With the name “Affenpinscher” one could assume that it is a breed from a subtropical region. Wrong thought: The lively little dog has its origins in Germany. Initially a widespread working dog that kept the house free of rodents, the Affenpinscher is now a pure family dog with an attractive character. However, it does not make a cuddly lap dog. The bundle of energy is far too active and out for “action”.
Profile Affenpinscher
| Race | Affenpinscher |
| Origin | Germany |
| Classification | Domestic and companion dog |
| Size | 25 to 30 centimeters |
| Weight | 4 to 6 kilograms |
| Physique | small and compact, square building |
| Eyes | round, dark, bordered by a wreath of hair |
| Ears | V-shaped, high-set erect ears |
| Coat and color | hard and voluptuous, protruding at the head; since 2000 only monochrome black |
| Particularities | “ape-like” face with hair wreath |
| Character | cuddly, affectionate, spirited, lovable-cheeky, alert |
| Care | medium effort: regular brushing for everyday care, body coat should be trimmed twice a year |
| Bless you | robust, no breed-specific risk dispositions |
Breed history of the Affenpinscher
The ancestors of the small dog were already widespread in southern Germany in the late Middle Ages. They were even portrayed by Albrecht Dürer and are thus one of the oldest, unchanged German dog breeds. They were originally rough-haired pinschers used to hunt rats, in which dogs with the distinctive wreath of hair established themselves as a variety. Affenpinscher have been around “officially” since 1896. It is the long-haired variant of the Miniature Pinscher; at the same time as the short-haired variant, the previous, overarching categorization was divided into two separate dog breeds.
Character of the Affenpinscher
Despite its small size, the Affenpinscher is a courageous and vigilant dog that defends its home and its people. He is affectionate and affectionate towards you; at the same time he shows a lively nature with a good dose of cheekiness but always remains lovable. Although he is extremely adaptable, the Affenpinscher develops a strong, unmistakable personality with individual idiosyncrasies. He focuses primarily on a caregiver in the pack, whom he chooses himself. His temperament is similar to a terrier.
Education and keeping of the Affenpinscher
The most important thing when keeping a Affenpinscher: Pay a lot of attention to the dog. He needs extensive cuddles and stimulation. If he can play with his human or live out dog sports such as agility, the pelt-nose is balanced. When training, you need empathy and consistency: Affenpinschers know how to wrap their human pack around their paw. They have a good memory, which is why you should not let him get away with something “exceptionally”.
Since it is so small, the Affenpinscher is unreservedly suitable for keeping indoors, as long as there is enough exercise and opportunities to let off steam. The little one is not a couch potato – free access to a secure garden would be ideal. Well behaved, he is an easy-care companion even when visiting a restaurant or travelling. The training of the clever, friendly Affenpinscher is uncomplicated. It is important to have consistent, clear instructions that the animal can use as a guide. Nevertheless, it is advisable to attend puppy or dog school. There, the four-legged friend has the opportunity to practice contact with other dogs of the same species, and you can certainly learn one or two tips from the expert. Since grooming the animal is a bit more complex, it should also be playfully accustomed to treatment with comb and brush as a puppy.
Special features of the Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher differs from the other Pinscher species on the one hand by its rough fur, on the other hand by the shortened muzzle with forebite and the flat nose. This distinctive head shape, together with the facial hair, gives it a certain visual resemblance to a small monkey. The head shape does not cause any specific health restrictions, as it is based on a natural mutation and the gene pool of the old breed is very diverse. When buying an Affenpinscher, however, make sure that the animal comes from a reputable, inbreed-free breed. A responsible breeder can be named by the VDH (Association for the German Canine Society), which maintains appropriate address lists.
Other Small Dog Breeds to Consider:
- Bolonka Zwetna: A tiny, multicolored dog with a friendly and easy-to-train personality, though not ideal for families with very young or rambunctious children.
- Tibetan Terrier: A small-to-medium herding breed that becomes a playful and friendly companion with consistent training.
- Bichon Frisé: A small, white, fluffy dog that’s intelligent, attentive, and playful—perfect for families.
- Border Terrier: A compact, intelligent Terrier with minimal hunting instincts, making it an excellent companion for energetic kids.
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