The Irresistible Affenpinscher uses its front legs with great dexterity, like a monkey. It can hold its toys on its paws, use its paws to hold another dog, or put its paws around its owner’s neck. It also uses its legs to climb, and some Affenpinschers have been known to scale stairs easily.

People who own and love the Affenpinscher cannot understand why, over the years, it has not become more popular. The following is a quote taken from a “love letter” written by a new owner of an Affenpinscher puppy to the breeder.

“We are totally, absolutely, hopelessly, absolutely in love with our little Meerschaum! From the first second, we saw his little black shoe button eye with matching nose and all those cute fluffy feathers randomly sticking out of his face. dear lovely lovely face. We were head over heels in love. I’ve had puppies (who eventually turned into dogs, of course) my whole life, but this charm bracelet is so good it’s hard to believe it’s only four and a half months old. “

There are many anecdotes that reflect the character and temperament of this breed. One that comes to mind is the story of a woman who had just returned with her husband from a trip abroad. The next day she had fallen ill and was at home recuperating on the couch while her husband worked. Suddenly, loud and angry barking from the next room woke her up. The two sleeping Labrador Retrievers barely moved as the increasing intensity barks and growls of her young Affenpinscher forced her to investigate. As he entered the next room, he saw an intruder who had climbed through the open window, but was being held at bay by his puppy, who had his hair on end and was ready to attack. When she and the intruder’s eyes met, they both turned abruptly, one toward the phone and the other toward the exhaust. Thank goodness for your puppy with his fearless determination! Obviously, the intruder had been guarding the house and assumed that the inhabitants were still outside. This woman believes that her little Affenpinscher probably saved her life.

One of the mottos associated with this breed is “Affenpinschers – I bet you can’t have just one!” Because they are so cute and small, new owners often want a playmate for their first dog. Introducing a new puppy can cause the original dog some confusion and jealousy that can result in a lapse in training. Dogs are territorial and olfactory marking is in their nature. Humans must be vigilant and persevere to maintain a clean, odor-free home.