No exact data about the Affenpinscher's origin exists, but it is one of the most ancient of the toy breeds.

Records show that the Affenpinscher originated in Germany, and the name Affenpinscher translated from German is "Monkey Terrier." ~ which got translated into "Monkey Dog" because of their monkey-like facial structure and expressions.

Originating in Germany and utilized heavily throughout Central Europe for their rat-catching abilities, these terrier-type dogs were believed to originally have been larger in size and were welcome employees in stables, shops, farms, and homes.

The Affenpinscher's date at least to the 17th century, though more reliable documentation of this breed date back only to the late 19th century.

Paintings by Dutch artists go as far back as the 15th century depicting small, rough-coated, bearded dogs, and these may certainly be some of the Affenpinscher's ancestors.

These intelligent, wiry-haired dogs caught the eye of the ladies and eventually were bred down to be smaller companion pets. Some sources credit a breeder in Lubeck, Germany, with being the first to miniaturize the ratters, but as with so many breeds, the story of how the Affenpinscher was created is lost to history.

Affies were crossed with Pugs, smooth coated German Pinschers and a now extinct breed known as the German Silky Pinscher. Their coat, intelligence and characteristics were appreciated to the extent that this breed contributed to the development of other breeds, including the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer. It's easy to see the similarities when you look at their rough coats and bearded faces.

Munich was the heart of early Affenpinscher development, but their popularity soon spread throughout Germany. The Berlin Lapdog Club began to formulate a breed standard for the Affenpinscher in 1902, but the true breed standard was not finalized until 1913.

This standard, translated to English, was adopted by the American Kennel Club and the Affenpinscher was officially entered into the AKC Stud Book in 1936. The first Affen registered with the AKC was named Nollie v. Anwander, one of four German imports belonging to Bessie Mally of Cicero, Illinois.

World War II interrupted the breeding of the Affenpinscher in the United States. It wasn't until the 1950s that interest in the breed revived. He is still rare today, although he gained a bit of celebrity in 2002 when Ch Yarrow's Super Nova won the Toy Group in 2002 at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club Show.
The Affenpinscher was miniaturized and became a house pet during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is still a ruthless hunter of mice and an outstanding watchdog.

Today the Affenpinscher is primarily a companion dog.

The Affenpinshcer Club:
• Description
The Affenpinscher is a small dog with a harsh, shaggy coat, and longer hair all over the face. It is a smaller version of a working terrier and therefore is not a delicate dog. The undercoat is slightly curly.
• Temperament
The Affenpinscher has a terrier-like personality. Unlike most terriers, they tend to get along with other dogs and pets especially when they are raised with them.
They are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous.
A lively sharp-witted, little dog that is courageous and confident. A fearless defender, the Affenpinscher is an authoritarian. It is very affectionate and amusing. This friendly little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training.
Owners need to consistently be the dog’s pack leader to avoid the tenancy to guard their food and toys. They like to hike and go camping as long as the temperature stays above 20 degrees F.
The Affenpinscher is generally quiet but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked and is fearless toward any aggressor. It may unwisely challenge large dogs and other large animals. They tend to bark and even climb. This little dog does best with a family who likes entertainment and has a very good sense of humor.
• Low shedding ~ hypoallergenic ~ great for allergy sufferers.
• Very clever & can entertain and be very ‘clown like’.
• Terrier Like Personality: Fiesty.
• Affectionate & curious ~ always alert.
• Excellent watchdog with a very brave ‘big dog’ no fear personality. Can bark excessively to alert owners of anyone approaching or new unknown noises nearby.
• Do not require lots of exercise.
• Great Apartment Dog.
• Can be difficult to house train.
• Do not do well with small pets, unless introduced to them from Affie’s young age.
• Great family dog with older children ~ Not recommended for small children.
• The Affenpinscher is a rare breed. Be prepared to spend time on a waiting list if you're interested in acquiring one.

Temperament

The Affenpinscher is a true people dog, and loves to be actively involved in what is going on in the family. Unlike many of the terrier breeds, the Affenpinscher is not as prone to independence, although they are excellent at problem solving and figuring things out. The Affenpinscher is playful at heart, and loves to find mischievous things to do to both amuse the family and keep themselves occupied.

