Affectionately known as the Monkey Terrier or Black Devil, the Affenpinscher first arrived in Australia in 1988. Renowned for their playful and amusing behaviour, the Affenpinscher is an active, sturdy toy dog, full of curiosity and self-confidence. Affenpinschers are protective and loyal, watchful of strangers and fearless towards aggressors.

Origin

The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds in Europe, with the Affenpinscher history stretching back to at least the seventeenth century.

Believed by some to be an ancestor of two other breeds, the Griffon Bruxellois and Miniature Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher was barely known outside its country of origin, Germany, for many years. Although still not widely known, the Affenpinscher can be found in most parts of the world including Australia, the UK and the US as well as Europe.

General Appearance

The Affenpinscher is a small, black hairy breed, with dark, round sparkling eyes, shaggy beard and moustache give him a mischievous, slightly wicked look. The small ears are set high and can be erect or dropped. The Affenpinscher coat is rough and harsh in texture, longer on the shoulders, neck and head and shorter on other parts of the body. Loose shaggy hair on the head frames his eyes, nose and chin. Alternative Affenpinscher colouring is limited to shades of grey.

The Affenpinscher has a domed forehead and a fairly small head in proportion to his body.

The Affenpinscher carries himself with comic seriousness and lifts his feet high while moving, producing a lively, strutting gait. The Affenpinscher tail is left undocked and curves gently over his back when moving. The preferred coat colour for the Affenpinscher is black, however, grey shading is permissible in the show ring.

Temperment

An alert breed, the Affenpinscher is also a great comic. An Affenpinscher has a loyal, loving nature makes the Affenpinscher an excellent house dog and companion. Not over-friendly with strangers and extremely curious, the Affenpinscher is a brave watch dog, energetic and proud.

Care and Grooming

Despite the Affenpinscher small size, the Affenpinscher is not delicate in any way. The Affenpinscher coat requires no trimming, only regular brushing to keep it in good condition.