The Affenpinscher

Not much — the harsh, wiry coat is fairly low-shedding, which many owners love. The trade-off is grooming: it needs brushing a few times a week and occasional hand-stripping or trimming to keep its characteristic shaggy texture. Low shedding, but not low maintenance.

The name comes from the German word "Affe", meaning ape or monkey, and refers to the breed's wonderfully expressive, monkey-like face — the shaggy brows, whiskers, dark round eyes and short muzzle give it an almost primate-like, comical look. It's the single most distinctive thing about the breed, and exactly what its devotees adore.

They're best with older, respectful children rather than toddlers. Affens are small, bold and won't tolerate rough handling, and they can be protective of their food and toys. In a calm home with gentle, considerate kids they can be delightful, but they're generally not the ideal choice for families with very young children.

Because the breed is rare, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 from a reputable breeder, often with a waiting list. Ongoing costs are modest for such a small, generally healthy dog — budget around $1,000–$1,800 a year for food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care.

They're intelligent but stubborn, with a working ratter's independent streak, so training takes patience. Short, fun, positive, reward-based sessions work far better than repetitive drilling, and house-training in particular can take time, as with most toy breeds. Consistency and a sense of humour are your best tools.

They can. Bred as alert little watchdogs, Affens are quick to sound off at visitors and unfamiliar noises, with a bark far bigger than their size suggests. It makes them excellent early-warning systems but something to manage with training if you have close neighbours. Their boldness means they're not easily intimidated into quiet.