The Affenpinscher, A dog With A Monkey Face

One of the less well known breeds, especially in the United States, the Affenpinscher was originally a larger size. Today the standard calls for a dog no taller than 9 to 10 inches, putting this breed close to the size of the smallest dog, the Chihuahua. The Affenpinscher if one of the many off shoots of the Griffons. It is the smallest of the Griffon types and the Brussels Griffon runs a close second. The Affenpinscher has a distinctive “Monkey” appearance to its face and the word in German, it’s country of origin, means “monkey-like terrier”.

In the year 2000, the American Kennel Club first registered this breed as a member of the Toy Group. The Affenpinscher can be of any color, salt and pepper or black being the most common. It is theorized that the Dutch Pug, the Miniature Schnauzer and the German Pinscher all had a part in the genetic makeup of the little dog. It has the typical rough wiry coat of the Griffons and a whiskery appearance to the face. The eyes and nostrils in combination with a bracocyphalic structure lend a definite monkey resemblance to the head. The ears if cropped are short and erect, if un-cropped they blend into the hair and are difficult to see, lending even more to the monkey appearance. The mature Affenpinscher has a cape of wiry hair around the neck and chest which blends into the back coat at the withers area.

Since this is a toy dog, it is important to remember that the bones are small and delicate while growing, so he must be protected from jumping off of high places and children should be warned to be gentle. Other than those precautions, there is little “extra” care that needs to be done, for the Affenpinscher is a relatively healthy little dog. As usual with breeds that have a lot of facial hair, it is important to keep the eyes clean and make sure that the hair is not folded over into the eyelids or interfering with its sight.

The dog in France is called the “Diablotin Moustachu” or mustached little devil. This is an apt description of the appearance and attitude of the little “Affie”. The little dog is a great mouse catcher and generally a favorite household pet. Temperamentally it is a non -argumentative dog, getting along well with other breeds if they do not threaten him, but if threatened he can be absolutely fearless and reckless, believing that he is as big as they are. He is typically very affectionate and loyal with all people. He is not known for being a great watchdog, being of a gentle nature. As can be gathered from the French nick-name, the little dog is boisterous and inquisitive and can get itself into a lot of trouble, having a somewhat devil may care attitude. However he is quick to learn and accepting of training, willing to do anything for a treat or for praise. At the present he is mostly shown in Conformation but recently devotees of the breed have begun to enter him in the Obedience ring and Agility trials.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs