Affenpinscher Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Affenpinscher?

The Affenpinscher originated in Germany, where it was used to kill rats, mice, and vermin on farms and in the city, it has been around since the 17th century, but its role has changed over the years; this breed is also called a 'monkey dog' because it has a monkey-like appearance.

Originally this dog would have had its place in barns and stables or outside, where it spent its life as a 'ratter,' but it was simply too adorable for that kind of life and was soon brought into the kitchen and treated well by the ladies. In time, this breed has become a popular show dog.

Who are Affenpinscher dogs best for?

An Affenpinscher is a loyal, friendly dog that makes an excellent companion for single people, couples, and families; however, some factors have to be taken into consideration when bringing an Affenpinscher into a household - especially one with children and pets.

An Affenpinscher is a high-energy dog that was bred to hunt small rodents; for this reason, it doesn't get on very well with small children and small pets. In the case of children, they might have too much energy for the dog, and chances are it will start to hunt any small animals.

How much grooming does a Affenpinscher need?

Affenpinscher dog breed information states that these purebred dogs are hypoallergenic, meaning they don't cause allergies by shedding their fur. However, this is only true to a certain extent; you will find that these dogs also shed their fur sometimes, which may cause allergies.

The fur on this dog breed is short and silken; it doesn't require a lot of maintenance, but grooming it once a week will keep it looking nice and shiny. Every now and then, it's a good idea to strip the coat by pulling out the dead hair and leaving the shiny new hair on the surface.

Do Affenpinscher bark much?

Visit the American kennel club website, and you can find more information on the barking style and personality of this dog breed. In short, these dogs are the barking type since they are bred to root out small rodents and alert owners to their presence. Don't be surprised to find your dog barking at small noises they hear and movement outside the door; it's in their nature.

Do Affenpinscher bite?

Affenpinschers from a breed club might be better behaved than one from a rescue centre which is something to keep in mind when buying these dog breeds. However, even a healthy dog is prone to some biting, and a monkey terrier is no exception. These dogs are friendly but can bite.

Almost right away, you will notice how much energy and enthusiasm Affenpinschers have; even an adult dog will be running around barking and chasing things, but if they happen to bite as well, you can train them using negative reinforcement techniques like withdrawing affection.

What is the temperament & personality of a Affenpinscher?

Affenpinschers don't help the reputation of small dogs; in fact, they reinforce the idea that small dogs think they are two or three times the size. That's right; these dogs will take on anybody or anything it views as a threat attempting to protect their owners from harm.

Along with this bravery, these dogs are curious, affectionate, and alert; they are intensely loyal little dogs that will suffer from attachment anxiety if they are left on their own for too long; additionally, these dogs need lots of early socialisation to prevent them being difficult.

What is the weight & size of a Affenpinscher?

Affenpinschers are small dogs that grow to between 24 and 30 cm in height; they usually weigh between 3 and 4 kilos, making them ideal for most families. Smaller dogs can be easier to manage in a family or a small apartment. However, bear in mind that they are also highly energetic and need lots of attention; they make up for their size with big personalities.

How much training does a Affenpinscher need?

Like most dog breeds, your miniature schnauzer or monkey terrier will need some training, so they don't tear up your home, bite your visitors, or make a mess on the floor. If you're a first-time owner, you need some training yourself to make sure you can live happily with your pup.

Training one of these dogs is a lot like training any dog; this dog is not a particularly rare breed and can be trained using conventional methods. Treats, along with positive and negative reinforcement, work well to an extent, but proper training is about living skillfully with them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Affenpinscher?

The Affenpinscher club has some good information on health problems for this breed of dog; in general, these dogs are fairly healthy and live long happy lives, but there are some health conditions to look out for. Depending on the breeder, these dogs can run into health issues.

Some common health issues associated with this breed include a slipping kneecap known as Patella Subluxation, Von Perthes Disease, and Hip Dysplasia. If you are concerned about the condition of your dog, contact a breeder that handles terrier-type dogs for more information.

What is the lifespan of a Affenpinscher?

If this small dog comes from a quality breeder and is originally bred, it can live for between 12 and 14 years without any major health issues; that's because a purebred dog like this has strong genes in its heritage. Other dogs might live to the same age, but they are likely to experience some minor health issues like the ones mentioned. Still, they are fellow dogs and need a home.

How much should you feed a Affenpinscher?

Smaller dogs like these often have a fast metabolism and need to eat dog food more regularly than other dogs that spend their time lying on the floor. Try to feed your Appenpinscher quality food at least twice a day and provide plenty of kibble in between to keep up their energy levels. Quality food is usually made of real meat and is better for their health.

What is the price of a Affenpinscher in Australia?

These dogs make excellent pets, but unfortunately, they are rare dogs in Australia. Due to low numbers and few breeders, the cost of these dogs is a little higher; expect to pay between $1000 and $2000 for an Affenpinscher. Remember, you can buy a dog from a rescue centre as well as a breeder giving you the chance to save a dog and give it a new dog home; that's better.