| The Affenpinscher's German name means | | | | medium bone structure. He has a domed skull |
| Monkey-Terrier and refers to the breed's | | | | which gives him a curious, sort of comical |
| comical, bewhiskered face and slightly | | | | looking facial expression. His unkempt |
| undershot jaw. Another name for this dog is | | | | hairstyle adds to his clown like appearance. |
| Monkey Pinscher. In France the Affenpinscher | | | | Ears are cropped or uncropped, erect or |
| is known as Diablotin Moustachu, which | | | | dropped. He has a straight, blunt muzzle. His |
| translates to Moustached Little Devil. | | | | bite is slightly undershot with the lower |
| | | | incisors touching the upper incisors. |
| Germany claims origin of the Affenpinscher. | | | | |
| It is felt the little dog was bred elsewhere | | | | The coat of an Affenpinscher is harsh, dense |
| in Europe as well. The Affenpinscher | | | | and about one inch long. It may be even |
| originated in the seventeenth century and | | | | shorter on the rear and tail, yet shaggier on |
| descended from terriers that inhabited farms | | | | the head, neck, chest, stomach and legs. His |
| and shops of central Europe. In his neck of | | | | tail is either docked to approximately one |
| the woods, the Affenpinscher was a confident | | | | inch or left natural to curve up and over the |
| sharp-witted little hunter. | | | | back when moving. |
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| Some writers believe the Affenpinscher is a | | | | Colors of an Affenpinscher are usually black |
| descendant of the Miniature Pinscher, | | | | but it is sometime seen in gray, silver or |
| possibly crossed with some of the German | | | | black and tan. A small white patch on the |
| wirehaired breeds or the Skye Terrier. It may | | | | chest is allowable, but large white patches |
| be related to the Brussels Griffon and the | | | | are undesirable. |
| Miniature Schnauzer. | | | | |
| | | | Exercise |
| The original purpose of the Affenpinscher was | | | | |
| a vermin hunter, alarm dog and companion. He | | | | This sturdy and hearty little guy will get by |
| first came to America in the 1930s and was | | | | on a minimal amount of exercise. He does |
| entered in the AKC studbook in 1936. He first | | | | enjoy regular romps in the yard and playtime |
| appeared in the American show rings in | | | | with his owners. Leashed walks are also |
| Chicago and New York. | | | | enjoyable for the Affenpinscher. |
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| Personality | | | | Grooming |
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| The Affenpinscher is naturally alert and | | | | The Affenpinscher requires little combing and |
| vigilant, which helps him to be an excellent | | | | brushing. After a bath, this little dog |
| alarm dog. He is lively, cheerful and | | | | shakes off and looks about the same as he did |
| entertaining. He bonds quickly with his | | | | before his bath. Regular combing will keep |
| family and is affectionate. He may challenge | | | | the coat in good condition. |
| strangers who come to your door, but will | | | | |
| make friends easily if properly introduced as | | | | You will need a medium-toothed comb for |
| a friend. | | | | general use and a small, fine comb for the |
| | | | hair on the face, particularly around the |
| The Affenpinscher needs consistent training. | | | | eyes. A small good-quality bristle nylon |
| He learns commands quickly. He is anxious to | | | | hairbrush (for ladies) works well for the |
| please his handler but may become bored | | | | Affenpinscher. Do not attempt to make this |
| easily. Training sessions for the | | | | little dog too neat and tidy - a shaggy |
| Affenpinscher should be kept short and | | | | appearance is required. |
| varied. The Affenpinscher is intelligent and | | | | |
| curious. He likes to learn new tasks. You | | | | Combing with a medium or fine-toothed comb |
| will need to be creative when training the | | | | and then brushing with a nylon or bristle |
| Affenpinscher. | | | | cushion hairbrush will remove loose hairs and |
| | | | keep the coat tidy. The face is scissored to |
| Appearance | | | | give a round shape when viewed from the |
| | | | front. The beard is left long for show |
| The Affenpinscher stands 9 to 12 inches tall | | | | purposes. This pet dog can be left natural or |
| and weights between 7 and 8 pounds. He is not | | | | trimmed to appear neat and smart. |
| a delicate toy dog. He is sturdy and has | | | | |