Funny & Fearless The Affenpinscher

Star Wars fans will instantly think of the Ewok when they see this little guy. The Affenpinscher is a toy dog known for its unusual features and fearless spirit

We came across an artwork of the Affenpinscher which caught our eye in a flash. A Starry Night rendition really highlighted the breed’s unusual appearance and had us digging deeper to consequently profile the breed this issue. Little balls of fluff are these toy dogs, with a look so peculiar that has earned them the term, ‘monkey dogs’. But they’re entertaining beyond imagination, loyal and affectionate, too, albeit with a stern mind. When you have an Affenpinscher in your home, you have a friend who will make you laugh and God knows we all need more of those friends in our life.

ORIGIN: The Affenpinscher originates from Germany, in the 1600s, when their primary task was to exterminate vermin that would famously crop up in stables. Their name though has nothing to do with their profession but is derived from the German translation for ‘monkey dog’. Affenpinscher also translates to ‘ape terrier’, though the breed is not classified as a Terrier but as a Pinscher, and a toy breed. Initially, they were larger in size but over time, with selective breeding, their size diminished and they came to be defined as companion pets, perfect for the lap. As the breed developed over time, it is said to have influenced more popular breeds we know today as the Miniature Schnauzer. Clubs devoted to the breed sprung up around Europe in countries like France and Germany, in the late 1800s, and by the 1930s, the American Kennel Club officially recognised the Affenpinscher. The dog has come to be quite a star in the show ring winning awards and proving a mighty force despite its tiny size.