Toy group

Affenpinscher

The “monkey terrier” — a tiny, shaggy comedian with a big-dog attitude.

Affenpinschers are small, wiry-coated toy dogs with a monkey-like face and a bold, comical personality. They are loyal, entertaining companions for adults, but can be stubborn, territorial and vocal.

Height
9–11.5 in23–29 cm
Weight
7–10 lb3–5 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Toy
Group
Toy
Origin
Germany

Coat: Rough, shaggy, wiry coat, longer on the head, chest and legs. Colours: Black, Grey, Silver, Red, Black and tan, Beige.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety2.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Affens are confident, curious and playful, with a mischievous sense of humour. They bond closely with their people and enjoy being the centre of attention.

They were bred as ratters, so they are fearless and can be territorial about food and toys. They are better with adults or older children who respect their space, and they make alert, sometimes noisy watchdogs.

Living with a Affenpinscher

Exercise

About 30 minutes a day of short walks and indoor play. Well suited to apartments.

Grooming

Brush a couple of times a week and trim or hand-strip the coat every few months to keep its shaggy shape.

Training

Clever but stubborn; short, fun, food-based sessions work best. House-training may take patience.

Kids & other pets

Best with adults or older children. Usually fine with other pets they know, but may guard food and toys.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark at noises; provide a cosy den and a routine.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Affenpinscher right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Affenpinscher matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Affenpinscher typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are common in toy breeds; watch for skipping on a hind leg.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs, causing lameness.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Reported more than expected for a toy breed; screened parents help.

  • Eye disease

    Cataracts and other eye conditions occur; annual eye exams are recommended.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Affenpinscher; Affenpinscher Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Affenpinschers were developed in 17th-century Germany to catch rats in stables, kitchens and shops. Over time they were bred smaller and became ladies’ lap dogs. The name means “monkey terrier” in German.

The breed contributed to the Brussels Griffon and possibly the Miniature Schnauzer. The AKC recognised it in 1936, and an Affenpinscher named Banana Joe won Westminster Best in Show in 2013.

Did you know?

  • An Affenpinscher named Banana Joe won Westminster Best in Show in 2013.
  • The French call the breed “diablotin moustachu” — the moustached little devil.
  • “Affenpinscher” means “monkey terrier” in German.

Library guides for Affenpinscher owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Affenpinschers good apartment dogs?
Yes — they are small and need little exercise, though they can be vocal.
Are Affenpinschers good with kids?
Better with older, respectful children; they do not tolerate rough handling.
Do Affenpinschers shed?
Very little.