Toy group · Germany
Affenpinscher
Also called Monkey Dog, Affen, Affie.
What makes them remarkable
Its monkey-like face explains the name, but its original job was catching rats in German kitchens and stables.
- Confident
- Famously Funny
- Fearless
- Alert
- Curious
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 3 to 5 kg7 to 10 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 15 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training an Affenpinscher
Toy breeds. Train them like a dog, not an ornament. Small dogs skip the manners work because they can be picked up.
Sensitive to Harsh Handling
Start here
Harsh corrections cause defiance. Make training fun and reward-based.
Terrier Temperament
Despite toy classification, has terrier-like stubbornness. Patience and consistency essential.
Resource Guarding Watch
Can be possessive of food and toys. Address early with trade games.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Affenpinscher and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred for company. Small in body, and often bigger in personality than the owner expected.
Gets on with
- ChildrenLow
- Other dogsModerate
- StrangersModerate
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 30 minutes daily. Moderate walks and play sessions.
- Grooming
- Moderate maintenance. Weekly brushing. Wiry coat may need hand-stripping for show.
- Drool
- Very Low
- Coat
- Wiry, Medium length, DenseBlack, Grey, Silver, Black and Tan, Red
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Luxating Patella
Moderate
Kneecap displacement common in small breeds
Hip Dysplasia
Mild
Unusual for toys but occurs in Affenpinschers
Heart Murmurs
Moderate
Heart valve issues requiring monitoring
Where they come from
History
Ancient German breed originally used to rid kitchens and stables of rats. Name means "monkey terrier" due to their simian facial appearance.
- Banana Joe · Won Best in Show at Westminster in 2013
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