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Affenpinscher BreedAffenpinscher, a small size dog belonging to the AKC Toy Group of dogs, can be an excellent pet suitable for country and apartment living.
Affenpinscher traces its origins to Europe where it became known as a hunter of rodents.  It has a terrier like personality with an attitude of a big dog in a body of a toy poodle. This aggressive behavior can get him in trouble when around larger dogs. Rather clean dogs, they are easy to travel with and require little grooming. Their firm, wiry coat is short and thick. Unlike the Afghan Hound, Affenpinscher is satisfied with short walks in the neighborhood and does well as indoor pet.
Affenpinscher is quiet and very devoted to his owner. Although small, Affenpinscher is a very sturdy dog. Affenpinscher is extremely intelligent and makes a good house pet. It can become excited when attacked and is fearless against an aggressor. Exercise may consist of walks once or twice per day and/or free exercise in a secure area.
Affenpinscher takes himself very seriously, which, together with his high rate of intelligence and desire to please, accounts for his being such a charming and obedient little fellow. However, their protective nature, even of their own toys, makes them unsuitable for families with young children. Affenpinscher is an excellent watchdog. Some dogs can be very greedy and will guard their food bowls and toys.
Affenpinscher Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Germany |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 2 Section 1 - Pinscher and Schnauzer type |
| Utilization: |
House and Companion Dog |
Registration |
American Kennel Club: Toy
United Kennel Club: Companion Breeds
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (UK): Toy Dogs
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy
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| Personality: | Playful, affectionate, very good watch dogs. Affens are usually wary of strangers and do not make friends with visitors to your home easily. They must be well socialized early before it becomes a problem. |
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Size: | Small |
| Height: | 9-11 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Color requirements vary from one standard to another. While AKC, UKC, CKC and NZKC standards allows black, gray, silver, red, black and tan colors with color not being a major consideration, the Australian and UK standards only permits black color with or without gray shadings. |
| Other Names: | Affen |
| Litter Size: | 1-3 |
| Life Span: | 15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: | Low |
| Shedding: | Little |
| Social skills: |
The Affenpinscher gets along well with other dogs and lives in harmony with other pets with proper socialization at an early age. |
| Suitability for Children: | Not the best choice for young toddlers. Good with older children. |
| Exercise Needs: | Low. Affenpinscher needs only a short walk around the neighborhood. |
| Train Ability: | For a toy breed dog, Affenpinscher is a very obedient dog. |
| Health & Behavioral Issues: |
Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for:
1. Hip Dysplasia (OFA certification of hips after 2 years of age. Preliminary x-rays may be done at an earlier age.)
2. Patellar luxation (slipping stifles) (Veterinary certification. Can also be registered with OFA.)
3. Cataracts (CERF certification)
An additional problem which cannot be tested for is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, a condition that occurs at approximately 6-9 months of age. |
Affenpinscher Puppies
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