The Affenpinscher also is known as the Monkey Terrier, is a terrier-like a toy Pinscher breed of dog.

The breed is German in origin and dates back to the seventeenth century. The name is derived from the German Affe (ape, monkey). The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Miniature Schnauzer.

Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600, but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colours of grey, fawn, black and tan and also red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.

Appearance

An Affenpinscher generally weighs 6.5 to 13.2 pounds (2.9 to 6.0 kg) and stands 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) tall at the withers. It has a harsh rough coat when it is not clipped and if clipped it can be softer and fluffier. It has a notable monkey-like expression. Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with a shorter coat over the back and hindquarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture when properly maintained. The FCI and KC breed standards specify that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows grey, silver, red, black and tan, and beige (a mixture of red, brown, black and white hairs), other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference. The tail is sometimes docked, but in countries like Europe, it is illegal.

Lifespan

Affenpinschers in a UK survey had a median lifespan of 11.4 years, which is a typical lifespan for a purebred dog, but a bit lower than most breeds of their size.