Affenpinscher Characteristics: The intrepid and frolicsome Affenpinscher is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1936). The Affenpinscher, is characterized by its sturdy appearance with a small, domed head, mischievous expression (that resembles a monkey), and an alert, strutting gait. Other characteristics include a short, straight back, dark, large sparkling eyes and either dropped or erect ears. The temperament of the Affenpinscher can be described as Adventurous, Fun-loving, Stubborn. The coat type of the Affenpinscher is described as rough, wiry coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Affenpinscher demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Hunting and lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Moustached Little Devil ". The origin of the Affenpinscher dog breed was in Germany where it was developed in the 17th Century. Fast Facts about the Affenpinscher: The following facts provide fast information about the Affenpinscher breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1936) *** Nick name: "Moustached Little Devil " *** Origin: Germany *** Male Height: 10 - 15 inches (25 - 38 cm) *** Female Height: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) *** Male Weight: 7 - 8 pounds (3 - 3.36 kg) *** Female Weight: 7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg) *** Coat Type: rough, wiry coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 1-3 puppies *** Health Problems: Patellar Luxation *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Affenpinscher Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1936): The Affenpinscher is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1936). The Affenpinscher was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1957. Other names for the Affenpinscher: The Affenpinscher is known by the nickname of the "Moustached Little Devil ". Other names for this breed of dog include the Affen, Affie, Monkey Dog, Diablotin Moustachu, African Terrier and Monkey Terrier. Origin of the name: The Affenpinscher was first given the German name of "Zwergaffenpinscher" that translated as 'zwerg' meaning "miniature" or "little" and 'affen' meaning "monkey" and 'pinscher' literally meaning "dog". The word 'Zwerg' was eventually dropped from the name and the breed became known as the Affenpinscher. Origin of Affenpinscher nicknames: The name 'Monkey Dog' was due to the comical, monkey-like expression of the Affenpinscher and a faint similarity to the macaque monkey of North Africa, hence the name 'African Terrier'. The name 'Moustached Little Devil' refers to its facial hair that resembles the human moustache. Affenpinscher History and Origin: The country of origin of the Affenpinscher breed was in Munich, Germany during the 17th Century. The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy dog breeds in Europe. The principle duty of the Affenpinscher was to catch rats. During the 1600's the black rat was found in the rafters of the thatched roof houses of Europe and on the river banks, in the granaries, kitchens, stores and in the sewers of every country. The Affenpinscher was a great ratter and valued for keeping vermin at bay. The Affenpinscher was also known to track quail. During the 1800's the Affenpinscher was cross bred with the Standard Schnauzer to produce the popular Miniature Schnauzer. Affenpinscher Modern History: The modern history of the Affenpinscher moved on and following WW2 the breed was imported to the United States and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936. The dog is now used as a family pet and companion. The Affenpinscher needs firm handling but he is very playful and tends to get along well with considerate kids. Affenpinscher Height: This breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 10 - 15 inches (25 - 38 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 10-15 inches (25-38 cm). Affenpinscher Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male Affenpinscher dog, is 7 - 8 pounds (3 - 3.36 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg). Affenpinscher Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a rough, wiry coat, that needs no trimming. The term "Wire" refers to coarse hair. The hair is short in some parts and shaggy in others. Affenpinscher Grooming Requirements - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming requirements of the Affenpinscher is fairly minimal, one grooming session per week is generally sufficient to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. Casual brushing is all that's generally required. Grooming Requirements of the Affenpinscher should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Affenpinscher Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include assorted colors, including Black, Beige, Red, Grey, Tan and Silver but generally black with some grey shading. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan. Affenpinscher Litter Size: The litter size of the Affenpinscher dog breed ranges from 1-3 puppies. Affenpinscher puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Affenpinscher puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Affenpinscher Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Intrepid, Adventurous, Fun-loving, Stubborn and Frolicsome. Other personality and temperament traits include Curious, Stubborn and Active. Affenpinscher Exercise Requirements - - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Affenpinscher requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one hour every day. This small dog has a lively, strutting gait with small strides that only requires a slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Affenpinscher Diet: A fully grown Affenpinscher dog should be fed 2 times per day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Affenpinscher Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Affenpinscher breed include Patellar Luxation. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Affenpinscher dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Affenpinscher Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Affenpinscher breed is 12-14 years. Affenpinscher Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Affenpinscher breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Affenpinscher names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Chico *** Tiny *** Buddy *** Jake *** Rusty *** Casey *** Jinx *** Payne *** Jesse *** Riley. Affenpinscher Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Affenpinscher names are Persis *** Phoebe *** Zia *** Molly *** Chloe *** Harley *** Bella *** Angel *** Roxy *** Missy. Fast Facts about the Affenpinscher: The following facts provide fast information about the Affenpinscher breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1936) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Germany *** History / Date: 17th Century *** Male Affenpinscher Height: 10 - 15 inches (25 - 38 cm) *** Male Affenpinscher Weight: 7 - 8 pounds (3 - 3.36 kg) *** Coat Type: rough, wiry coat *** Litter Size: 1-3 puppies *** Affenpinscher Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Affenpinscher Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 