Are Affenpinschers Right for You?
- 1Affenpinscher dogs are great for pet parents looking for lively companions, and they can get along well with other pets.
- 2These are spirited dogs and require someone to stand up to their stubborn nature.
- 3Affenpinscher puppies should be socialized early and they may not be the best choice for families with young children.
HISTORY
Believed to have been bred for catching small rodents on farms around the 17th century in Germany, the Affenpinscher got their name from their ape-like face (affe = ape; pinscher = terrier). The bloodlines of the Affenpinscher can be linked to other germanic breeds as well, such as the Belgian Griffon and the Griffon Bruxellois. Back when the Affenpinscher first came about it was a much larger dog, having lost some size as they became increasingly sought after for being a household pet in more recent times.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
11-14 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Male Weight
7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg)
Female Height
10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Female Weight
7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg)
Litter Size
1-3 puppies
Personality
The Affenpinscher is typically an excitable, sociable, and sometimes impish breed. They are a great companion when properly socialized. They can be stubborn, and are not always great with children, but for a patient adult looking for a smart, funny dog, the Affenpinscher is a great choice. .
Color
Black, gray, black and tan, red, silver and belge (mix of red, black and white hairs). Some white hairs and small white patches on the chest are acceptable in show dogs.
Health Concerns
Generally a very healthy breed of dog, Affenpinschers should be groomed regularly to prevent skin and coat problems. Some of the other common health concerns for Affenpinschers are:
- periodontal disease
- teeth problems
- upper respiratory infection (URI)
- eye ulcers
- eye infections
Appearance
Despite their diminutive stature, the Affenpinscher is in no way a fragile dog. Originally bred as a working dog, these guys are pretty tough. Their most unique feature has to be their face, which looks a bit like the face of an Ewok from Star Wars. They have a wiry coat and much longer hair on their face than they have on the rest of their body, lending even more to the fact that they were named after apes.