Affenpinscher

Country: Germany
Weight: 7-8 pounds
Height: Less than 10 inches
Coat: Medium long, harsh and wiry
Color: Black preferred, black/tan, red or dark gray also allowed
Registry: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
Group: Terrier

A true toy terrier, this breed has been in existence for more than 300 years. His origins are difficult to pinpoint, but he is seen in nearly his present form in 17th century paintings. He may be a miniature form of the wire terrier prototype which came from Nodic dogs, such as the Schipperke. These, crossed with the little pinschers or with small brachycephalic Puglike dogs from Asia found in Europe, could have created the Affenpinscher. In fact, earlier Affens may have had a longer muzzle, because the Affenpinscher and smooth Miniature Pinscher were at one time considered two coat varieties of the same breed and even occurred in the same litter.

Whatever his ancestry, this quaint little dog has earned the description of "monkey dog." His rather flat, turned-up nose, alert cropped ears, prominent round eyes, bristling eyebrows and busy mustache and beard all add to this description. The French often call this do Diabletin Moustache, literally the mustached little devil!

Belying his very small size, he is every inch a terrier in personality. he is alert, yet quiet, game and sturdy. The FCI standard translates: "... a charming mixture of fearlessness, obstinacy, loyalty and affection which he will show in rapid change from amusing earnestness to raging passion."

Regular brushing and tidying up is all the Affen requires to look neat. The tail is docked short. Although not among the most numerous of dogs, he has his proponents internationally. American and Canadian recognition was granted in 1936, but perhaps because of the wealth of terrier types already in Britain, he remains virtually unknown there.

All the information here was taken from "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" - written by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris Walkowicz.