Affenpinschers: Amusing Family Pets
They may look somewhat like a little monkey, but looks can be deceiving. Behind that sweet, funny face is a fearless little giant of a dog.
This dog breed comes from Germany and dates back to the seventeenth century. Affenpinscher is German for “monkey dog” or “ape terrier.”
The French call them “diablotin moustachu”(mustached little devil). You may even think they look a bit like characters from the Star Wars movies, Wookies, or Ewoks than they look like actual dogs.
History
Affenpinscher-type dogs have been around since around 1600, but they were bigger, measuring between 12 and 13 inches, and came in various hues, including gray, black, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and even red. There were frequently seen white feet and chests.
These dogs were farm or store dogs, roaming free and sleeping in the stables, and their sole duty was to kill rats. They were known as Ratters or Ratting Terriers.
The first person to intentionally breed them was a man from Lubeck in Germany. They were quickly bred to be smaller and utilized as mousers inside the home. Due to their long skirts, mice were the greatest terror of domestic ladies.
The majority of Ratting Terriers were solid black, salt and pepper (red gray and black hair blended), or reddish black. Dogs of the same kind raised in other regions of Germany were more of the Schnauzer breed than salt and pepper in color. Early breeders of the two frequently crossed this type with other breeds to create the ideal house dog.
In Europe and England, their color is always black, although a very light coating of grey is acceptable. The American Kennel Club standard is used in Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda; it allows for other colors, including black, silver, black and tan, red, and belge (a mixture of red, black and white hairs).
The AKC recognized the breed as a distinct breed in 1936, and it won the Westminster Kennel Club’s best in show prize in 2013.
Are Affenpinschers Good Family Pets?
The Affenpinscher is an entertaining family member that everyone will love. Like many small dogs, it may be wary of very small children. Affens do not like being squeezed or chased. It was bred to be a ratter, so it might not be a good companion for rodent-type pets such as gerbils, hamsters, and mice.
Potential Affen owners should know that this breed frequently exhibits a “large dog in a small body” mentality. Due to this bravado, you must exercise caution so that your miniature “Rottweiler want-to-be” does not provoke a large dog to attack. However, because of this confident attitude, they are so much fun to have around.
They are spirited, daring, inquisitive, and obstinate, yet playful and fun-loving. The breed is assertive, vivacious, affectionate, and fiercely protective of its family members. This small obedient dog loves spending time with its family. Since some can be quite challenging to housebreak, it requires constant, strict training.
How Big Are Affenpinschers?
The Affen is a very small dog, usually weighing less than 10 pounds. When it stands on its tiptoes, it may reach 12 inches tall on a bad hair day. Despite its small size, it has great confidence, and one story exists of its having chased away a grizzly bear. There are no videos of this event, however.
These small but sturdy terrier look-a-likes are included in the AKC’s toy dog group. They have a dense, unruly coat best described as “having a bad hair day.” They are usually black but come in several other colors, including red and beige.
Affens can be stubborn and determined, but most Affenpinschers are loyal, affectionate, and always the life of the party. Affen owners love being “owned” by their little monkey dogs.
Are Affenpinschers Terriers?
They are not terriers but were originally trained to catch mice and other rodents, much like other terriers such as the Miniature Schnauzer. The Affen was fortunate because it got to chase mice in the house rather than in a cold, nasty barn.
Most, if not all, Affens no longer have to chase rats for a living. They now have the job of being the beloved family clown.
Sometimes its tail is docked, but it is prohibited in some regions, such as Europe.
Are Affenpinschers Hypoallergenic?
This breed does shed a little but is a hypoallergenic dog. They don’t require a lot of grooming. Their hair grows rather slowly, so it only needs trimming every few months. They should be brushed twice a week to keep mats from forming in their wiry coat.
Are Affenpinschers Healthy?
They are sturdy dogs. Affens have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is typical of most purebred toy dogs. Affenpinschers do not have any known inherited illness, deformity, or genetic malfunction specific to the breed. They may experience breathing problems, as do other dogs with pug noses.
Many breeders add OFA examinations for hip dysplasia, elbows, and heart evaluations in addition to the mandatory testing. The Affenpinscher Club of America recommends that prospective puppy buyers determine whether the breeder has tested the parents.
If you want a loyal, brave, and entertaining companion, you should consider an Affenpinscher, the little monkey dog. It should be more popular than its 148 of 196 AKC popularity ranking. However, it is a relatively rare breed, so you may have to put some effort into finding one to adopt.
Dogs Similar to Affenpinscher
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For More Affenpinscher Information
American Kennel Club
The Affenpinscher Club of America
