Affenpinscher: temperament, size, care and health

About the Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a sturdy little dog with a face that people compare to a monkey's, and the first half of its name says as much: "Affe" is the German word for ape. Adults stand roughly nine to eleven inches at the shoulder and are squarely built, with a short back, a round skull, a short muzzle, dark round eyes and a bushy beard.

The breed was developed to deal with vermin in houses, stables and shops, and it still carries that job in its character. It is quick, fearless for its size and more serious than most toy dogs. People keep it today for its large personality in a very small frame.

Temperament and family life

An Affenpinscher attaches closely to its own people and tends to follow them from room to room. It is inquisitive and prone to mischief, and it can be bossy if nobody sets rules. Toward strangers it is usually reserved and watchful rather than friendly at first meeting, and it will announce visitors.

With children it is a mixed prospect. The breed is small and does not tolerate rough handling, grabbing or teasing, and it may snap if cornered. Households with older, gentle children generally do better than those with toddlers. Around other dogs it can be feisty, and rodents are poorly matched with a dog bred to kill them.

Exercise and training

Daily needs are modest. A couple of brisk walks and some play indoors usually satisfy the breed,. Because it is clever and a little willful, a bored Affenpinscher invents its own entertainment, which can mean barking, destroying small objects or testing house rules.

Training works best in short, varied sessions that use food and praise. Harsh correction tends to produce a sulky or defiant dog. House training can take longer than with some toy breeds, so a steady routine and patience matter.

Grooming and shedding

The harsh, tousled coat sheds very little, so loose hair is rarely an issue indoors. The cost is upkeep. Brushing or combing two or three times a week prevents mats, particularly on the legs and beard, where food and water collect. Many owners have the body coat hand-stripped or clipped a few times a year.

Eyes should be wiped clear of debris, nails trimmed regularly and teeth cleaned often, since crowding in a short jaw encourages tartar and gum disease.

Health

Affenpinschers are generally long-lived, but the breed is known for several problems. Patellar luxation, in which the kneecap slips out of place, is common in small dogs. Hip disease, including a juvenile condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes, appears in some lines. The short muzzle can narrow the airway, and heart disease and dental crowding are also reported.

Responsible breeders usually test hips and patellas, have the heart examined and check the eyes. Pregnancies can be difficult because of the head shape. This is general information about the Affenpinscher, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to Germany, with a history that goes back to at least the seventeenth century, when small rough-coated terrier-like dogs were kept to control rats in kitchens, granaries and stables. Over time the dogs moved indoors and became lap companions in more prosperous homes. The breed's growth was halted by the Second World War, and dedicated breeders rebuilt it afterward.

Is the Affenpinscher right for you?

The breed suits an adult or a couple living in an apartment or small house who want a lively, amusing, low-shedding dog and who do not mind a trimming schedule. It fits people who can stay calm and consistent with a strong-minded dog and who are home for much of the day.

It is a poor match for a family with young children, for owners who want an easy-going first dog, and for anyone who needs a quiet one. Those drawn to a similar small face but a softer outlook may prefer the Brussels Griffon, while people who want a wiry, hardy small terrier might look at the Norfolk Terrier or the Miniature Schnauzer.