Monkey Dog
Breed Description

The Monkey Dog is known by several distinctive names that reflect its unique appearance and personality characteristics. In its native Germany, this charming breed carries the formal designation that translates directly to "monkey-like terrier," a reference to its distinctively expressive facial features and terrier-like temperament. Throughout Europe, this breed may be encountered under various regional appellations, including the French term "Diablotin Moustachu," which charmingly translates to "mustached little devil," perfectly capturing both the breed's mischievous facial hair and spirited personality.

Historical records also reveal that this breed has been called by names reflecting its original working purpose and physical characteristics. Some early breeders and enthusiasts referred to these dogs simply as "monkey terriers" or "ape dogs," emphasizing the primate-like facial expressions that remain one of the breed's most endearing and recognizable features. In various dog fancy circles, you may also encounter references to this breed as the "little devil dog" or "mustached toy," names that speak to both its diminutive stature and bold personality.

Regional variations in naming conventions have also produced terms such as "wire-haired monkey dog" in some areas where emphasis is placed on the breed's distinctive coat texture, or "German toy terrier" in locations where the geographic origin takes precedence in identification. These multiple names all refer to the same delightful breed, whose monkey-like expression and spirited temperament have captured hearts across cultures and continents for centuries.

The Monkey Dog presents a striking and immediately recognizable profile that combines diminutive size with outsized personality, creating a companion that is both physically appealing and mentally engaging. This compact toy breed typically stands between 9 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs a modest 7 to 10 pounds, making them ideally suited for apartment living while still maintaining the robust constitution that allows them to keep pace with more active households. Their square, well-balanced body proportions give them a sturdy appearance that belies their small stature, with a confident carriage that suggests a dog unaware of its toy classification.

The breed's most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its monkey-like facial expression, created by a unique combination of physical characteristics that work together to produce an almost human-like countenance. The rounded skull, prominent forehead, and short muzzle create the foundation for this expression, while the dark, round eyes sparkle with intelligence and mischief. The breed's signature facial furnishings include bushy eyebrows that arch expressively over the eyes, along with a pronounced mustache and beard that frame the mouth and give the dog its characteristically wise yet impish appearance.

The Monkey Dog's coat represents one of its most defining physical attributes, consisting of a dense, rough, and wiry texture that provides both protection and distinction. This double-layered coat features a softer undercoat beneath the harsh outer coat, creating insulation against various weather conditions while maintaining the breed's characteristic shaggy appearance. The coat grows longer around the head and shoulders, forming a natural mane that enhances the monkey-like expression, while remaining shorter and neater over the back and hindquarters to maintain the breed's clean outline.

Color variations in the Monkey Dog provide options for different aesthetic preferences, though all maintain the breed's essential character. The most traditional and widely recognized color is solid black, which should be deep and rich without fading or discoloration. However, acceptable color variations also include various shades of gray, silver, red, black and tan combinations, and belge (a mixture of red, brown, black, and white hairs that creates a unique peppered appearance). Regardless of color, the coat should maintain its characteristic harsh texture and proper furnishings to preserve the breed's distinctive look.

