Affenpinscher Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

3-4 kg

Height

24-30 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

Jump To

About the Affenpinscher

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

Affenpinschers are curious, active, high-energy dogs that have a long history. At one time, they were used mainly as rat catchers, but they soon became a hit with the ladies thanks to their cute monkey-like faces. Nowadays, it’s common to see these dogs in homes, parks, and shows.

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.

What is an Affenpinscher Breed?

With such a striking appearance and fun-loving personality, it’s no surprise that these toy breeds have a few different influences. Due to its origins and history, the breed’s descendants can’t be accurately described, but they are thought to include pugs and smooth-coat pinschers.

The Affenpinscher likely owes its monkey-like face to the influence of a pug – which is the main toy dog influence in this breed. The other characteristic of the Affenpinscher is the short silky coat, a product of the smooth-coated German pinscher it has for its other ancestor.

Who Are Affenpinscher 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.

Affenpinscher Grooming & Shedding

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 Affenpinschers bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of an Affenpinscher dog?

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.

Are Affenpinschers easy to train?

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.

How do Affenpinschers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Affenpinscher have any common health issues?

Affenpinschers are generally healthy dogs that tend to live long, happy lives. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Here are some common issues to watch for:

Patella Subluxation: This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can lead to discomfort and mobility problems.
Von Perthes Disease: This affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness as the hip bones deteriorate.
Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, potentially leading to arthritis later in life.

While these health issues can occur, they can often be managed or prevented with the help of a reputable breeder. If you have concerns about your Affenpinscher’s health, it’s best to reach out to a breeder experienced with terrier-type dogs for more information and guidance. Regular vet check-ups will also help keep your furry friend in great shape!

What is the lifespan of an 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 does an Affenpinscher need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for an 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.

FAQs

Is an Affenpinscher ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes! These dogs are an excellent choice for novice dog owners; they are highly intelligent, so they can learn easily from mistakes, and they are extremely resilient, meaning they don’t get grumpy and can bounce back quickly. Additionally, these dogs are full of affection and energy, so you can enjoy dog sports with them, and they attach to you quickly, unlike other dogs.

Do Affenpinscher suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes! These little dogs are extremely affectionate and need to know where their owners are at all times. If the owner is away for any reason, the little dog will bark a lot and whine until they see a familiar face again. This is something to keep in mind if you decide to own one, but don’t invest in one of these dogs if you work out of the house all day or you go on holiday often.

Are Affenpinscher hypoallergenic dogs?

If you need a dog that doesn’t aggravate your allergies or the allergies of someone you live with, then these dogs are an excellent choice. This is an ideal dog for any household that is sensitive to allergens, thanks to its short shiny fur and lack of shedding. This dog also requires a little grooming, so there is less chance of harmful fibres and proteins getting into the rooms.

Will an Affenpinscher need professional grooming?

Every once in a while, it can be nice to take your dog to a professional grooming salon; these services treat your dog to the best groom and make sure their coat is clean and allergen free. If you don’t like grooming, it’s recommended that you find a groom to look after the breed’s coat.