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The Affenpinscher is a small dog with a big attitude! Sometimes they are too intelligent for their own good. It is a smaller version of a working terrier and is not a delicate dog.
- Group Classification: Toy
- Breed Type: Terrier
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Date of Origin: 17th century
Pronunciation
AFF-en-pin-sher
Affenpinscher Dog
Learn about the temperament and personality traits of the Affenspinscher Dog.
Discover what it’s like to live with, its traits and characteristics and how it generally behaves.
| Other Names: | Affen, Affie, African Terrier, Monkey Dog, Monkey Terrier |
| Common Misspellings: | Affenpincher, Affenpincer, or Afenpinscher |
| Size | Length (Male) | Length (Female) | Weight (Male) | Weight (Female) | Litter Size | Coat Type | Puppy Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | 9.5-11.5 in. | 9.5-11.5 in. | 9.5-11.5 in. | 7 - 9 lbs | 7 - 9 lbs | 1 - 3 Puppies | $1800 - $2500 USD |
Breed Characteristics
Friendliness
Maintenance
Behavior
Ownership
* The more purple the stronger the trait.
Temperament
The Affenpinscher is a bold small square-proportioned dog terrier that was bred in Germany since back in the 1600s to hunt mice and other small vermin. This compact and sturdy dog has a thick, abundant coat that needs regular brushing.
From German translated Affenpinscher means Monkey Dog, and the Affenpinscher is playful and active and as his name implies. These are charming toy dogs peppy, busy, plucky, fun-loving, mischievous, full of energy and feistiness and sometimes conniving dogs. Sometimes they are too intelligent for their own good. Obedience training can be tricky with this breed. The Affenpinscher is affectionate, loyal, and devoted toward his master and friends. He is always ready to protect his owner, his home, and his family’s possessions.
They are very good watchdogs, reserved with strangers, and fearless toward any aggressor. This little dog thinks he is far larger than he is. An Affenpinscher parent will need to remain vigilant that his little guy does not pick a fight with a dog ten times his size! These hardy dogs are very active indoors. Most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they do enjoy daily outdoor walks.
They are charming little comedians and will entertain you by throwing their toys up in the air and walking around on their hind legs, just for fun. They are generally quiet, but can have erratic, nervous reactions to stimuli that they find nerve-wracking: noise, people, animals, and especially children. It is very important to socialize this breed to help thwart this tendency to freak out. Affenpinschers do not particularly like kids, but pose no threat to them. This is a toy breed that can easily be injured by a child who means no harm. An Affenpinscher can and will bite if provoked, so children must be taught to be respectful with him. While this is a smart breed, and while they will quickly learn things that interest them, they are notoriously slow at housetraining.
They also like to eat weird things so that you have to take them to the vet: rocks, lipstick, candy wrappers, dead bugs, etc. These loving dogs will want to be with you all the time. They will crave your attention and companionship and will want to cuddle and sit on your lap. And they will show you their sensitive, gentle side, once they are certain you can handle it.
Training
The Affenpinscher is easy to train and quite intelligent. At an above-average rate, the dog learns new commands quickly.
The Affenpinscher must be consistent and firm. It learns most commands fairly quickly, but may take some time to housebreak. Some variety in training is recommended to keep the Affenpinscher interested.
Shedding
The Affenpinscher sheds practically no hair at all. You’ll virtually never find a hair in your home!
This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes.
Affenpinscher Grooming
Grooming should be performed often to keep the dog’s coat in good shape. Professional groomers can be sought after for assistance.
Pet coat (less work): Cut his coat short every few months and then it only needs to be brushed every so often.
Show coat (more work): Strip his coat every six months and brush it daily.
Caring
Not only are Australien Terriers cute, but they also are a picture of health….
There are very few known health problems with this breed, and they require minimal care. Their pointy ears are prone to wax build up, so make sure you clean them regularly. Their coat is short and shedding is minimal, though they are not quite considered hypoallergenic.
The Aussies does not require quite as much exercise as other Australian breeds, but they still enjoy being active.
These dogs love to strut their stuff around people and might not do well in an environment where they are by themselves for long periods of time. They are part of a group known as Velcro dogs, meaning they love to be by your side at all times.
These dogs love to dig around outside, so be sure to keep them away from your garden or other areas that youd rather they not get into. They do require at least some time outdoors, so if you live in an apartment, make sure they go out for walks to a park or another outdoor area where they can let their natural instincts loose for just a little bit.
Breed History
There are paintings dating back to the 15th century that show dogs who bear a striking resemblance to the modern Affenpinscher, who are probably the breeds ancestors. (But how anyone got them to sit still long enough to draft a painting is lost in the sands of time.)
However, these dogs were definitely around in 17th century Germany. At that stage, the Affenpinscher was a bit larger, and they busied themselves hunting rats and other pests in stables and kitchens. Given the breed’s propensity for climbing and mischief-making, its a definite possibility that more than one Affenpinscher helped themselves to a reward from the kitchen counter for a job well done when the cooks back was turned.
Time went on, and the breed became a star choice as a noblewomans lap dog, dodging the hard life of a working dog and plying their trade as entertainers instead. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936, they are a rare dog, both in the US and abroad. Affenpinscher puppies are the perfect choice for mischievous people who dare to be different. Learn more about your local Affenpinscher rescue and Affenpinscher breeders in our breeder directory!
List of Australian Terrier Mix Breed Dogs
- Australian Terrier + Jack Russell Terrier mix = Rustralian Terrier
- Australian Terrier + Miniature Australian Shepherd mix = Mini Australian Shepterrier
- Australian Terrier + Poodle mix = Terri-Poo
- Australian Terrier + Silky Terrier mix = Aussie Silk Terrier
- Australian Terrier + West Highland White Terrier mix = West Australian Terrier
- Australian Terrier + Yorkshire Terrier mix= Australian Yorkshire Terrier