The breed's movement reflects its terrier heritage and confident personality, with a light, free, and balanced gait that carries an air of comic seriousness. When moving, Monkey Dogs display their fearless nature through their confident carriage, with head held high and tail carried with authority. Their movement should be sound and efficient, allowing them to keep pace with larger dogs despite their small size, while maintaining the bouncy, spirited quality that makes them such entertaining companions.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard emphasizes that the Monkey Dog should present a neat, wiry-haired, toy-type dog with an intelligence and demeanor making it a superior house dog. The breed should be sturdy, compact, and square-built, with a monkey-like expression enhanced by its prominent eyebrows, mustache, and general air of comic seriousness. Size specifications call for 9.5 to 11.5 inches for males and females, with weight proportionate to height, typically 7-10 pounds. The coat should be dense, rough, harsh, and about one inch in length on the shoulders and body, shorter on the rear and tail, and longer on the legs, furnishings, and head. Acceptable colors include black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge. The bite should be slightly undershot, and the ears may be cropped or natural. Movement should be light, sound, balanced, and confident, carrying itself with comic seriousness. Temperament should be generally quiet but can become excited when threatened, displaying loyalty and affection toward its master and friends.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Under FCI Standard No. 186, the Monkey Dog is classified in Group 2, Section 1.1 (Pinscher and Schnauzer types). The FCI standard specifies that height should be 25-30 cm (approximately 10-12 inches) for both sexes, with weight ideally 4-6 kg (9-13 pounds). The standard emphasizes that the coat must be black according to FCI guidelines, though some national variations may accept other colors. The coat should be harsh and wiry, forming a mane around the head and shoulders. The head should be round with a domed skull, prominent forehead, and short, straight muzzle. The eyes should be dark and round, and the ears V-shaped, set high, and carried erect if cropped or falling forward if natural. The standard emphasizes that the breed should be lively, alert, inquisitive, and fearless, with great loyalty and affection toward its family. The FCI standard notes that the breed's monkey-like expression should be clearly evident and is essential to breed type.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard, established in 1957, describes the Monkey Dog as a small, balanced, wiry-haired toy-type dog with intelligence and demeanor making it an excellent house dog. The standard emphasizes that the breed is not delicate in any way, being sturdy and compact with medium bone. The breed should be game, alert, inquisitive, and display great loyalty and affection toward master and friends. They are generally quiet but can become vehemently excited when threatened and are fearless toward aggressors. The head should be carried confidently upright and be in proportion to the body, with the characteristic monkey-like expression being paramount. The coat should be dense, rough, harsh, and wiry, providing weather protection. The UKC standard particularly emphasizes that the monkey-like expression comes from the combination of round, not long skull, prominent forehead, short straight muzzle, round dark eyes, and proper furnishings of eyebrows, mustache, and beard.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) follows standards similar to the FCI, requiring black coat color and emphasizing the breed's distinctive monkey-like expression and sturdy toy characteristics. The Canadian Kennel Club aligns closely with AKC standards, accepting various color combinations while maintaining emphasis on proper coat texture and facial expression. Australian National Kennel Council and New Zealand Kennel Club standards also follow FCI guidelines with minor regional variations. Most international organizations recognize both cropped and natural ears as acceptable, though cropping is prohibited in many countries. Continental European breed clubs often place additional emphasis on temperament testing and working heritage, reflecting the breed's historical role as a working ratter and companion. The German breed clubs, as the country of origin, maintain particularly strict adherence to coat texture and the distinctive monkey-like expression that defines the breed.

The Monkey Dog's fascinating history begins in the heart of Europe during the 17th century, where these distinctive small dogs emerged from the complex network of German working dog breeding programs. The breed's origins can be traced to the broader Pinscher family, which included both rough-haired and smooth-haired varieties that served essential roles as stable dogs, carriage dogs, and general-purpose vermin controllers throughout Germanic territories. During this early period, dogs of various sizes and coat types were often grouped together, with distinctions made primarily based on function rather than the precise breed categories we recognize today.

The development of the Monkey Dog as a distinct breed gained momentum during the plague years, when German families desperately needed effective pest control within their homes. These small, fearless dogs proved invaluable for controlling rodent populations in kitchens, pantries, and sleeping areas where larger dogs would be impractical. Their compact size allowed them to navigate tight spaces and pursue mice into areas where larger ratting dogs could not follow, while their fearless temperament ensured they would engage even the largest rats without hesitation.

As urban centers grew throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Monkey Dog's role began to evolve from purely utilitarian to more companionable. Wealthy merchant families discovered that these charming little dogs made excellent house companions, providing both entertainment and security. Their monkey-like expressions and amusing antics made them particularly popular among the ladies of European high society, who appreciated dogs that could serve as both pest controllers and amusing parlor companions.

The formal recognition and standardization of the Monkey Dog began in earnest during the late 19th century when German dog fanciers started organizing the various Pinscher types into distinct breeds. In 1895, the influential German cynologist Ludwig Beckmann described five distinct varieties within the Pinscher family, including the rough-haired variety that would become the foundation for the modern Monkey Dog. This scientific approach to breed classification helped establish clear distinctions between the various sizes and coat types that had previously been grouped together.

