An odd name for such a singular breed of dog. The name of a breed normally gives us a clue as to the appearance or the work carried out by the breed, but the name of the Affenpinscher means nothing unless you have some knowledge of German. And even for the Germans, as far as we can tell, the meaning is unclear. In German the verb “affen” means something like “to imitate”, “to trick”, even “to deceive”. The adjective “affenartig” means “monkey-like” or “simian”. “Affenschande” means “great shame (ashamed)” and perhaps we could remember the terms “shameless”, “ daring” or “bold” to the character of the breed.
At times it has been called “monkey terrier”.
Those who first gave rise to the breed in Germany gave the early examples the name ( according to them very descriptive) “little monkey dog”: “zwerg” which means “small”, “affen” means “monkey” and “pinscher” which was the name gave for German people to a type of dog who "pinchs" rats and mice in the stables.
It is often said that it looks like a monkey. This is said largely because it has a prominent underjaw and a moustache. However, monkeys do not have such prominent underjaws, and even fewer have a moustache. Maybe its expression could remind us, a little, of a macaque. But even so, the Affenpinscher has undeniable comic expressions, and people everywhere associate a comic and mischievous expression with monkeys.
In France the breed is called “Diablotin Mostachu”, little devil (fig. monkey) with whisker.
Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since at least 1600. They were larger, someone about 18” (45,7cm). There was a great variety of colours: grey, black, cinnamon, black and tan, grey and tan, even red. They tended to have white patches on the chest and legs. They were well known as ratting dogs, they lived on farms and in granaries, running at large and sleeping in the stables. Their principal mission in life: catch rats.
