A toy dog of German origin, the Affenpinscher is an enchanting little character that has been around since the 1500s. The name, Affenpinscher, means “monkey dog”, and perfectly describes the dog’s expressive face and mischievous nature. The dog stands up to 11 inches at the withers and weighs 7 to 9 pounds. The coat has an unkempt look and can be grey, fawn, black and tan or red an tan.

A typical terrier, the Affen is feisty, energetic and agile. They were originally bred to kill rats and mice in granaries and barns and proved to be particularly adept at this job.

Despite its small size, the Affenpinsher is a brave dog, with plenty of character. They are inquisitive and playful which makes them a good choice for families with older children who have been taught how to handle dogs. They are not really recommended for younger kids because they will not tolerate rough handling.

Despite their small size Affens can be quite a handful. They can be stubborn and willful at times and also tend towards dominance. Strong and consistent pack leadership will be required to ensure they don’t get out of hand. The Affenpincher will generally get along fine with dogs and cats that it has been socialized with, but is not to be trusted around pet rodents or rabbits.

Training an Affen is sometimes easy, and at other times it can be a real grind. They are very intelligent dogs who generally learn quickly. Occasionally though, that famous stubborn streak kicks in and you may as well quit for the day. It won’t help to get angry either, as they are quite sensitive dogs who don’t respond well to harsh treatment. House training in particular can be a real chore.

All in all though, this is a wonderful dog with a clownish nature, lots of affection and a genuine love of his close family.

Finding good dog names for an Affenpinscher can be tricky. Try to think of something that really brings out the dog’s unique personality. If you’re having trouble coming up with names, pay a visit to Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of unique names, including an extensive list of boy dog names

Affenpinschers are healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they are susceptible to congenital diseases. These include cataracts, slipped stifle collapsed trachea, and breathing difficulties in hot weather. The mean lifespan for the breed is about 12 years.

Grooming an Affen is easy and requires only a brush down once of twice a week. This will keep the coat in good condition and minimize shedding. You will also have to trim the hair around the eyes using a round nosed scissors.

These are active, energetic dogs who need daily exercise including a walk and occasional games. Provided their exercise needs are met, Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment life.