The establishment of breed clubs marked a crucial turning point in the Monkey Dog's development. The Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub, founded in 1895, initially oversaw both smooth and rough-haired varieties, but specialized interest in the smaller, monkey-faced dogs led to more focused breeding programs. The Berlin Lapdog Club began formulating specific breed standards for the Monkey Dog in 1902, though it took until 1913 for these standards to reach their final form. This standardization process helped ensure that breeding programs would preserve the distinctive characteristics that made the breed so appealing while eliminating undesirable traits.

The breed's international expansion began in the early 20th century when European emigrants and dog enthusiasts began importing these charismatic little dogs to other continents. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1936, when the first registered specimen arrived from Germany. However, World War II severely disrupted breeding programs across Europe, and many bloodlines were lost during the conflict. The rebuilding period that followed required careful outcrossing and importation to restore genetic diversity while maintaining breed type.

Post-war development of the Monkey Dog focused heavily on preserving the breed's essential characteristics while adapting to modern companion dog roles. American and other international breeders worked diligently to establish sustainable breeding populations, often importing dogs from different European lines to maintain genetic health. The breed's popularity grew steadily as urban living became more common and people sought smaller dogs suitable for apartment life.

The Monkey Dog gained significant public attention in the early 21st century through success in major dog shows, particularly when representatives of the breed achieved notable wins at prestigious events like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. These victories brought increased awareness to the breed and sparked renewed interest among dog enthusiasts who were charmed by the breed's unique appearance and personality.

Modern breeding programs for the Monkey Dog emphasize health testing, genetic diversity, and preservation of essential breed characteristics. Contemporary breeders work closely with breed clubs and canine health organizations to address potential health issues while maintaining the monkey-like expression, proper coat texture, and spirited temperament that define the breed. The challenge for today's breeders lies in balancing the breed's historical working heritage with its modern role as a companion animal, ensuring that future generations retain the intelligence, courage, and distinctive character that have made the Monkey Dog such a beloved breed throughout its centuries-long history.

The Monkey Dog was originally developed with a very specific and crucial function: serving as an efficient pest controller in environments where larger dogs would be impractical or inappropriate. Their primary role centered around eliminating rats, mice, and other rodents from kitchens, granaries, stables, and shops throughout German communities. This work required not only hunting instinct and physical capability but also the intelligence to work independently and the courage to confront prey that might be nearly as large as the dog itself. The breed's compact size proved ideal for pursuing rodents into tight spaces, under furniture, and through areas where larger ratting dogs could not follow.

Beyond their ratting capabilities, Monkey Dogs served important functions as household alarm systems, alerting families to intruders or unusual activities around their properties. Despite their small stature, these dogs possessed the courage and tenacity to confront much larger threats, making them valuable guardians for homes and businesses. Their keen intelligence allowed them to distinguish between normal household activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms while maintaining vigilant protection of their territory and family.

As European society evolved, the Monkey Dog's function expanded to include companionship roles that took advantage of their entertaining personalities and strong bonds with human families. Their monkey-like expressions and amusing behaviors made them popular as entertaining companions for wealthy families, where they served dual purposes as both working dogs and sources of amusement. This transition from purely utilitarian to companion roles helped ensure the breed's survival as urbanization reduced the need for traditional ratting dogs.

The breed's intelligence and trainability also made them suitable for performance work, with some Monkey Dogs finding success in circuses and traveling entertainment shows throughout Europe. Their expressive faces, compact size, and ability to learn complex tricks made them natural performers who could captivate audiences while demonstrating the breed's mental capabilities. This entertainment function helped spread awareness of the breed beyond their original German homeland and contributed to their international popularity.

In modern times, the Monkey Dog's function has evolved to meet contemporary needs while maintaining many of their traditional capabilities. They excel as apartment dogs and urban companions, where their size, temperament, and minimal exercise requirements make them ideal for city living. Their natural alertness continues to make them excellent watchdogs, providing security for their families despite their toy classification. Many owners discover that their Monkey Dogs retain strong hunting instincts and will still pursue rodents if given the opportunity.

