Affenpinscher
Temperament
Confident, Mischievous & Fearless
The Affenpinscher is a confident, Mischievous, curious toy dog is loyally fearless despite it’s small size. They are usually the ladies’ companion. These are purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, or in short AKC. They are not lap dogs and does not enjoy rough play or chasing, thus being more of an adult dog than a kids-friendly dog. Even with these qualities, they are extremely loving, loving and protective to their owners.
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability
- Unexperienced Owners
- Apartment/Small Living
- Sensitivity Level
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Tolerates Cold Weather
- Tolerates Hot Weather
As the Affenpinscher is more of a laid back low energy dog. Unexperienced or first time owners will not be freaking out at every turn. They are easy going and teaching them tricks or potty training will as difficult as it is training a more stubborn dog.
Despite what most believe in, small size or toy dogs does not always mean easily adaptable in small homes or apartment-style living. However, Affenpinscher is one of them, they are well suited as they are low energy dogs who are calm and does not to randomly bark. It adapts well indoors more so than outdoors and is polite with other living residences. Basically everything you need as an indoor toy dog.
Despite their easy going nature, they are still extremely loyal dogs who are often curious and will defend their owners. With their tolerance zero to none when being alone, this should tell you that, they are quite sensitive dogs as a whole.
This toy dog needs attention all day, it does not tolerate being alone at all. They bond very closely with family members, especially adults. As Affenpinscher do not often bark or whine, but when left alone for extensive periods and/or constantly, these destructive habits does surface.
Affenpinscher are no snow dogs however, they are shown to adapts quite well to climate changes, given time, they adapt well to colder climates.
Just like colder climates, Affenpinscher adapts quite well to climate changes during summer, given time, they will adapt well to hotter climates as well.
Friendliness
As Affenpinscher does not tolerate being alone as it is not an independent dog, it gets super attached to their pet owners and family in general. They show constant affectionate at their own terms, they enjoy freedom to move but at the same time being around people.
As mentioned, Affenpinscher enjoys mobility freedom, it also loathes being chased or any sort of rough play. As children are not known to play safe or gentle. This may bring out some unwanted growls from your pet Affenpinscher.
While Affenpinscher are super friendly towards humans, that does not mean it will tolerate another canine in the family. This usually differs from the up-brining and surroundings of the Affenpinscher. However, as a whole, they are quite tolerant with other dogs around.
Similar to having other dogs around, Affenpinscher approach towards cats may differs from the up-brining and surroundings of the Affenpinscher. However, as a whole, they are quite tolerant with cats around the house.
Some dogs will run towards strangers with their tail wagging and beg for pets, cuddles and smooches. While your Affenpinscher won’t exactly do that, it won’t approach strangers with hostile intent or aggressiveness either.
Grooming and Health
I believe we mentioned it quite a few times already, Affenpinscher are toy size. That means they are small. Only growing up to 27 cm tall at the shoulder. They are your perfect sized toy dogs.
With their long fur, Affenpinscher will require constant grooming. Expect to have hair everywhere in the house.
Some great grooming tools includes
- Pet Grooming Tool by Pat Your Pet
- Pet Grooming Brush by MalsiPree
Have you ever cuddled a dog and it licks you, completely dousing you with drool? Well I got good news, the Affenpinscher has very little drool potential meaning, it’s a very controlled amount. You won’t find random pools of drool on the ground either.
Do you need special grooming needs for a Affenpinscher.
The short answer is no, they don’t require any special bathing, clippers or brushes to keep them clean, health and groomed. Just lots of patience and the regular tools will do the trick
Affenpinscher is one of the oldest breeds known. Dating way back in the 17th Century. They have a very good DNA background and they don’t suffer from special diseases. They may be a safe, old breed, but that does not mean they are not subject to genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas or eye diseases. They just don’t have an increased chance.
