Affenpinscher

Dogs >> Learn & Connect >> Dog Breeds >> Affenpinscher

View Another Breed:
Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Affenpinscher Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 7-9 lbs

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Color(s): black, gray, silver, or black and tan

Brooklyn

Affenpinscher

$800.00

Buddy

Affenpinscher

$600.00

Baylee, smallest female

Affenpinscher

$800.00

Overview

The Affenpinscher originated in Germany in the 16th century. They are commonly referred to as the "monkey dog" due to their physical appearance and delightful attitude. Their strong character and sporting instinct made this breed particularly useful in destroying rats and mice. The primary function of the Affenpinscher today is that of an amiable companion.

Character

The Affenpinscher is a balanced and sturdy breed. They are a combination of charm and spunk, with a great deal of courage and boldness. They are capable of amazing dexterity and agility. They possess thinking and reasoning process, and will on occasion display sensitivity and gentleness. The Affenpinscher is often considered the "class clown".

Temperament

Affenpinschers are highly inquisitive and quick-witted. They are mischievous and playful, affectionate and amusing. They get along well with other pets they have been raised with. They are not recommended for young children as this breed has a tendency to guard and protect their food and toys. They will become aggressive and fearless toward anything or anyone they perceive as a threat. They love to entertain and expect to be entertained. The Affenpinscher enjoys being with their family.

Care

The Affenpinscher requires minimal grooming. Their harsh coat must never be clipped short as this will ruin it for many years. Brushing and combing weekly is a must, plucking done when necessary. They will occasionally have stray hairs that grow in the corners of the eyes that cause irritation; they should be removed immediately. The Affenpinscher is prone to slipped stifle, open fontanel, and respiratory problems.

Coat

The Affenpinscher has a coat of dense shaggy hair, which is rough and harsh. It is 1" in length on the shoulders and body. The head, neck, chest, stomach, and legs have a longer and less harsh coat. Once they reach maturity this breed has a mane of hair at the neck area, longer hair on the head, eyebrows, and a beard. Their coat serves as protection in extreme weather conditions. They are low shedding. The coat comes in various colors such as black, gray, silver, and red.

Training

Affenpinschers may be difficult to housetrain. The crate training method is recommended. They display an authoritarian attitude, so they require firmness and consistency. They are quick to learn, but do not respond to repetition. The Affenpinscher does best with a variety of tasks so they do not become bored.

Activity

The Affenpinscher is active and energetic. Their exercise needs can be met with indoor play sessions on a regular basis. They do well as apartment or condominium dwellers provided they are taken for daily leashed walks. They also enjoy a chance to run, so a small fenced yard is ideal. The Affenpinscher tends to climb and bark so supervision is required in the outdoor setting.

Ask a Question Affenpinscher Questions & Answers

QUESTION: How playful are Affenpinscher's?

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 11:15:57 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: We adopted a 2yr old Affenpinscher and we have 2 problems 1. he marks in the house even after long walks (we have used srays to remove the scent). and 2. He barks aggresively at other dogs (it's harmless, but embarassing). Other that that we love him! Any suggestions?

Anonymous - 1/2/2012 8:22:13 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: My affenpinscher is 10 yrs. (or a little older). He is showing signs of arthritis and depression. His usual grab anything he can get his teeth on to eat has vanished and I've begun putting a high quality wet food into his senior dry foot to get him to eat. This has only been occurring for the past 2 weeks. What is the lifespan? What special needs will be need as he ages?

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 9:23:59 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: How do you get your Affenpinscher to stop barking?

Anonymous - 10/14/2011 9:30:03 AM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: How would I know if my yorkie is pregnant?

Anonymous - 9/20/2011 10:43:51 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: Do Affenpinscher's like to play?

Anonymous - 8/15/2011 12:22:39 PM

Respond to Question

They LOVE to!

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 7:10:31 AM

QUESTION: I might be adopting a 2 year old affenpinscher, is this ok that I'm not getting him as a puppy? I've heard that they are cute and funny. Is this true? Also, I'm looking for a smaller dog, are they usually under 20 pounds? Will they fit into my lap? Are they lap dogs anyway? Do they love to play and run? Thank you!

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 4:39:46 PM

Respond to Question

My affenpinscher sits on my lap and my husbands lap every night. He loves to play but he also loves to cuddle. He sleeps with us too!

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 3:58:51 PM

You don't have to get a puppy. Yes, Affenpinscher's are very cute and funny!They are not lap dogs! They LOVE to run and play!

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 7:07:21 AM

QUESTION: I'm at the end of my tether with my affenspinscher...he will wee on the settee even if the back door is open if I leave the room for a few seconds. He clearly knows this is wrong as he never does it if Im in the room. I am going to get him castrated I think, although I was hoping to breed from him once first, he is 2.

Anonymous - 7/1/2011 6:38:24 AM

Respond to Question

Neutering your the isn't going to help with potty training. Have you made sure to get some spray to remove the urine smell totally. He may be marking the same spot based on smell.

