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Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a German toy terrier whose name means monkey terrier, for the wiry-faced, whiskered expression that gives it an almost simian look.

It began as a stable and kitchen ratter in seventeenth-century Germany and was gradually miniaturised into a companion.

It stands 23 to 30 centimetres, weighs 3 to 6 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a harsh, shaggy, dense coat. Temperament is entirely terrier: bold, busy, confident to the point of comedy, and quite unaware of its size. The muzzle is shortened, so it carries some brachycephalic considerations, and it has the dental and joint issues common to toy breeds.

Origin
Germany; a 17th-century stable ratter, later miniaturised
Size
23–30 cm; 3–6 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Harsh, shaggy and dense; hand-stripped
Temperament
Bold, busy and confident; a terrier in a toy body
Health
Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, some brachycephalic issues

2 affenpinscher photos, newest first

Affenpinscher feed
  • Onyx, a affenpinscher

    Onyx

    Onyx was promoted to weather forecaster surprised by its own forecast; unfortunately, a basket of yarn unravels around everything.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Onyx, a affenpinscher

    Onyx

    This is Onyx pretending not to have been on the sofa.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a affenpinscher

The shortened muzzle means some heat intolerance and, in more exaggerated individuals, noisy breathing. Choose a dog with open nostrils and a visible muzzle, and never exercise one in heat.

Dental disease is the usual toy-breed problem — crowded teeth in a small jaw. Brush daily from puppyhood.

Ask about patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, both common in small breeds.

The harsh coat is hand-stripped a few times a year and brushed weekly; clipping softens it.

They are terriers and need real exercise and mental work despite the size. They bark, and they will take on much larger dogs, which needs managing rather than admiring.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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