It is always recommended to have your dog up to the latest on their medicine needs, including but not limited to vaccines & worming
Dogs are known to eat eat eat eat and eat without knowing when to stop. Affenpinscher are no different, however, they are not at high risk for overweight. However, this is under the assumption, your Affenpinscher is getting it’s daily exercise needs and the right portion servings of food daily.
If you are unsure how much exercise or food your dog needs, please visit your local Vet for a full examination.
Trainability
While Affenpinscher are an intelligence breed, once they develop an habit, it becomes very hard from them to break that cycle. It is recommended to train as soon as possible to prevent any unwanted habits.
Affenpinscher is an very intelligence breed. Knowing the cruelty of humans, they wouldn’t have survived since the 17th century if they weren’t intelligent at all. They know from right to wrong, although they are not a stubborn breed, they have undying habits that are hard to correct.
Biting issues are usually more present during puppyhood. Affenpinscher is not into rough play, that also means, they usually won’t use their mouths to nip, chew or play-bite either. However, during puppyhood, it is more recommended for them to play-fight with their brothers and sisters so they learn about bite inhibition.
Affenpinscher are not predators, they don’t hunt, chase or have the desire to kill unlike terriers and other dog breeds. However, if they are not familiarized with the animal or object such as pass by squirrels or cats, it may still trigger that instinct to chase. This is more common when they are neglected from their daily exercises .
Some breeds loves to bark at anything in sight, other enjoys howling. One of the most common rehome issues is due to the tendency to bark or howl. When choosing a dog, you need to understand how much you can withstand their natural behavioural before it becomes an issue.
With a Affenpinscher, you should not have that much of an issue if they are constantly with you. They are laid-back and enjoys just being there as opposed to wandering and finding something to bark at.
Are Affenpinscher free-spirits. Yes and no, they enjoy having the mobility freedom. This means, you do not enjoy being picked up and restricted in moving. If they want to walk away, they want to be able to walk away without struggling. At the same time, they want to be around their family. If you are cooking, they want to be resting somewhere near you. They are very rare situations where a Affenpinscher would want to escape their home.
Important Factors
Affenpinscher are considered low-energy dog breeds due to their laid-back nature, however, if you are up for something, they are up for anything. They have the stamina to play all day if needed, however, they prefer to be rolled up somewhere near you instead.
Affenpinscher it not a vigorous dog, they are laid-back and chill. However, if the upbringing is not the best, they may develop some unwanted habits such as straining on leash during walks or eating and drinking in excessive mouthfuls.
Affenpinscher has the energy to walk daily, and they should be going out everyday for a walk. They are fine with long walks or jogs.
Without enough exercise daily, you may see unwanted behaviours such as barking, chewing, digging, and at times even destruction.
Affenpinscher love being around their family, they love being left alone but above all else, due to having the energy to do so, they love playing all day as well. Not so much rough play or being chased, but they enjoy activities and doing anything else with their family.
The Affenpinscher are curious, extremely loyal and alert dogs. They are loyal to their family and despite their small size, they will do what they can to keep them out of harm’s way.
However, it is still advised, as the owner, to never let them engage with other animals that are much larger. They may be loyal, but that does not mean they are skilled fighters or guard dogs.
It’s always recommended to have them enrol in puppy school when they are young. This will help them socialize and help both you & your Affenpinscher understanding the basis and concept of puppy training.
The Affens are not known to be fussy eaters, they will generally eat anything you throw at them.
The recommended daily amount is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. However, your Affenpinscher may have special needs or preferences. Please consult your local vet for the best options for a healthy balanced diet.
Breed History
Although, Affenpinscher are not classified as a terrier dog. Affenpinscher, or short for Affen were originally bred to work like one. Their main job was to work in the stables or kitchen to exterminate mouse, rats and other small pests back in German 1600s. The name literally means Monkey Dog or Monkey Terrier in German.
They are known to have an influence in the European breeds such as Brussel Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer, their looks are a dead giveaway.
They were official recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the 1936.
Even though centuries have passed, Affenpinscher are still well known for their ability to catch mouse and rats.
Fun Fact: In 2013, Banana Joe the Affen won Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show.