One of the most ancient of Toy dogs, the Affenpinscher (translated from German as Monkey-Terrier) originated in central Europe. During the 17th century small terriers frequently were kept around stables on farms or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down to size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses' boudoirs.
A game, alert, intelligent, and sturdy little "terrier type," the Affenpinscher is characterized by his "monkeyish" expression, derived from a prominent chin with hair-tuft and moustache. This expression is further accentuated by his bushy eyebrows, shadowing black-bordered eyelids and large, piercing dark eyes. The entire coat is stiff and wiry in texture, and with his cropped ears and docked tail he is every inch a real dog, despite his small size.
The Affenpinscher is believed to have been a major influence in the development of many of the smaller rough-coated breeds of continental Europe, including the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer.
The area around Munich, Germany eventually became the heart of Affenpinscher breeding in Europe. The Pinscher Klub was founded in 1895 in Cologne, and the Bayerischer Schnauzer Klub was formed in 1907. In 1923 these two clubs joined forces as the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub, which attracted many new breeders.
The breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club's Stud Book in 1936. This quaint little dog's popularity has been overshadowed by that of his descendant, the Brussels Griffon, but more recently he is enjoying a return to favor.