Contemporary Monkey Dogs also serve important functions in therapy and emotional support roles, where their intuitive understanding of human emotions and desire to please make them valuable companions for people dealing with stress, anxiety, or loneliness. Their manageable size and gentle nature with familiar people make them suitable for visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and other care facilities where larger dogs might be overwhelming or impractical.

The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please have made them successful in various dog sports and competitive activities, including obedience trials, agility competitions, and rally events. While their size limits their performance in some activities, their quick minds and strong desire to work with their handlers make them competitive in events that emphasize precision and partnership rather than pure athleticism. These modern functions help maintain the breed's mental stimulation needs while providing outlets for their working heritage.

Training and socialization functions represent crucial aspects of modern Monkey Dog ownership, as these intelligent dogs require mental stimulation and clear guidance to channel their natural instincts appropriately. Their function as family companions demands careful attention to socialization with children, other pets, and strangers to ensure they develop into well-balanced adults. The breed's strong personality and potential for dominance issues make consistent training essential for successful integration into modern households.

Today's Monkey Dog continues to serve as an ideal companion for people seeking a small dog with big personality, combining the loyalty and affection of a lap dog with the courage and intelligence of a working breed. Their function in modern families often includes being constant companions, entertainment providers, and emotional support systems, roles that take full advantage of their centuries of breeding for close human partnership while honoring their heritage as capable, independent working dogs.

The Monkey Dog exhibits a behavioral profile that perfectly balances confidence with affection, creating a companion that is both entertaining and deeply loyal. These dogs possess an almost human-like ability to read situations and respond appropriately, demonstrating intelligence that often surprises people unfamiliar with the breed. Their curious nature drives them to investigate everything in their environment, from new sounds and smells to changes in routine or the arrival of strangers. This inquisitive behavior, combined with their excellent memory, makes them quick learners who retain training well but also means they can become bored easily with repetitive activities.

One of the most distinctive behavioral characteristics of the Monkey Dog is their fearless attitude toward much larger dogs and even potential threats. Despite their toy size, they display the courage of a much larger breed, often challenging dogs ten times their size without hesitation. This behavior stems from their working heritage as ratters, where fearlessness was essential for survival, but it requires careful management in modern settings to prevent the dog from getting into dangerous situations. Owners must be vigilant during interactions with larger dogs and teach their Monkey Dog appropriate boundaries.

Social behavior in Monkey Dogs tends to be somewhat discriminating, as they typically prefer the company of their family members to that of strangers. They often form particularly strong bonds with one or two family members while remaining friendly but somewhat aloof with others. This selective affection makes them excellent personal companions but requires early socialization to ensure they remain polite with visitors and strangers. Their natural wariness of unfamiliar people makes them excellent alert dogs, as they will reliably announce the arrival of anyone new to their territory.

The breed's energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, with periods of intense activity alternating with times of calm relaxation. During their active periods, Monkey Dogs display playful, often mischievous behavior that can be both entertaining and challenging for their owners. They enjoy games that engage their minds as well as their bodies, showing particular enthusiasm for activities that allow them to use their problem-solving abilities. However, they are equally content to spend quiet time near their favorite people, making them adaptable to various lifestyle patterns.

Territorial behavior represents a significant aspect of the Monkey Dog's personality, as they take their guardian role seriously despite their small size. They will patrol their home environment, checking for changes or potential threats, and may become possessive of their favorite spots, toys, or even their family members. This territorial instinct can lead to resource guarding behaviors if not properly managed, making it important for owners to establish clear rules and boundaries from an early age.

Communication behaviors in Monkey Dogs are quite sophisticated, as they use a variety of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions to convey their needs and emotions. Their expressive faces allow them to communicate with almost human-like clarity, while their vocal repertoire includes different barks, whines, and grumbles for various situations. They are generally not excessive barkers but will use vocalization strategically to get attention, alert to visitors, or express excitement or frustration.

