Affenpinschers are one of the oldest toy dog breeds in Europe. They have been known in Central Europe since the 17th Century although some records and pictures indicate that this dog breed could be even older than that.

These attractive and unusual looking little dogs have a mass of hair on the head and face that give them a slight facial resemblance to monkeys.

This would explain why the breed was originally known as the Monkey Dog or Monkey Pinscher.

The prefix Affe in German can be translated as ape or monkey; the word pinscher means terrier.

Hence, we have the literal translation of Affenpinscher as Monkey Terrier.

Origins of Affenpinschers

The origins of Affenpinschers are rather obscure. Little is known other than they originated in Central Europe (probably Germany) and are believed to be ancestors to two other well-known breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois and the Miniature Schnauzer. In both breeds, there are visible similarities to Affenpinschers, particularly around the head and in their expression.

Affenpinschers originally came in two sizes, with the smaller size being the one that has survived to be recognized worldwide.

Around the turn of the 20th Century, there existed a dog known as the Wire-Haired Pinscher or Deuthscher Rauhhaariger Pinscher that could have been the larger type. It was described as being from 12 to 18 inches (30.5–46 cm) and sporting a short beard and whiskers. This type of dog was commonly known as the Rattler and occurred mostly as a black dog, although other colors did exist.

At this time, there was no mention of the Schnauzer breed of dogs. Given the degree of mixing of dog breeds at the end of the 19th Century this could easily have led to confusion between the Rattler and the early Schnauzer. Alternately, it is possible that careful breeding of the Rattler could have resulted in the Schnauzer.

Affenpinschers were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936, but due to the Second World War, progress in adoption of the breed was slowed. However, after the War numbers began to grow steadily as fanciers of toy dogs started to take an interest in the breed. For many years, the breed was confined largely to the USA and his home country of Germany. In other dog-loving nations such as Britain, the breed was barely known. Eventually, the rest of the world started to take note and Affenpinschers are now found around the world.

General Appearance of Affenpinschers

Affenpinschers

Affenpinschers are small, sturdily built dogs. Their coats are rough and are of an uneven length over the body; long and shaggy in some places and shorter in others. They are usually black but are occasionally other colours. They have a game, alert and intelligent expression. Facially they resemble monkeys and have a mischievous glint in their twinkling eyes.

The head of this breed sits on a short, straight neck. It is round with a well-domed forehead. The eyes are brilliant black, round and of a good size. The ears are rather small, set high, pointed and erect. The muzzle is short and somewhat pointed with a black nose. The upper jaw is slightly shorter than the lower jaw. When the jaw is closed the teeth close together and are not visible.

Affenpinschers have a strong straight-backed terrier-like body. The length of the back is approximately equal to the height at the shoulder. They stand 9.5–11 inches (24–28 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 6.5–9 lb (3–4 kg). The chest of this breed is reasonably deep. Towards the loin there is only a slight tuck-up.

The legs of this dog breed are straight and set well under the body. The only slight bend is in the rear legs at the hocks. The feet are small round and compact, and are turned neither in nor out. The pads and nails are typically black.

The tail is short and often left undocked. It is set and carried high, and gently curls over the back when the dog is in motion.

One of the more distinctive features of this breed is its short, dense coat. The hair is mostly loose and shaggy, although it is longer and harder and wirier in places such as on the legs and around the eyes, nose and chin. This abundance of facial hair gives Affenpinschers their typical monkey-like appearance. It is from this that their name comes.

The coat is normally black all over, however, some members of the breed are black with tan markings, red, grey and occasionally other mixes. For showing purposes, very light colors and white markings are not permitted. Grey colouration does sometimes appear particularly with age. This greying of the hair often adds to the already remarkable facial appearance of the breed.

Characteristics and Temperament of Affenpinschers

Despite being classed as toy dogs, Affenpinschers are far from delicate. These sturdy little dogs have a lively, self-confident temperament and can certainly take care of themselves. Given their unusual looks, dogs of this breed can often make people laugh as they carry themselves with an air of comical seriousness. When two or more Affenpinschers are together there is often a great sense of mischief in the air.

Although normally quiet, this breed can often get extremely excited when they sense that they or their owner is under threat. They are fearless towards an aggressor and will put up quite a defence for their size. Hence, Affenpinschers make extremely good guards.

Affenpinschers as Pets

Affenpinschers make extremely good pets and house dogs. They are extremely devoted and affectionate little dogs. They are keen to take part in fun and games, but aren’t too demanding when it comes to exercise. They will happily take part in activities with gusto. Although their short muzzles may indicate a potential problem with restricted breathing this isn’t the case; they are happy to exert themselves.

This breed is not demanding when it comes to feeding. Grooming isn’t something that owners of this breed take too seriously. Affenpinschers have a naturally untidy looking coat, so there isn’t much point trying to make them look glamorous. All that is required is a general brushing and tidy up of the coat.

As previously stated, this breed will fearlessly stand their ground if under attacked. This makes them great guards.

Overall as a house companion the Affenpinscher is one of the best.

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