Affenpinscher Breed Profile
The Affenpinscher (whose name translates as "monkey terrier" in German), originated in Central Europe. As early as the 17th century, stables, farms and homes used the small dogs as ratters, and bred them smaller and smaller to serve as ratters in ladies' boudoirs, and of course to serve as companions to the ladies. The Affenpinscher's descendent, the Brussels Griffon, has overshadowed his ancestor in popularity, but the Affenpinscher, admitted to the AKC stud book in 1936, remains a wonderful pet, loyal and loving, but courageous. He is characterized by his monkeyish face and shaggy, round head, with prominent chin with tuft, moustache, and large, piercing eyes.