The breed's hunting instincts remain strong and can manifest in various ways, from chasing small animals and insects to intensely focused stalking behaviors when they detect interesting scents or sounds. These behaviors are normal and healthy expressions of their heritage, but owners should be aware that Monkey Dogs may not be suitable for households with small pets like hamsters, birds, or ferrets that could trigger their prey drive. Early socialization with cats and other pets can help, but the instinct may always remain dormant.

Training behavior in Monkey Dogs reflects their intelligence and desire to please, but also their independent nature and occasional stubbornness. They learn quickly when motivated but may choose to ignore commands if they find something more interesting or if training becomes too repetitive. Successful training requires creativity, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods that engage their minds while establishing clear leadership. They respond particularly well to training that feels like games or problem-solving activities rather than drill-style repetition.

Stress behaviors in Monkey Dogs often manifest as excessive vocalization, destructive chewing, or attention-seeking activities when they feel anxious or understimulated. They may also develop separation anxiety if not properly conditioned to alone time, as their strong family bonds can make extended isolation distressing. Preventing stress-related behaviors requires ensuring adequate mental stimulation, regular exercise, and gradual conditioning to help them develop confidence and independence when necessary.

The Monkey Dog integrates into family life with remarkable adaptability and strong emotional intelligence, quickly establishing themselves as integral family members rather than mere pets. Their small size and manageable exercise requirements make them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to large homes, while their strong desire for human companionship means they thrive when included in daily family activities. These dogs view themselves as equal family members and expect to participate in household routines, from morning coffee rituals to evening television watching sessions.

With children, Monkey Dogs can develop excellent relationships, though their interactions are often better suited to older children who understand appropriate handling and respect the dog's boundaries. Their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from very young children, while their independent nature means they may not tolerate the grabbing, pulling, or rough play that toddlers often engage in with pets. However, with children old enough to interact gently and respectfully, Monkey Dogs often become devoted companions and playmates, showing remarkable patience and protective instincts toward their young family members.

The breed's relationship with adult family members tends to be both affectionate and somewhat discriminating, as they often develop preferences for certain family members while remaining cordial with others. This selectivity is not rejection but rather reflects their intelligent assessment of who provides the most satisfying interactions, training, and attention. They may choose to sleep with one person while seeking play from another, or turn to different family members for different types of comfort and engagement.

In multi-generational households, Monkey Dogs often show remarkable sensitivity to the needs of elderly family members, naturally moderating their energy levels and providing gentle companionship for those who prefer quieter interactions. Their size makes them ideal lap dogs for seniors who want constant companionship without the challenge of managing a larger dog, while their alert nature provides security and peace of mind for family members who may be concerned about their elderly relatives living alone.

The breed's territorial instincts can significantly impact family dynamics, particularly regarding visitors and guests. Monkey Dogs often view themselves as the household's security system and may be initially suspicious or protective when strangers visit the home. This protective behavior requires management through training and socialization to ensure guests feel welcome while allowing the dog to fulfill their natural guardian instincts appropriately. Family members must work together to establish consistent rules about greeting behaviors and interaction with visitors.

Multi-pet households present both opportunities and challenges for Monkey Dog integration. Their small size can make them vulnerable to larger dogs, while their fearless attitude may lead them to challenge much bigger pets inappropriately. However, when properly introduced and supervised, many Monkey Dogs coexist peacefully with other dogs and even cats, often becoming best friends with pets they've grown up alongside. Their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like hamsters or birds, requiring careful consideration of existing pets before bringing a Monkey Dog into the family.

Family routine and schedule adherence represent important aspects of successful Monkey Dog integration, as these intelligent dogs quickly learn household patterns and may become anxious or disruptive when normal routines are significantly altered. They often assume the role of household timekeeper, reminding family members about meal times, walk schedules, or bedtime routines through various attention-seeking behaviors. This predictability-seeking nature can actually help families maintain consistent schedules, particularly benefiting children who thrive on routine.

The breed's need for mental stimulation affects family dynamics by requiring active engagement from household members. Understimulated Monkey Dogs may create their own entertainment through potentially destructive behaviors, making it important for families to provide regular training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive activities. This requirement for engagement can actually strengthen family bonds as training and exercise become shared activities that build relationships between the dog and various family members.

