7. Affenpinscher: The Comical Monkey Dog

The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds, originating in 17th-century Germany to hunt rats in kitchens and horse stables. Weighing just 7 to 10 pounds, they earned the affectionate nickname “monkey dog” due to their pushed-in faces, prominent lower lips, and scruffy, wiry hair.

Living 12 to 15 years, the Affenpinscher brings a hilarious, mischievous energy to daily life. They take themselves very seriously, which only makes their antics funnier. They are exceptionally brave, intensely loyal, and do not back down from perceived challenges, even if the “threat” is the vacuum cleaner or a much larger animal.

While they adore their human families, they can be highly territorial with their favorite toys and food bowls, making them better suited for households with older children who understand canine boundaries. You will find that training an Affenpinscher requires keeping sessions short, fun, and highly rewarding to prevent them from getting bored.