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ToyToy Group

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is among the oldest German toy breeds, documented back to the 17th century as a kitchen and stable ratter.

Calculate Affenpinscher age
Lifespan9.3 yrrange 7–11
SizeToyToy Group
Weight7–10 lb3.2–4.5 kg
Senior at9 yrgeriatric at 13

Gallery (3)

About

About the Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is among the oldest German toy breeds, documented back to the 17th century as a kitchen and stable ratter. The monkey-like facial expression is breed-defining; shares ancestry with the Brussels Griffon and Miniature Schnauzer.

Aging

How Affenpinschers age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 9.3 years (n=542) — among the shortest-lived toy breeds. Patellar luxation and persistent ductus arteriosus are the defining orthopedic-cardiac concerns; Legg-Calvé-Perthes is a secondary OFA finding.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 9.3 yr · range 7–11Senior careSenior at 9 · geriatric at 13Common health issues4 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
7–10 lb(3.2–4.5 kg)
Height
9–11.5 in(22.9–29.2 cm)
Coat type
Wire
Colors
BlackBlack & TanBlack & SilverRedBelge
Temperament

Temperament

How Affenpinschers tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

confidentfamously funnyfearlessloyal
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Elbow Dysplasia

    Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
45min
per day

Affenpinschers are satisfied by around 45 minutes of daily activity (energy level 3/5). Short, regular outings beat one long session.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.