Affenpinscher
Also known as Monkey Pinscher
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 29 cm
- Weight
- 3.2 to 4.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 40 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, sturdy pinscher with a wiry, shaggy coat and an expressive face that looks a lot like a monkey’s. Self-assured and full of poise, it has a strong personality despite its small size.
History and origins
Originally from Germany, where small wire-haired pinschers were already hunting rats in houses, kitchens and stables in the 17th century. The breed was established in Munich and Berlin. Its name means “monkey pinscher” (Affe is German for monkey): it is not a terrier, and the FCI classes it with the pinschers and schnauzers.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Breathing difficulties linked to the short muzzle
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Almost no shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Affenpinscher FAQ
How big does the Affenpinscher get?
The Affenpinscher stands 23 to 29 cm at the withers and weighs 3.2 to 4.5 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Affenpinscher shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs average care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Affenpinscher live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Affenpinscher need each day?
Allow about 40 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Affenpinscher good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Affenpinscher live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
