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Affenpinscher Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Affenpinscher so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
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Affenpinscher dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany France flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Affenpinscher have?
AffieAfrican TerrierMonkey DogMonkey TerrierAffen
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Affenpinscher Size and Weight

Size
Is an Affenpinscher small, medium or large dog?

How big do Affenpinscher get?

What is the average size of an Affenpinscher?

Small
Weight
How much does the Affenpinscher weigh? How much should an Affenpinscher weight? What is the normal weight of an Affenpinscher? How much does a full-grown Affenpinscher weight?
7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Affenpinscher?
8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Affenpinscher? Affenpinscher height:
9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Affenpinscher?
10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Affenpinscher Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Affenpinscher puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Affenpinscher in the United States? How much money is an Affenpinscher?

Where to buy an Affenpinscher with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Affenpinscher, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Affenpinscher for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Affenpinscher gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Affenpinscher? How many Affenpinscher are there in the world?
Frequent: The Affenpinscher is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Affenpinscher Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Affenpinscher? Is the Affenpinscher breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Affenpinscher dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Affenpinscher is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Affenpinscher dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Affenpinscher?
Affenpinscher dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Affenpinscher good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Affenpinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Affenpinscher dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Affenpinscher dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Affenpinscher dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Affenpinscher can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Affenpinscher will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Affenpinscher Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Affenpinscher have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveCuriousPlayfulAdventurousFunnyLovingStubborn
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Affenpinscher sensitivity:
Affenpinscher dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Affenpinscher a good family dog?
High: Affenpinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Affie need? Affenpinscher social needs:
Affenpinscher dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Affenpinscher to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Affenpinscher roam?
Affenpinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Affenpinscher have high prey drive?
Affenpinscher dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Affenpinscher Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Affenpinscher is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Affenpinscher dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Affie bark?
Low to Average: The Affenpinscher rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Affenpinscher good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Affenpinscher in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Affenpinscher breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Affenpinscher Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Affenpinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Affenpinscher be left alone? How long can you leave an Affenpinscher alone?
Affenpinscher dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Affenpinscher Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Affenpinscher has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Affenpinscher? How much bite force does an Affenpinscher have? How strong is an Affenpinscher bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Affenpinscher bite force: Weak. The Affenpinscher bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Affenpinscher measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of an Affenpinscher may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Affenpinscher being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Affenpinscher bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train an Affenpinscher puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, an Affenpinscher can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Affenpinscher bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Affie? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Affenpinscher? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Affenpinscher has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Affenpinscher do?
Affenpinscher dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Affenpinscher dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Affenpinscher Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Affenpinscher dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Affenpinscher is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Affenpinscher breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Affenpinscher breed? Most common health risks of Affenpinscher:
CataractsCollapsed TracheaFracturesHeart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseaseLuxating PatellaOpen FontanelPatellar LuxationPatent Ductus ArteriosisSlipped Stifle
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Affenpinscher breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Affenpinscher see the vet?
Average
The Affenpinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Affenpinscher dogs live? How old can a Affenpinscher be? What is the age limit of the Affenpinscher? How many years can the oldest Affenpinscher live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Affenpinscher?

How long is the lifespan of an Affenpinscher?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Affenpinscher: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Affenpinscher Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Affenpinscher have? What is the activity level of the Affenpinscher?
Affenpinscher dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Affenpinscher need? How much exercise do Affenpinscher dogs require per day?

Do Affenpinscher dogs need a lot of exercises?

Affenpinscher dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Affenpinscher breed need?
Affenpinscher dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Affenpinscher Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Affenpinscher need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Affenpinscher breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Affenpinscher? How much food should I feed my Affenpinscher?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Affenpinscher risk for obesity:
Average: The Affenpinscher has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Affenpinscher weight regularly.

