Description

The affenpinscher, a.k.a the monkey terrier, is an toy terrier of ancient descent that looks like a monkey in apperance. The breed was previously rare but has recently surged in popularity The affenpinscher original purpose was the hunting of rodents.

Considered by many to be the oldest toy breed, the affenpinscher's true history is clouded in mystery. The affenpincher has been around since the early 1600s and was developed in Germany to hunt rodents. The common belief is the affenpinscher was developed by crossing the small German pinschers with Asian pug-type dogs. Ultimately, the affenpinscher was used in the development of othe rtoy breeds such as the miniature schnauzer and the Brussels griffon. Their reputation for mice catching spread and they soon found their way into the homes of people throughout Europe. The affenpinscher was well established in North America in the early 1900s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the toy group in 1936.

Featuring a wide, round head with dark round prominent eyes, the affenpinscher is covered with ruffled hair, mustache and bushy eyebrows. Their ears are upright and pointed with a tail that is caried high. The breed presents a pronounced chin and a short nose. The breed has a compact, sturdy body with a coarse and rough coat. The undercoat is slightly curly, but stiff and wiry texture. The coat of the affenpinscher comes in black, gray, silver, grayish-black, bluish-gray, black and tan symmetrical markings or red varying from brownish red to an orange tan.

The affenpinscher is a sturdy toy terrier, characterized by his "monkey like" facial expression. He is intelligent and sometimes smug and stubborn. The affenpinscher has a personality more akin to the terrier group than the toy group. Featuring a lively and confident personality, the breed is full of mischief but wholly loyal to it's owners raits.

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