They are highly intelligent dogs, that require firm and positive training methods to ensure that they don't become dominant or too assertive. Although a small dog, the Affenpinscher is a loyal and protective dog that will bark very loudly when he or she feels threatened or thinks that the family or property needs protecting. They can be very fierce, even in the face of much larger dogs trying to come into their yard or territory. The Affenpinscher, like many of the terriers, is rather protective of food and possessions such as toys, bedding and even bones. They are a good family dog but do best with older children that understand the nature of the dog. Younger children can also be taught to interact well with the Affenpinscher, as long as they don't start teasing the dog, and they understand the dog's natural instinct to guard possessions.

The Affenpinscher will typically be a good companion dog for both other dogs and non-canine pets. Early socialization with other pets, including cats, is important in any breed and the Affenpinscher is no different. The more socialization that occurs with the breed as a puppy, the greater their acceptance of new people, animals and environments will be.

The Affenpinscher is very easy to train, but does require constant change in their routine to prevent boredom and non-compliance. The breed is very quick at learning complex tricks and routines, and they really love a challenge. The Affenpinscher does not do well when left alone for long periods of time, and should always be around people more than left alone.

The Affenpinscher is always ready to head out on a walk or an adventure. They are naturally good travelers, and usually do very well in vehicles. As with any dog, care needs to be taken in either extremely hot or cold temperatures, and they are recommended for indoor living.

Grooming

The Affenpinscher's naturally wiry type coat requires regular grooming to keep tangles from developing. A wire brush or good quality pin brush, as well as a wide tooth metal comb are usually all the supplies that are required. It is important to brush the Affenpinscher at least every other day to keep the shaggy coat free from tangles. The outer coat as well as the slightly wavy inner coat will need grooming. The furnishings or feathering on the legs and belly can be combed first to remove large tangles, then brushed to remove the debris and dead hairs.

Watch for any signs of irritation of the eyes in the form of tearing. Small hairs can sometimes grow on the side of the eyes, or longer hairs may curl into the eyes causing irritation. Plucking or removing these hairs is all that is usually required to prevent the tearing.

Exercise

The Affenpinscher is a moderately active dog that does require regular exercise. They can be exercised in relatively small areas, and will play indoors just as well as outdoors. In general, Affenpinschers love to get outdoors and run and play. They are natural climbers, and seem to want to explore all of the area they are allowed to run in. A fenced yard is ideal for an Affenpinscher to explore, while staying safe from larger dogs. They will sometimes chase wildlife and even other cats or pets, so a fence is important for this breed.

The Affenpinscher should have regular, daily walks and exercise. Without routine outings the dogs may become somewhat rambunctious in the house, and will be more prone to getting into things and even engaging in undesirable behavior such as problem barking or chewing. Regular exercise, in conjunction with positive training, will prevent these issues from occurring.

The Affenpinscher should never be left outdoors in cold climates or strenuously exercised in very hot or cold conditions. Many Affenpinschers love to fetch and play with the family, and often a romp in the yard with the kids is the best possible exercise for this breed.

Training

The Affenpinscher is a very intelligent dog that does best when challenged mentally. They quickly become bored with the same requests, and do not do well with a highly repetitive training program. Since they are so intelligent, they will quickly learn both correct and incorrect behaviors so early, firm, loving and consistent training is essential.

The breed is naturally playful and mischievous, so should not be expected to be a completely serious dog. They love to be in the middle of action and activities, and often can become quickly distracted by things going on in the environment. Training sessions should be short and in a distraction-free environment until the puppy or dog understands the basic commands. Once they know what you are expecting, they will quickly learn to follow commands even when something is going on around them.

The Affenpinscher, like many small dogs, can be difficult to house train simply because of their physical size. Crate training is an ideal solution to this problem, and is very effective when done correctly and with the success and comfort of the puppy in mind. Since the Affenpinscher loves to be outdoors, getting them to go outside is not typically a problem.

As with any breed, it is important to socialize this breed as part of a well-rounded training program. The more contact that puppies and adult dogs have with other people, animals and places, the more accepting and less anxious they will be. Affenpinschers are naturally rather protective and possessive of their food and toys, so training them early to "give" without snapping or guarding is important, especially if there are children in the house.

Training sessions should always begin and end with some fun time for the owner and the dog. Playing, throwing or rolling a ball or just romping with the dog or puppy helps in getting rid of excess energy, and to assist with bonding.