
Show Notes
Ever wondered where that scrappy little "monkey dog" came from? In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating history of the Affenpinscher, one of Europe's oldest and most entertaining toy breeds.
From the ratting dogs of 17th-century Germany to the polished show rings of the modern era, the Affenpinscher has lived many lives. We'll explore how this pint-sized pup earned its quirky nickname, its role as a working dog in German homes and shops, how breeders refined the breed into the compact companion we know today, and the Affenpinscher's long road to recognition by the American Kennel Club.
Bold, curious, and endlessly entertaining — the Affenpinscher may be small, but its history is anything but.
🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday. Find transcripts and all episodes at doggonehistory.com.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, Castbox, Pocket Casts, and all major podcast platforms.
📱 Follow Doggone History on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Bluesky, and YouTube @doggonehistorypodcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Doggone History
Commonly called Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, or just Russell Terriers, these feisty and energetic terriers were bred for the hunt. They're twelve pounds of pure nerve, born from one Devonshire clergyman's obsession with fox hunting. This week on Doggone History, we trace the Jack Russell Terrier back to a chance encounter outside Oxford in 1819, when Reverend John "Jack" Russell bought a dairyman's terrier and unknowingly founded one of the world's most recognizable breeds.
Ever wonder how the short-legged, big-eared Welsh Corgi became one of the world's most beloved dog breeds? And actually that is TWO breeds! The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. In this episode of Doggone History, host Rich Napolitano digs into the fascinating origins of both breeds, from their ancient herding roots in Wales to their rise as a favorite of British royalty. Learn about the breed's unique physical traits, working-dog heritage, and how it captured hearts (and internet memes) around the globe. Perfect for dog owners, breeders, and animal lovers who want the full story behind this pint-sized powerhouse breed.
They're the goofy grin in every "good boy" meme, the go-to breed for therapy dogs, guide dogs, and family portraits alike. But where did the Golden Retriever actually come from? This episode digs into the surprisingly aristocratic origins of America's (and honestly, the world's) favorite good boy.