Affenpinscher Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Monkey Terrier, Diablotin Moustachu, Affen, Affen Dog

Common Misspellings:  Affenpincher, Affinpinscher, Affinpincher, Athenpincher, Athenpinscher, Affanpincher, Affanpinscher

Learn all about Affenpinscher Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Affenpinscher dog breed. You'll find solid information about Affenpinscher dog history, Affenpinscher life expectancy Affenpinscher dog appearance, Affenpinscher temperament and personality, Affenpinscher health problems, Affenpinscher puppy care, training Affenpinscher puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Affenpinscher dog breeder.

Laughter - and dog ownership - are reported to have many health benefits! With an Affenpinscher puppy, you and your family will have a lot of fun staying healthy as his cute doggie antics keep you rolling on the floor!

Looking for a great house pet? The Affenpinscher may just be the breed for you. This adorable smaller breed hails from Germany, and the name translates to "monkey terrier", possibly due to the breed's playful personality. The breed was known in France as the "Diablotin Moustachu", which means "Moustached Little Devil" in the French vernacular. Originally bred to control vermin populations in Germany, the breed has been around for centuries and is very popular as a house pet in Europe.

The Affenpinscher's expression makes one think: "Hmmm... what kind of mischief are you planning?". This loyal and affectionate breed enjoys the company of people and is generally accepting of strangers and family. If you are looking for a playful, tenacious and vivacious family pet, the Affenpinscher is a great choice - city or country!

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Affenpinscher Facts

The Affenpinscher Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Germany

Affenpinscher Height: 24 to 28 cm
9.5 - 11 inches

Affenpinscher Weight: 3 - 4 kg
6.5 - 9 pounds

Affenpinscher Color Variations: Black (Most Common)
Black with Grey
Black with Red
Black with Tan

Affenpinscher Size Variations:

Affenpinscher Exercise Needs: Moderate

Affenpinscher Grooming Demands: Moderate

Affenpinscher Trainability: Medium Difficult

Affenpinscher Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Average Affenpinscher Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Yes

Breed Group: Toy

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Affenpinscher Dog History

The Affenpinscher, otherwise known as the Monkey Terrier ('affe' means ape, or monkey, in German), is considered to be an ancient breed of dog, though his exact origins remain unknown and unrecorded. First note of these unique little dogs was made in Germany, as far back as the seventeenth century and they are speculated to be the founding breed, from which stemmed more popular breeds, such as the Brussels Griffon and, quite possibly, the Miniature Schnauzer, as well. Equally confusing is this rugged little canine's classifications; the American Kennel Club (AKC) labels the Affenpinscher as a toy breed where, in other places, he is renowned as a terrier. Indeed, his most well-known job title was that of a stable rat catcher.

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Affenpinscher Dog Appearance

Size: Standing an ideal 10 inches high at the shoulder, and weighing no more than 7-8 pounds, the Affenpinscher is a devoted and loyal pet, often choosing a single person to bond with. Despite his small stature, however, the Affenpinscher proudly displays his terrier blood with a bullheaded personality, common tendencies to become hyper-excited, and his refusal to back down from any aggressor, regardless of the size difference. If for no other reason alone, the Affenpinscher should always be kept on a leash when outside, and should never be left unattended, or he risks taking on the worldb& and getting into a world of trouble.

Coat: This bristly little imp has a harsh and wiry coat that is shorter on his body, but grows longer towards the head and legs. A pronounced mustache and beard give this comical little terrier a monkey-faced expression, hence his nickname and, while he is a very intelligent little animal, don't ever think that the Affenpinscher will be a piece of cake to train. Above and beyond all else, the Affenpinscher has mind all his own and, quite often, will bend his owners to his own whims.

Color: The most common color of the Affenpinscher is black, though it is not uncommon to find blacks with tan markings, or a mixture of red or gray in the coat. Their fur takes a moderate degree of work to upkeep, the main focus of attention being about the beard and eyes. The Affenpinscher should not be bathed too frequently, either, as frequent bathing can destroy the wirehaired quality of the dogbs coat, causing it to lose that crisp texture.

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Affenpinscher Grooming

Grooming requirements are moderate; a good brushing several times a week is needed to keep the Affenpinsher looking it's best, and occasional trimming of the feet, tail and ears should also be performed.

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Affenpinscher Exercise Needs

Affenpinschers are active little dogs that enjoy exercise. That being said, their size makes it easy to get the activity they need. While Affenpinschers will gladly accompany their owners on a walk, run or trip to the dog park, these cute little dogs can do quite well running around the yard or living room.

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Affenpinscher Temperament

A very good watchdog, despite his tiny size, this courageous little canine makes a wonderful companion dog, especially for those who have limited physical activity.

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Affenpinscher Training

Early and consistent obedience training is recommended with this breed to counter it's tendency towards stubbornness.

Affenpinscher Health

Unfortunately, like most breeds, this little dog does have a few health concerns that should be known by any potential pet owner; first and foremost, the Affenpinscher's ferocious little nature can lead him to scrap with other dogs, resulting in cuts and broken bones, if his owner is not diligent. Additionally, the Affenpinscher can also suffer from a subluxated patella, or slipped stifle, which can cause him to have a hitch or pronounced limp in his movement. To prevent this, it's wise to teach your terrier not to jump up, whether it is on people or furniture, and should he be allowed on the furniture at all, rugs should be placed on the floors by the foot of chairs and sofas, to reduce risk of his slipping and falling, should he get excited and attempt to jump down.

The Affenpinscher has very large, prominent eyes that are prone to both scratches and ulcers. Additionally, they can suffer fungal infections in the wrinkle between the eyes and nose, so it is always good to pay close attention and make regular checks of your Affenpinscher's eyes.

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Is the Affenpinscher Right For You?

Unfortunately, the Affenpinscher is not the dog breed for everyone. The high cost of obtaining a healthy, well socialized Affenpinscher puppy from a responsible Affenpinscher breeder is a large obstacle for most families searching for a canine companion. This unique little breed of dog is quite rare and it can often be difficult (and costly) to find a puppy of your choosing, but should you take on the search, you're bound to find one of these adorable little independents the perfect dog for you.

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Affenpinscher Prices

Average Affenpinscher Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Affenpinscher dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Affenpinscher puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Affenpinscher dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Affenpinscher puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Affenpinscher breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Affenpinscher prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Affenpinscher puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Affenpinscher Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Affenpinscher puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Affenpinscher Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Affenpinscher breeders. We actively screen Affenpinscher breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Affenpinscher breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Affenpinscher puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Affenpinscher puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Affenpinscher dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Affenpinscher Resources:

• Affenpinscher Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Affenpinscher Breed Profile
• Affenpinscher Pictures
• Affenpinscher Videos

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