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Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are cute, curious, and famously amusing. They’re also fearless out of all proportion to their size. As with all great comedians, it’s the Affenpinscher’s apparent seriousness of purpose that makes his antics all the more amusing.
Overview
Height
9–11.5"
Weight
7–10 lbs
Life Expectancy
12–15 years
Height
9–11.5"
Weight
7–10 lbs
Life Expectancy
12–15 years
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About the Breed
Affenpinschers are the only breed of dog that’s almost human.
They’re affectionate, loyal, and they love being owned by their humans. They’re also curious, fearless out of all proportion to their size, and famously amusing. It’s the Affenpinscher’s apparent seriousness of purpose that makes his antics all the more amusing.
The Affenpinscher looks like a monkey crossed with a terrier—and it’s this apish look that has been described many ways. They’ve been called ‘monkey dogs’ and ‘ape terriers.’ The French say diablotin moustachu (‘mustached little devil’), and Star Wars fans argue whether they look more like Wookies or Ewoks.
Standing less than a foot tall, these sturdy terriers approach life with great confidence. ‘This isn’t a breed you train,’ says one professional dog handler who knows too well how strong-willed these little dogs can be, ‘He’s like a human. You befriend him.'” The dense, harsh coat is described as ‘neat but shaggy’ and comes in several colors; the gait is light and confident.
Breed Overview
Quick Stats
Friendliness Level
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Friendliness Level
The affectionate nature of a breed is determined by how much affection the breed tends to give out, rather than how much affection they require from their owner. Some breeds are naturally more outgoing and affectionate than others.
Key Criteria:
- Affectionate with family
- Children-friendly
- Dog-friendly
Trainability Level
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Trainability Level
How easy or difficult it will be to train your pup, and how willing or unwilling your dog is to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owners proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Key Criteria:
- Easy to train
- Intelligence
- Prey Drive
- Tendency to bark/howl
Adaptability Level
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Adaptability Level
How adaptable a breed is. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Key Criteria:
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Good for notice owners
- Tolerates being alone
- Tolerates hot/cold weather
Energy Level
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Energy Level
Breeds that are high energy need more exercise and mental stimulation than breeds that are low energy. High energy dogs are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They’ll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy dogs are like couch potatoes – they’re happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Key Criteria:
- Mental stimulation needs
- Stamina
- Intensity
- Playfulness
History
Breed Origins
Affenpinschers are one of the most charming and curious little dogs you’ll ever meet. Originally bred to rid German stables of rats and other pests, these feisty terriers have a reputation for being tough on rats and mice—and everybody else. Though not classified as a terrier, the Affenpinscher was originally bred to work like one. His job was to exterminate rats and other pests in German stables of the 1600s. (The name Affenpinscher is German for “monkey dog” or “ape terrier.”) Eventually, Affens were brought indoors to rid the kitchen of mice. In time, they became dual-purpose dogs: ratters by day, and by night devoted bed-warming companions for the lady of the house.
The Affen is thought to have been an influence on the development of such later European breeds as the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer. Clubs devoted to the breed sprang up around France and Germany in the late 1800s, and in 1936 the American Kennel Club welcomed Affens into its ranks. The immense charm that propelled them from stable to kitchen to boudoir has made Affens a force in the show ring.
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