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Affenpinscher Breed Summary

Loveable, Protective, Affectionate and Playful

These dogs have very unique faces and are said to look like monkeys! They are also one of the oldest Toy breeds in existence, and can be traced back to the 17th century. Originally, they were bred in Germany but they are now hugely popular across other parts of the world including here in the UK.

They are well-known for their playful and mischievous personalities. They also have a lot of energy and like to be kept busy with lots of different tasks! On top of this, they are a very adaptable breed and are just as happy living in an apartment as they would be in a mansion.

Fun Fact: The very famous painter, Renoir, was a big fan of the breed!

Kennel Club Group Toy
Lifespan 11 - 14 Years
Height (at the withers) Males and Females 23cm – 30cm
Weight Males and Females 3kg – 6kg
Coat The Coat is Rough, Short and Dense, as well as Being Harsh to the Touch
Colour Black
Eye colour Dark
Common health issues Patella Subluxation, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, Dental issues, Tracheal Collapse, Pyometra, Syringomyelia (SM), Allergies, Addison's Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Cushing Disease, Umbilical hernia, Breathing issues, Broken bones
Other Names Affen, Affie, Monkey Dog, Monkey Mutt

These little monkeys are known to be extremely affectionate with their owners, but when not given enough attention, can become very stubborn and will probably attempt to annoy you as best they can. Although not afraid of strangers, Affenpinscher's are a highly suspicious breed and tend to be very protective of both their 'hoomans' and territory. They can get a little too big for their collars, and if confronted by a larger dog, will not back down, so they need to be trained well. Training this breed can be a bit of a challenge, as these dogs see themselves more as more like humans and therefore require a lot of fun training sessions, with a variety of treats and rewards. Because they are so small in size, they don't need a great deal of exercise and are also bred as an indoor pet, so don't generally need access to a garden, making them a great breed for dog-parents living in apartments.

The German translation for Affenpinscher is 'monkey-like terrier' which is all too obvious in their small, fluffy faces. The development of this breed is somewhat unclear to hoomans, but these little fluff balls have been painted alongside the likes of royalty right back to the 15th century. What makes us a little sad, is that this breed is ranked as one of the rarest pedigree breeds in the world, with less than 80 being born in 2014. They have often been described as being little rascals, both full of mischief but extremely loveable.