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AKC: Affenpinscher breed overview

Toy group · Germany

Affenpinscher

Also called Monkey Terrier, Affen

Barely 4 kg of confidence, a monkey-faced stable ratter that behaves as if nobody told it how small it is.

The Affenpinscher is a toy breed of about 3 to 6 kg (7 to 13 lb) from Germany, with a wiry coat and a face that looks strikingly like a small monkey. It was bred to catch rats, and it has the bold, stubborn attitude of a much larger dog. Its size makes it easy to house and its attitude makes it a handful.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

3 to 6 kg

7 to 13 lb

Height

23 to 30 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

12 to 15 yrs

Activity estimate

60 to 90 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

10 months

approximate model input

Life with a Affenpinscher

Few dogs make so much of so little. An Affenpinscher weighs about as much as a bag of flour, yet it walks into a room as if it owns the place. That confidence goes back to its working life in 17th-century Germany, where slightly larger versions kept stables, granaries and kitchens clear of rats. Breeders gradually made them smaller, and the little ratters moved into the house as companions and bed-warmers.

The breed is thought to have helped create the Brussels Griffon and may be connected to the Miniature Schnauzer's early history. Numbers fell sharply during the Second World War, and for decades it remained a rare breed. It got a big dose of attention in 2013 when an Affenpinscher named Banana Joe won Best in Show at Westminster.

Living with one is often compared to living with a small comedian. Affens are curious, playful and fond of their people, and they have odd habits such as sitting upright, drumming with their front paws, and staring with great seriousness. They also have a terrier's temper when pushed and little sense of their own size, which matters for safety as much as for behavior.

What stands out

Puppy growth

Affenpinscher puppies grow quickly and usually reach adult height and weight by 9 to 10 months. 2 and 2 kg. Their bones are fine, so jumps from furniture and rough play with larger dogs are real hazards during growth.

Read the full puppy growth guide

Illustrative model, not observed breed data or a healthy-weight standard. Use actual measurements and veterinary advice to assess growth.

A great match for

apartment dwellers
adult households or families with older children
owners who like a comic, characterful dog
people who prefer short walks to long hikes

Think twice if

a fearless streak that picks fights with big dogs
guarding of food and toys
slow housetraining
discomfort in hot weather because of the short face

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much an Affenpinscher eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	5 kg	300 kcal	80 g (0.8 cups)
Female, typical pet	5 kg	350 kcal	95 g (1 cups)
Male, typical pet	5 kg	350 kcal	95 g (1 cups)
Male, very active	5 kg	430 kcal	115 g (1.3 cups)

Full Affenpinscher feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Affenpinscher

FeedingAn adult of about 4 kg (9 lb) typically needs 60 to 75 g of dry food a day, around two thirds of a cup, split into two meals. Because portions are so small, even a few slices of cheese or sausage in training can push a dog over its daily needs.Read more ExerciseAround 30 minutes of daily walking, plus play indoors, covers most adults. Affens enjoy short explorations, sniffing games and tug with small toys.Read more GroomingThe harsh coat is meant to look slightly untidy, and it does not need heavy grooming. Brush and comb two or three times a week, paying attention to the beard, eyebrows and legs, where tangles form.Read more TrainingAffens are clever but independent and often stubborn. They respond best to short, playful sessions with food rewards and a clear routine, and poorly to raised voices.Read more HealthAffenpinschers are generally sturdy for a toy breed, but they are known to be prone to slipping kneecaps, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, eye problems and some heart conditions. The shortened muzzle can make breathing harder in heat and during exercise.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1The name comes from the German Affe, meaning monkey
2Originally kept in 17th-century German stables and kitchens to catch rats
3French speakers nicknamed it the mustached little devil
4An Affenpinscher called Banana Joe won Best in Show at Westminster in 2013
5Thought to be an ancestor of the Brussels Griffon

Affenpinscher questions

Why is the Affenpinscher called a monkey dog?

Affe is German for monkey, and the breed's flat face, dark round eyes, bushy brows and beard give it a striking resemblance to a small monkey. Its habits add to it: many Affens sit upright, use their front paws to hold toys, and watch people with an intent, almost human expression. The French nickname, mustached little devil, points to its character.

Are Affenpinschers hypoallergenic?

No breed is fully free of allergens, but Affens shed little and their wiry coat holds loose hair until brushed out, which can make them easier for some allergic people. Allergens also come from saliva and skin, so reactions vary. Spend time with adult Affenpinschers before deciding if allergies are a concern.

Is the Affenpinscher related to the Brussels Griffon?

Yes, it is widely believed to be one of the Brussels Griffon's ancestors. Belgian breeders crossed small rough-coated German ratters with local dogs and later toy breeds. The two look alike at first glance, but the Griffon usually has a flatter face and a more sensitive temperament, while the Affen keeps more terrier attitude.

Can an Affenpinscher live with small children?

It is usually better suited to adults or families with children over about 8. A small, fine-boned dog can be injured by a fall or a squeeze, and Affens have little patience with being grabbed or chased. They may snap to protect themselves or their toys. With respectful older children, they are playful and affectionate.

Do Affenpinschers get along with other dogs?

Many do well with other dogs they live with, particularly those raised alongside them. The concern is outside the home: an Affen will often challenge a much larger dog, which can end badly. Careful socialization with calm, gentle dogs and keeping your Affen on lead in busy parks both help.

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