Dog Breeds <Back to Breed Profiles

		Select the dog breed you are interested in from the list below. Alphabetical Search: A - E F - J K - O P - T U - Z or Select A Breed

Affenpinscher

You can find the contact details for specific breed societies local to you by going to the Your Territory area.

You may want to post any specific questions that you have about this breed in our Pet Talk area to ask people with first hand experience.

General
OtherNames		Affen
Dog Group Kennel Club		Toy
Breed Classification		The Affenpinscher was originally used to hunt vermin, today they are companions.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		< £4
Feeding Requirements		The Affen is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements. They generally have a good appetite although occasionally they may become fussy eaters. There is a tendency to overeat and become overweight if a careful watch is not kept on their food consumption.
Other Expenses		Feeding costs for the Affenpinscher are low. Veterinary costs can be high because of potential bone and eye problems. Puppies can cost from £450 to £600.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		> 15 years
Average Litter Size		2
General Physical Description		The Affen is a small, compact terrier-type dog with bushy eyebrows and a mischievous monkey like expression. The coat is rough and of uneven length over the body adding to their somewhat comical appearance. They have a lively, strutting movement.
Height Min Max Bitch 24cm 28cm Dog 24cm 28cm Weight Min Max Bitch 3kg 4kg Dog 3kg 4kg
Size Category		Small
Weight Height Range		The Affenpinscher male or female, should measure between 24 and 28 cm at the withers and weigh between 3 and 4 kg.
Ailments		The Affenpinscher has a few breed specific disorders but buying a puppy from healthy stock will reduce the possibility of it having inherited problems. They are active, bold dogs but due to their small size, broken bones are a potential problem. Supervised exercise and a safe environment will help prevent this problem occurring.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Medium
Other
History		The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest breeds, known to have been in existence in the 17th century and similar dogs appear in paintings of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In Germany where it originated, the word 'affen' means to mock and 'pinscher' means terrier. The Affen was the first of the monkey-faced dogs and he is the ancestor of two other breeds, the Griffon Belge and the Griffon Bruxellosis, who also have the monkey face. Affen blood was also involved in the development of the Miniature Schnauzer. The Affenpischer is believed to have once existed in two sizes, the smaller survives today as the toy terrier but the larger one has become extinct. Although Affens show all the spunk of terriers, they are too small to be working dogs and are kept chiefly as companions.
Intelligence		Affens are intelligent dogs who are very self-confident. They are amenable to training but this needs to start early as they can be strong-willed and some of their terrier characteristics can prove a nuisance if not adequately checked.
Show Characteristics		The Affenpinscher should have a head that is fairly small in proportion to the body with a domed forehead, broad brow and marked stop. The jaw is slightly undershot, the teeth or tongue should not showing when the mouth is closed. The eyes should be round, black and sparkling, and the ears small, set high and upright although a neat drop-ear is allowed. The neck should be short and straight and the body should be the same giving a sturdy appearance. The forelegs are straight and hindlegs well set under the body. The feet should be small, round and compact. The tail should be set high and curve gently over the back when moving. The coat is rough and harsh in texture, short and dense on some parts of the body, shaggy on others. It should be longer on the shoulders, neck and head. Black is the preferred colour with some grey shading allowed.
Country Of Origin		Germany.
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		Low
Overall Exercise		20 - 40 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		High
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		Medium
General Character And Temperament		These dogs are small with several terrier characteristics. They are lively and self-confident and carry themselves with comic seriousness. Although very affectionate with their owners they are quick-tempered, fiery and fearless. They tend to dislike strangers and show it, careful socialising as a puppy will help reduce this aggressiveness. They also have a loud yap and make good alarm dogs giving warning of any approach. Again careful training as a pup is needed to prevent this becoming a nuisance. They need gentle handling and are not suited to living with small children.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The coat of the Affenpinscher naturally looks rather untidy so grooming is undemanding. Brushing will remove debris and dead hairs from the coat. The dog should be accustomed to being groomed from an early age. Eyes and ears should be checked regularly and teeth cleaning should be practised from an early age.
Colour		The Affenpinscher is commonly black and may have some grey colouration around the face and chest. Silver, black and tan and red colourations also appear.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies