Affenpinscher: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: Yes
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Litter size: 2–3 puppies
Mass: 6.4 – 13 lbs (Adult)
Temperament: Stubborn, Curious, Playful, Adventurous, Active, Fun-loving
Colors: Black, Tan, Silver, Belge

The Affenpinscher, one of the oldest dog breeds in India, is rarely found today. Its original form has been preserved almost unchanged. Undaunted, lively and playful, he is an excellent companion and domestic dog, who is comfortable with children and other dogs. He impresses with his versatility, is affectionate, obedient and friendly in his family, at the same time spirited, watchful and incorruptible.

The Affenpinscher is an old domestic dog breed from the southern German area, whose ancestors are already shown on the woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer (1471 - 1528). The breed evolved from the shaggy miniature pinschers and was originally bred for hunting rats and mice. The first entries of this race, which was very popular around 1900, go back to the year 1879. It used to be bred in many colors and shades, but since 2000 black has been the breeding target.

The largest cynological umbrella organization "Fédération Cynologique Internationale" leads the Affenpinscher in group 2 "Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoide - Swiss Mountain Dogs", Section 1 "Pinscher and Schnauzer". Adult males and females have a withers height of 25 to 30 cm and a weight of 4 to 6 kg according to this standard.

The breed standard allowed since 06.04.2000 only the breeding of pure black Affenpinschern with also black undercoat. Until that date, color variations from bright yellow to gray or reddish tones to blue gray were tolerated. Also partly white badges were allowed to be present. The body hair should be hard, stringy and dense. To strengthen the typical monkey-like facial expression, the scalp hair should protrude radially and the eyes are framed by spiky and bushy brows. The eyes are dark and framed by black pigmented eyelids. The ears are set high and turned evenly forward. The handsome beard as well as the breed-typical Vorbiss complete the overall expression.

The front legs of the Affenpinscher are stocky and straight. Shoulder and upper arm are well muscled and are close to the trunk. The forelegs are short, round and have toes closely to each other, as well as feline arched toes. The hind legs are also parallel when viewed from behind and are strongly muscled. The midfoot should be perpendicular to the ground. The hind paws are slightly longer than the front paws, also with close to each other, arched toes and black claws.

Earlier, the Affenpinscher was mainly used for rodent hunting. Unless he is being kept on farms for this purpose, he is now mostly pursuing this activity for pleasure and is mainly used as a home and companion dog. The Affenpinscher finds alternatives to hunting, for example, in long walks or wild game with his owners and other dogs. In addition, the curious and playful Pinscher also proves in various dog sports such as agility.