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