Anonymous - 7/18/2011 5:50:39 PM

QUESTION: My Affenpinscher, he is 9 weeks, is scared to go in our livingroom is it common for this breed? and... Will he grow out of it... We would love to be able to have the kids down and have him settle down with us.

Anonymous - 2/27/2011 7:55:29 AM

Respond to Question

Affenpinschers are NOT kid dogs!

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 7:09:51 AM

QUESTION: My Affenpinscher puppy refuses to drink water. We've resorted to giving it to her with a dropper. Will she grow out of this and drink from her bowl or will we need to continue feeding it to her?

Anonymous - 1/21/2011 2:21:17 AM

Respond to Question

My Affenpinscher's nose and mouth are about the same length, so when she puts her mouth in bowl to get a drink, her nose goes in water too and she gets choked a lot. But she does drink her water anyway. Maybe your dog has choked a little and is afraid to try again.

Anonymous - 2/14/2011 3:03:32 PM

Our Affenpinscher just turned 8 wks old. We got her very small as well (4 wks). We'll try that. thank you.

Anonymous - 1/25/2011 7:47:38 PM

I forgot to ask - how old is your puppy?

Anonymous - 1/22/2011 6:13:45 PM

Your Affenpinscher may be too anxious or excited to drink. If you have a friend who is relaxed and comfortable with dogs, ask them to help you do the following test. You'll need to leave the dog with your friend for at least two hours. 1. Have the friend put a different bowl on the floor with an exact amount of water (e.g. 2 cups). 2. Bring the dog to the friend's house - just drop the dog off and go. Important: Keep the drop off as short as possible and definitely no goodbye. The friend should also ignore the dog and water. 3. The dog will naturally investigate the friend's home and find the water. It may or may not drink - that's ok. 4. Only after the dog is relaxed should your friend pay any attention to the dog, but always ignore the water. If the dog drinks at the friend's home, the owner needs to follow the above steps - especially being calm and patient.

Anonymous - 1/22/2011 6:12:46 PM

QUESTION: Why does my Affenpinscher/Shih Tzu puppy not bark?

Anonymous - 12/25/2010 11:10:11 PM

Respond to Question

I have a Boston Terrier that is ten years old. She has only barked 3 times in her entire life. She is a very happy and well adjusted dog, she just doesn't bark.

Anonymous - 10/19/2011 2:15:52 AM

Some dogs just dont bark - I would disagree with the previous answer totally.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 7:13:00 AM

If your Affenpinscher/Shih Tzu mix doesnt bark it means she is scared or not feeling comfortable in your house

Anonymous - 1/3/2011 6:32:10 PM

QUESTION: About how long is an Affenpinscher? Im trying to figure out my grandma's mixed origans.

Anonymous - 12/23/2010 6:19:33 PM

Respond to Question

QUESTION: Are Affenpinscher dogs suitable for children?

Anonymous - 12/3/2010 12:22:49 PM

Respond to Question

My 4 yr old Affenpinscher and 10 yr old nephew are the best of friends. I would not recommend for a very young child, he did get nippy with my 18 mo neice.

Anonymous - 12/20/2010 11:12:57 AM

QUESTION: What breeds make up the Affenpinscher breed?

Anonymous - 11/6/2010 2:00:29 PM

Respond to Question

The Affenpinscher is a breed on its own. They used to be ratcatchers.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 7:12:24 AM

QUESTION: Are these dogs aggressive? Are they hard to groom?

Anonymous - 10/10/2010 6:18:20 PM

Respond to Question

They can be very aggresive to others.They are a breeze to groom.

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 7:14:16 AM

Not at all, very happy affectionate dogs. i bath mine weekly and clip him in the summer, quite easily.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 7:12:03 AM

QUESTION: Are Affenpinscher's good to keep outside?

Anonymous - 10/4/2010 7:49:59 PM

Respond to Question

My Affenpinscher' loves to be outside with me when the weather is nice, but is not a winter dog and spends as little time in the cold as he can . If you want to leave your dog outside, maybe you should not get one.

Anonymous - 11/27/2011 3:03:10 AM

QUESTION: Are Affenpinscher dogs suitable for an apartment and are they easily house trainned?

Anonymous - 9/24/2010 11:51:05 PM

Respond to Question

I have had my Affenpinscher for over 15 yrs and he let me know when he needed to go out from day 1. I must have been lucky or a very good trainer.

Anonymous - 11/27/2011 3:00:15 AM

Affenpinscher's are known to be difficult to housetrain. Mine is 2 1/2 and still wees :( However he is just as happy with a short walk asa long one and very affectionate so he is a lovely dog and companion.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 7:11:14 AM

Affenpinscher dogs are good in an apartment, but they tend to climb a lot (trust me) and have to be walked at least one time a day.

Anonymous - 12/15/2010 11:40:26 AM

If you are looking for Affenpinscher puppies for sale from reputable Affenpinscher breeders or to adopt an Affenpinscher from an Affenpinscher rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Affenpinscher puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Affenpinscher puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Sign up for exclusive offers, tips and more.

Community QuickLinks
Company Info