Affenpinscher

Get to Know Affenpinschers

• A Royal Favorite: The Affenpinscher was a beloved companion of French and German nobility. Even Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, is believed to have kept a dog similar to the Affenpinscher—helping cement the breed’s status as a fashionable aristocratic companion.
• One of the Oldest Toy Breeds: The Affenpinscher dates back to at least the 1600s, making it one of the earliest toy breeds in Europe. Its ancestors were larger and used for ratting, but over time it was miniaturized to become a favored lapdog of the European elite.
• “Monkey Dog” With a Human-Like Face: The name Affenpinscher means “monkey terrier” in German, and the breed is famous for its simian-like expression, complete with bushy eyebrows, a pronounced jaw, and mischievous eyes that give it an almost human-like personality.
• Small Dog, Big Attitude: Despite standing under 12 inches tall, Affenpinschers have a bold, fearless personality. They often believe they’re much larger than they are and aren’t afraid to take charge—traits inherited from their days as tenacious vermin hunters.
• Star Power in the Show Ring: In 2013, an Affenpinscher named "Banana Joe" made history by winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show—the first time an Affenpinscher had ever taken the top prize, bringing sudden fame to the quirky, under-the-radar breed.

Breed History

The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds, with origins tracing back to 17th-century Germany, where it was originally bred to be a rat catcher in homes, stables, and shops. Its name, derived from the German word “Affe” meaning “monkey,” reflects its distinctive primate-like facial expression. Over time, breeders refined the Affenpinscher’s size and temperament, shifting its role from a working mouser to a charming companion dog, especially popular among European nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite its small stature, the Affenpinscher retains a bold, terrier-like spirit, and its wiry coat and intelligent expression make it both a unique and endearing member of the toy group.

Personality and Behaviour

• Bold & Fearless: Affenpinschers have a big-dog attitude in a small body. They're confident, protective of their people, and won’t hesitate to stand up to much larger dogs. This fearless nature comes from their history as rat hunters and makes them excellent watchdogs.
• Comical & Entertaining: Often described as little clowns, Affenpinschers are playful, curious, and full of personality. They love being the center of attention and will entertain their owners with quirky antics and expressive faces.
• Independent but Loyal: While affectionate and deeply loyal to their families, Affenpinschers are also independent thinkers. They enjoy companionship but don’t follow orders blindly. Training them requires patience and creativity.

Care

• Exercise: Affenpinschers have moderate energy levels and don’t require intense physical activity. A couple of short daily walks combined with indoor playtime is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Their small size and adaptability make them ideal for apartment living, and they burn off energy quickly, so they’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise.
• Grooming: Though they don’t shed much, Affenpinschers do require regular grooming to keep their wiry coat in good condition. Weekly brushing helps prevent tangles and mats, while occasional trimming or hand-stripping maintains the proper coat texture. Their expressive face should be cleaned regularly to remove debris, especially around the eyes and mouth. Professional grooming every few months can also help keep them tidy.
• Training & Personality: Affenpinschers are intelligent and capable learners, but they also have a stubborn streak. Training requires patience, consistency, and a positive, reward-based approach. Because they’re independent thinkers, they may test boundaries, especially with inexperienced owners. Early socialization is essential to help them grow into well-rounded companions and to temper their naturally bold, sometimes territorial, instincts. The Affenpinscher is a lively, confident little dog with a personality that’s much larger than its size. They are known for their comical expressions, playful antics, and strong loyalty to their families. While affectionate and loving, they’re also independent and can be headstrong, which adds to their charm. Their watchdog tendencies and fearless nature make them alert and protective, despite their small stature.