This gorgeous dog is believed to have originated in Germany. Its name, Affenpinscher, translates as 'Monkey Terrier' which describes this little dog very well. In the farmlands of Germany they survived by hunting rats and mice and so protected the farmers' supply of winter food. The two World Wars nearly wiped out the breed, but thanks to some dedicated people it is thriving again.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
When considering bringing a dog home, you need to realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime and an Affenpinscher can live up to 14 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
24cm to 28cm
3kg to 4kg
BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT
The Affenpinscher is a quaint, comical dog that loves company, and loves to show off to their owners. They are eager to please, usually quiet and they will only bark if something unusual is happening within its territory. They are not really happy in a kennel, but will adapt.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
These happy dogs will mix with almost any other pets in the household, especially when they are raised together from and early age.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
The Affenpinscher needs little grooming, just a weekly comb or brush and a bath occasionally. You will need to trim the hair around its feet and keep its toe-nails trimmed, but they do prefer the scruffy look - this helps with the hair around the face hence the popular name 'Monkey Dog'.
IDEAL OWNERS
Ideal owners are people who have small back yards and are willing to take them for walks. Once you have an Affenpinscher, it will finish up 'owning you' and not the other way around.
IN CONCLUSION
For those people who do not have a lot of room, but still want to have a dog of their own that they can love then this smart little animal is well worth considering. If you need more information on the Affenpinscher contact the breed club within your State and they will only be too happy to help you.
