Little Pawz -- Affenpinscher -- Affenpinscher Dog -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Affenpinscher is an enchanting little breed, with an almost monkey-like appearance, whence the prefix Affen, which is the German word for monkey, and pinscher, German for terrier. The French have dubbed it the moustached devil. In any event it is an appealing, comical little dog, the smallest of the Pinschers and Schnauzers. The Affenpischer is alert, gentle and affectionate, but always ready to defend.

Size
Height: 9 1/2 – 11 inches (24 – 28 cm)
Weight: 6 1/2 – 9 lbs. (3 – 4 kg)

Coat
The hair is dense, rough, harsh textured and approximately 1 inch in length on the shoulders, body and back, but may be shorter on the rear and tail in contrast to the longer, shaggier and less harsh hair on the head, neck, chest, stomach and legs. At maturity the neck and chest coat may grow longer to form a cape. The longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard stands off and frames the face to emphasize the monkey-like expression. The hair on the ears is usually cut very short. The correct coat needs little grooming to blend the shorter hair into the longer hair to maintain a neat but shaggy appearance.

Colour
Black, grey, silver, or black and tan — with symmetrical markings, or red varying from a brownish red to an orangey tan. Some blacks may have a rusty cast or have white or silver hairs mixed in the coat and furnishings. Some reds have black, brown, and/or white hairs mixed in the coat with tan furnishings. With the various colors, the furnishings may be a bit lighter and some may have black masks. A small white spot or fine line of white hairs on the chest is not penalized, but large white patches are undesirable. Colour is not a major consideration.

Exercise
Like most toy dogs, the Affenpinscher will be content with a walk around the park, but it will gladly walk you off your feet given the chance.

Grooming
Regular brushing will keep the Affenpinscher in good condition and in fine fettle.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1/3 – 1/2 can of a name-brand dog food (13.3 oz – 376 g size), with a biscuit; or 1 – 1/2 cups of name-brand dry dog food. Always make sure your dog has an ample supply of fresh water.

Origin and History
Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers were, until 1896, classified as one breed. In that year, at the Berlin show, it was decided that the long-coated variety should be known as the Affenpinscher.

The Affenpinscher is an ancient German breed that was depicted by Jan van Eyck (1395 – 1441) and Albrecht Dürer (1471 – 1528). There is, however, some controversy as to its origin, though its nationality has never been in doubt. Some believe it to be related to the Brussels Griffon; others attribute the Brussels Griffon to the Affenpinscher; a third group is that the Affenpinscher is a toy version of the German coarse-haired terrier, the Zwergschnauzer. In any event, this delightful breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. It was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1975 and first shown at Crufts Dog Show in 1980. It is also recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club.