The Affenpinscher was originally bred to hunt mice and rats in Europe.
They are alert, mischievous and fun toy dogs. This could be the perfect breed for you if you want a playful addition to your household.
They require less exercise than other breeds and would make a great flat/apartment dog. You will need to give them a good daily walk and ensure you have plenty of playtimes as they are playful dogs. They will still enjoy a good daily walk and playtime `especially if they have no garden to run around.
Remember, a bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They make great affectionate pets. They are not suitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around and will bite. If you are looking for a child-friendly dog, there are plenty of other breeds to choose from. They love to snuggle and be doted on but be warned; an over-pampered Affenpinscher will end up owning you if you are not careful!
They are great watchdogs and take the role very seriously. You will always know about incoming dangers and just about anything going on outside. They will want to protect their families and don’t care how small they are. This means they are very un-trusting of strangers and will be wary. You need to make sure you socialize them when they are young to combat this behaviour.
They are suspicious of strangers and don’t take kindly to being teased. This breed is probably best avoided if you have young children as they have been known to bite. An over-pampered Affenpinscher will end up owning you if you are not careful!
They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. They are hunters, so the instinctive need to chase neighbours’ cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Ensure your outside area is well enclosed and they can’t escape when giving chase.
They are very intelligent dogs but a little stubborn but can be difficult to train and work with. Try to keep training both interesting and fun and avoid being harsh with them. Identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food.
They shed very little hair, but it does require clipping/stripping, which would normally be done by a professional every few months. This, of course, makes it more expensive. You could learn to do it yourself if you have the time or inclination.
People might say they are a hypoallergenic breed, but remember that there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs shed dander and saliva, which carry allergens, some less than others.
Affenpinscher Stats
- Weight – 3kg – 4kg
- Size – 24cm – 28cm
- They live for 12-15 years