If you like Han Solo’s faithful Wookie in the first Star Wars movie, you’d love the Affenpinscher. At least, that was my first thought when I saw one for the first time.
The similarities to Han Solo’s sidekick don’t stop at looks, though. Like his Star Wars counterpart, the Affenpinscher is alert, gentle, intelligent, affectionate and always ready to defend his humans from strangers, making him a top-notch watchdog.

The Affenpinscher is on the smallest end of the Schnauzer and Pinscher’s breed, and has an adorable long-haired monkey-like face. In fact, the Affenpinscher’s name comes from ‘Affen’ which is the German word for Monkey. In some parts of Germany they’re known as Zwergaffenpinscher, which means “Dwarf-Monkey”. The French nickname for the Affenpinscher - “mustached devil” isn’t quite so flattering.

Although the Affenpinshcer is a great Watchdog, strangers need not fear for their lives. The average height is 9 to 11 inches, and the average weight between 6 and 9 pounds.

The Affenpinscher goes very far back in German History, being depicted in portraits by Van Eyck and Durer in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, some lineage experts believe the Affenpinscher believe them to be descended from the Brussels Griffon, while others argue that it’s the other way around. A third theory holds that they descended from the German short-haired Zwergschnauzer.

Up until 1896, Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinscher’s were classified as a single breed. But for the first time in that year the Berlin Dog show decided to separate the breeds, dubbing the long haired version the Affenpinscher.

The popularity of the breed caught on slowly. They were introduced by the American Kennel Club in 1936, the United Kingdom in 1936 and finally made its appearance for the first time at the Crufts Dog Show in 1980.

The Affenpinscher certainly won’t “pinsch” your food budget. Breeders recommend 4-6 ounces of meat daily, with an equal part biscuit. If you prefer dry dog food, breeders recommend 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry food per day. As with all dry foods, make sure there’s an ample supply of water to help them choke it down.

The Affenpinschers are also low-maintenance. Like most small breeds, a short daily walk around the park will suffice, but they’ll be happy to walk as long as you want. The long hair that lends them exceptional cuteness just requires regular brushing along with a regular regimen of dog grooming.

If you want a cute, loyal and often comical companion, the Affenpinscher’s the breed for you.