Affenpinscher Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Affenpinscher have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Wiry
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Affenpinscher coats?
BlackBelgeTan Red Silver
Grooming
How to groom the Affenpinscher and how often? How often should I take my Affenpinscher to the groomer?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Affenpinscher requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Affenpinscher is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Affenpinscher dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Affie? Do Affenpinscher dogs shed a lot?
Affenpinscher dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Affenpinscher dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Affenpinscher need a bath? How often should you give an Affenpinscher a bath? Can I bathe my Affenpinscher every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Affenpinscher breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Affenpinscher dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Affenpinscher has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Affenpinscher drool?
The Affenpinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Affenpinscher could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Affenpinscher.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Affenpinscher Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Affenpinscher dogs get along with other pets? Are Affenpinscher dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Affenpinscher dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Affenpinscher temperament with other people:
Affenpinscher dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Affenpinscher dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Affenpinscher temperament with children:
Affenpinscher dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. This breed is not recommended for families with children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Affenpinscher dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Affenpinscher breed live with a cat?
Affenpinscher dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Affenpinscher good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Affenpinscher dogs get along with other dogs?
Affenpinscher dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Affenpinscher breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Affenpinscher breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Affenpinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Affenpinscher dogs good office canines? Do Affenpinscher dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Affenpinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Affenpinscher dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Affie temperament with senior people? Are Affenpinscher dogs good for elderly owners?
Affenpinschers are not recommended for elderly people.

Affenpinscher As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Affenpinscher is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Affenpinscher be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Affenpinscher is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Affenpinscher is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Affenpinscher is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a boat dog?

Not really

Affenpinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Affenpinscher be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Affenpinscher is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Affenpinscher dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Affenpinscher Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Affenpinscher pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Affenpinscher breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Affenpinscher: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Affenpinscher have in a litter? How many puppies can the Affenpinscher breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Affenpinscher have? How many puppies can an Affenpinscher give birth to?
1-3 puppies

Affenpinscher Recognition

AKC Group
Is Affenpinscher recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Is Affenpinscher recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Affenpinscher breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.

Affenpinscher Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Affenpinscher dogs have great intelligence.
  • Hypoallergenic: Affenpinscher dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Affenpinscher breed.
  • Shedding Level: Affenpinscher dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Affenpinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Affenpinscher dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Affenpinscher dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Affenpinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Affenpinscher dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Grooming: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Mouthiness: Affenpinscher dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Affenpinscher dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Child Friendly: Affenpinscher dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Affenpinscher is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Affenpinschers are not recommended for elderly people.

Affenpinscher History

Affenpinscher was breed in Germany, wherein the 1600s the intervene of the rodent population was used in pantries, grains, markets, and barns. Over time, they grew to their size and greeted them as their counterparts while keeping rodents and vermins still. Affenpinscher's origin is not completely documented. Many fanciers think that the German Pinscher was paired with Asian types to create flat-faced Affie. Although however of its descent, Affenpinscher has contributed to countless different tiny European varieties, including the Miniature Schnauzer furthermore the Brussels Griffon. Affens nearly disappeared under the Second World War. At the end of the war, experts crossed the Griffon Bruxellois with the overliving German livestock, which exaggerated the unique appearance that now ranks the breed.

In Cologne, the first Affen Club was founded in 1895. The German Bayerischer Schnauzer Club was established in 1907. The two clubs were united in 1923 and converted into a Pinscher-Schnauzer Club. In a short time, many breeders joined the Schnauzer-Pinscher Club. The Affen was registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936. The dog breed is not the most popular for registered. Until the fifties, few people were interested in the breed. Nowadays it is still rare, although in 2002 it became more popular in the media when Ch Yarrow Super Nova won the Toy Group in 2002 at the Westminster Kennel Club Show.

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Affenpinscher Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka Videos

    Mar 9, 2023, 7:07:57 AM:

    Saving the dog breed

  • Selena Woods

    Feb 19, 2023, 9:53:17 PM:

  • Selena

    Feb 19, 2023, 9:52:47 PM:

  • Tester

    Jul 10, 2018, 5:52:57 PM:

    Suppper! :)