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Affenpinscher

• OVERVIEW
• PUPPIES
• BREED STANDARD

• Temperament:Confident, Famously Funny, Fearless
• AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 148 of 191
• Height: 9-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-10 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
• Group: Toy Group 

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

Courtesy of ©American Kennel Club

The Affenpinscher: loyal, curious, and famously amusing; this almost-human toy dog is fearless out of all proportion to his size. As with all great comedians, it’s the Affenpinscher’s apparent seriousness of purpose that makes his antics all the more amusing.

About the Affenpinscher

​The Affen’s apish look has been described many ways. They’ve been called “monkey dogs” and “ape terriers.” The French say diablotin moustachu (“mustached little devil”), and Star Wars fans argue whether they look more like Wookies or Ewoks.

Standing less than a foot tall, these sturdy terrier-like dogs approach life with great confidence. “This isn’t a breed you train,” a professional dog handler tells us, “He’s like a human. You befriend him.” The dense, harsh coat is described as “neat but shaggy” and comes in several colors; the gait is light and confident. They can be willful and domineering, but mostly Affens are loyal, affectionate, and always entertaining. Affen people say they love being owned by their little monkey dogs.

National Breed Clubs and Rescue

Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. Founded in 1965, the Affenpinscher Club of America is the official AKC Parent Club for the Affenpinscher

Care

NUTRITION

The Affenpinscher should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

GROOMING

The Affenpinscher’s medium-length, wiry coat should be groomed twice a week, first with a brush and then with a metal comb. Any mats should be pulled apart with the fingers. The hair on the head is usually brushed forward over the face, and then an inverted V-shape is cut to expose the eyes. Similarly, the hair on the bridge of the nose is trimmed into a fan shape to keep the eyes clear. The Affen’s coat does not grow quickly, so a trimming a pet Affen every few months should suffice. The breed’s national parent club, the Affenpinscher Club of America, provides a detailed grooming guide. Affens should also have their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly.

Grooming Frequency

Occasional Bath/Brush

Specialty/Professional

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Shedding

Infrequent

Frequent

Seasonal

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About the Affenpinscher

​The Affen’s apish look has been described many ways. They’ve been called “monkey dogs” and “ape terriers.” The French say diablotin moustachu (“mustached little devil”), and Star Wars fans argue whether they look more like Wookies or Ewoks.

Standing less than a foot tall, the

se sturdy terrier-like dogs approach life with great confidence. “This isn’t a breed you train,” a professional dog handler tells us, “He’s like a human. You befriend him.” The dense, harsh coat is described as “neat but 

shaggy” and comes in several colors; 

the gait is light and confident. They can be willful and domineering, but mostly Affens are loyal, affectionate, and always entertaining. Affen people say they love being owned by their little monkey dogs.

National Breed Clubs and Rescue

Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your 

local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state 

and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. Founded in 1965, the Affenpinscher Club of America is the official AKC Parent Club for the Affenpinscher.

• AFFENPINSCHER CLUB OF AMERICA
• CLUB FLYER
• RESCUE AN AFFENPINSCHER

Tools

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Features

Affenpinscher - AKC Meet the Breeds

Affenpinscher - AKC Dog Breed Series

VIDEO

Affenpinscher - AKC Meet the Breeds

IMAGE GALLERY

Care

NUTRITION

The Affenpinscher should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

GROOMING

The Affenpinscher’s medium-length, wiry coat should be groomed twice a week, first with a brush and then with a metal comb. Any mats should be pulled apart with the fingers. The hair on the head is usually brushed forward over the face, and then an inverted V-shape is cut to expose the eyes. Similarly, the hair on the bridge of the nose is trimmed into a fan shape to keep the eyes clear. The Affen’s coat does not grow quickly, so a trimming a pet Affen every few months should suffice. The breed’s national parent club, the Affenpinscher Club of America, provides a detailed grooming guide. Affens should also have their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly.

Grooming Frequency

Occasional Bath/Brush

Specialty/Professional

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Shedding

Infrequent

Frequent

Seasonal

EXERCISE

One of the attractions of the toy breeds is that their small size makes them ideal apartment dogs. While Affenpinschers can be perfectly happy living in close quarters, the breed is classified as “moderately active,” and as such, they do need exercise. Indoor play, both with his owner and just between himself and a toy, can be enough to make up a large chunk of an Affen’s exercise regimen. Even so, a brisk walk once or twice a day is required. In addition to providing exercise, these walks give the Affen a chance to socialize both with people and other dogs.

Energy Level

Couch Potato

Needs Lots of Activity

Regular Exercise