Group: The Affenpinsher belongs to the Toy group of dogs.
Height: The Affenpinscher has a shoulder height of 9 to 12 inches (25-30 cm)
Weight: The Affenpinscher usually weighs an average of 6 to 9 pounds (3.1 to 3.6 kg).
Life Expectancy: The Affenpinscher has an average life span of 14 to 15 years.
Good with Kids? Yes
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Colors: The Affenpinscher has a coarse, swirled coat that is generally black, but may sometimes be brown or gray. Tan or red markings may be present.
Physical Traits: The Affenpincher has a shaggy coat, short nose (complete with mustache), and undershot jaw with black eyes and a short, arched neck. The ears and tail are often docked. Their face has a monkey-like appearance.
Hair Type: The Affenpinscher's coat is shaggy, at approximately one inch in length, and the hair is longer but less thick on the face and legs. The Affenpinscher has a low level of shedding.
Nicknames: The Affenpinscher's name was actually derived from the German word for monkey (affe), so, fittingly, they are sometimes referred to as the "monkey dog," and affectionately called the "affen." Affenpinchers have also been called the "mustached devil," for their mischevious personality, and are occasionally called the Zwergattenpinscher.
Bred For: Affenpinschers were established to hunt, eliminate rodents and quail, and to track rabbits. This lends to their high activity level and energetic disposition.
Personality / Temperament: The Affenpinscher's personality is similar to that of most terriers (although it is categorized as a pinscher-schnauzer subgroup). Affenpinschers are intelligent, friendly, loyal, alert, spunky and lively. They are highly defensive of their food, toys, and territory, and have a tendency to snap or attack if irritated. The Affenpinscher will defend its family when necessary, though given its small size it is not particularly recommended as a watch dog. The Affenpinscher gets along fine with children, other Affenpinschers, and other dogs or house pets, especially those that it is raised alongside. Affenpinschers may be alarmed by strangers. Affenpinschers enjoy playing and the occasional display of mischief (not unlike the monkey that it was named for!). Though Affenpinschers are generally quiet, they can become aggressive if agitated and may pick an occasional fight or two with bigger dogs so proper supervision is in order.
Origination: The Affenpinscher originated in Germany. Some examples of the breed date back as far as the 17th century.
Maintenance / Special Needs: The Affenpinsher's hair should never be clipped as it will ruin its coat. The coat may need to be plucked occasionally by a professional groomer. It is recommended to brush this dog two to three times a week to maintain its long coat. Due to its short nose, Affenpinschers may face respiratory issues in extremely hot weather. Training for the Affenpinscher must by consistent and firm. Though it learns most commands rather easily, it may take some time to housebreak. Variety in training is recommended to keep the Affenpinscher interested.
Identifying Traits: The Affenpinscher is known for it's monkey-like face and mischevious attitude. Words to describe the Affenpinscher are alert, inquisitive, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, intense, serious, fearless, humorous, amusing, loving, devoted, confident, inquisitive, lively, enchanting, smug, stubborn, and obstinate.
Ideal For: The spunky, fearless Affenpinscher is great for companionship. It is suited for both city or country life, and is find for apartment life granted that it receives regular exercise.
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