouragement.
- Consistency: Be consistent with commands and rules. Ensure that all family members use the same commands and reinforce the same behaviors to avoid confusing the dog.
- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging, typically 10-15 minutes, as Affenpinschers can have a short attention span. Frequent, brief sessions are more effective than long, repetitive ones.
Socialisation
Socialisation is a crucial part of training and helps Affenpinschers become well-rounded dogs:
- Expose to Various Environments: Introduce your Affenpinscher to different environments, sounds, and sights. This helps them become more adaptable and less fearful of new experiences.
- Meet Different People and Animals: Regular interaction with a variety of people, dogs, and other animals helps them develop good social skills and reduces the likelihood of aggression or shyness.
Crate Training
Crate training provides a safe space for your Affenpinscher and aids in housebreaking:
- Create a Positive Association: Make the crate a comfortable and positive place with bedding and toys. Use treats to encourage your dog to enter the crate willingly.
- Gradual Introduction: Start by having the dog spend short periods in the crate and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
- Use for Housebreaking: Crate training is effective for housebreaking, as dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking an Affenpinscher requires patience and consistency:
- Establish a Routine: Take your dog outside frequently, especially after meals, playtime, and naps. Establish a regular schedule to help them understand when and where they should relieve themselves.
- Supervise and Confine: Supervise your dog indoors and confine them to a small area or use a crate when you cannot watch them. This helps prevent accidents and teaches them to hold it until they are outside.
- Command and Immediate Praise: As soon as they start to go, decide on a word to use and say it repeatedly while they go. Praise and reward your dog immediately after they eliminate outside. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the desired behavior.
Advanced Training
Once your Affenpinscher has mastered basic obedience, consider advanced training to keep them mentally stimulated:
- Trick Training: Teach fun tricks like “shake,” “roll over,” and “play dead.” Affenpinschers enjoy learning new tricks and showing off their skills.
- Agility and Obedience Competitions: Many Affenpinschers excel in agility and obedience competitions. These activities provide physical exercise and mental stimulation.
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program: Enroll your dog in the CGC program to further enhance their manners and obedience skills.
Affenpinschers can sometimes exhibit stubborn or independent behaviors:
- Stay Patient and Firm: Address unwanted behaviors with patience and firmness. Avoid harsh corrections, as they can be counterproductive.
- Seek Professional Help: If you encounter persistent behavioral issues, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Overall, training an Affenpinscher requires dedication, consistency, and a positive approach. With proper training and socialization, they can become well-mannered and delightful companions, eager to please and full of character.
Suitability
The Affenpinscher, with its unique appearance and spirited personality, can make a wonderful pet for the right household. However, potential owners should consider several factors to determine if this breed is a good fit for their lifestyle and needs.
They are well-suited for individuals or families who appreciate a lively, affectionate companion with a dash of mischief. They thrive in households where they can receive plenty of attention and companionship. Due to their small size and sturdy nature, they can adapt well to apartment living, provided they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Affenpinschers thrive in environments where they are given plenty of attention and affection. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being part of family activities.
May Not be Suitable for
While Affenpinschers are charming and affectionate companions, they may not be suitable for every household. Their stubborn nature and independent streak can pose challenges, requiring patience and consistent training. People seeking a low-maintenance breed may find the Their grooming needs challenging to manage. Additionally, their small size makes them vulnerable to injury if mishandled or accidentally dropped.
In conclusion, the Affenpinscher is a delightful breed known for its distinctive appearance, lively personality, and unwavering loyalty. Whether charming their way into your heart with their antics or cuddling up on your lap for a nap, they’re sure to bring joy and laughter to any household fortunate enough to welcome them into their lives.