It is a true mystery as to why Affenpinschers are one of the world’s lesser-known breeds, because they are excellent companion dogs. While originally bred to be rodent hunters, their charm and character quickly transformed them into a favorite companion dog in 18th Century Germany. Their numbers in Germany dwindled throughout the years, and the breed is quite rare now. However, popularity of the Affenpinscher breed is on the rise in North America, where most of the world’s Affens are found today.

Wonderful as Affenpinschers are, they may not be an ideal fit for every family situation. Presented below are some of the positives and negatives of the breed to help you decide if an Affenpinscher is a good fit for you.

Pros:

Character. Affens are simply adorable little creatures. The combination of a comical face, cuddly furry body, and whimsical gait are sure to attract the attention of any dog lover you will encounter. Combine looks with a friendly, curious personality and you have a companion that will be the envy of others.

Loyalty. Affens grow strongly attached to their keepers and are fiercely loyal. Though not equipped with the size and ferocity to make an effective guard dog, Affens have big-dog mentality and can be very protective of their owners. They also do quite well as watch dogs, alerting anyone within earshot of approaching strangers.

Intelligence. Affenpinschers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They love to learn and are eager to please their owners.

Lifestyle. Though they are energetic when outdoors, Affenpinschers are quiet and low-key indoors.  They love their sleep, too.  This makes them excellent companions for people in apartments or city houses.  Your Affen will look forward to walks, but does not require “tiring out” like more active breeds in order to avoid hyperactive behavior in the home.

Coat.  Affens have a coarse, thick coat of fur that is not susceptible to shedding.  They are ideal for owners with a low tolerance for animal fur throughout their dwelling.

Cons:

Small Children.  Affenpinschers are rugged little dogs and can can put up with a bit of handling.  However, they are territorial and very protective of their own belongings.  A small child who ventures near an Affen’s toys or food bowl may get nipped or at least fiercely warned.  Special care with small children should be taken around any dog regardless of size or breed.

Housebreaking.  Affens can be quite stubborn and willful.  As easy as they can be trained to obey basic commands and learn a few tricks, they can be a bit more difficult when it comes to housebreaking.  Most Affens respond well to crate training, however don’t expect your new Affen puppy to learn overnight.  It can take a few weeks or sometimes a month or two to get your Affen into the habit of waiting to go outside to do business.

Barking.  Part of the Affen’s good watchdog skills involve letting their masters know when a strange animal or human is on their turf.  Affenpinschers have a bark that is larger than their size, and though they are not overly vocal, when they bark, they make their presence known.  People who live in apartments or in close quarters to others should take this into consideration before adopting their Affenpinscher.  However, as with any other dog behavioral issue, undertaking dog training can help to curb unwanted outbursts from your pup.

Overall, Affenpinschers make wonderful companions in almost any situation.  If you are considering an Affenpinscher for a pet, bear in mind the cons expressed above, especially the point about small children.  This is especially important if you are childless but can see children in your future, to prevent having to send your best friend to a shelter. 

Agree or disagree with any of these points?  If you are an Affen owner or have familiarity with the breed, please weigh in with your own feedback!