During family stress or conflict periods, Monkey Dogs often display remarkable emotional sensitivity, sometimes attempting to provide comfort to distressed family members or positioning themselves as mediators during tense situations. Their intuitive understanding of human emotions makes them valuable emotional support systems during difficult times, though they may also absorb family stress and require additional reassurance and stability during turbulent periods.

Family travel and activity planning often revolve around the Monkey Dog's needs and capabilities, as their small size makes them excellent travel companions for many family adventures. Their adaptability and desire to be included make them suitable for various family activities, from camping trips to city visits, though their protective instincts may require management in unfamiliar environments with many strangers. Many families find that their Monkey Dog enhances their social activities by serving as conversation starters and helping family members meet other dog enthusiasts in their community.

The Monkey Dog is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a typical lifespan ranging from 12 to 15 years, though some individuals may live well beyond this range when provided with excellent care and nutrition. Their robust constitution reflects centuries of breeding for working ability rather than purely cosmetic traits, which has helped preserve natural vigor and resistance to many common health problems. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions that potential owners should understand and responsible breeders should screen for before breeding.

The breed's compact size and brachycephalic features, while contributing to their distinctive appearance, can occasionally lead to respiratory considerations that owners should monitor. Their shortened airways may make them more sensitive to extreme heat and humidity, requiring careful attention during hot weather to prevent overheating. Additionally, their small size makes them more vulnerable to injury from falls, rough play, or interactions with much larger dogs, making protective awareness important for owners in various situations.

Responsible breeding practices have significantly reduced the incidence of hereditary health problems within well-bred Monkey Dog lines. Reputable breeders conduct comprehensive health testing of breeding stock, including evaluations for heart conditions, eye problems, and orthopedic issues that can affect the breed. These preventive measures, combined with careful selection of breeding pairs, have helped maintain the breed's overall health while reducing the risk of passing genetic problems to future generations.

Preventive healthcare represents the cornerstone of maintaining optimal health in Monkey Dogs, with regular veterinary checkups allowing for early detection of developing health issues and maintenance of appropriate body condition. These small dogs can be prone to weight gain if overfed or under-exercised, making portion control and regular exercise important for preventing obesity-related health complications. Their rapid metabolism means they may require more frequent feeding schedules than larger dogs, particularly during puppyhood and senior years.

Dental care requires particular attention in Monkey Dogs, as their small mouths can lead to crowding of teeth and increased risk of dental problems. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings help maintain oral health and prevent the development of periodontal disease that can affect overall health. The breed's facial hair requires regular cleaning around the mouth area to prevent food accumulation and bacterial growth that could contribute to dental or skin problems.

Exercise and activity management play crucial roles in maintaining Monkey Dog health, as these active little dogs need regular physical and mental stimulation to maintain optimal condition. However, their exercise programs should be appropriate for their size and age, with particular care taken to avoid overexertion or activities that could lead to injury. Puppy exercise should be carefully limited to prevent damage to developing bones and joints, while senior dogs may require modified exercise routines to accommodate changing physical capabilities.

Environmental factors significantly impact Monkey Dog health, particularly their sensitivity to extreme temperatures due to their size and coat characteristics. They may require protective clothing in very cold weather and careful monitoring in hot conditions to prevent hypothermia or heat stroke. Their small size also makes them more vulnerable to household toxins, requiring vigilant pet-proofing and awareness of potentially dangerous substances that larger dogs might tolerate better.

Grooming and coat maintenance contribute to overall health by allowing regular inspection of the skin and early detection of lumps, bumps, irritations, or parasites that might require veterinary attention. The breed's wiry coat requires specific grooming techniques to maintain proper texture and prevent matting, while regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care help prevent common health problems associated with inadequate maintenance.

Senior care becomes increasingly important as Monkey Dogs age, with older dogs requiring more frequent veterinary monitoring for age-related conditions such as arthritis, cognitive changes, or organ function decline. Many senior dogs benefit from adjusted diets, modified exercise routines, and supplements designed to support joint health, cognitive function, or other specific needs identified through veterinary evaluation. The breed's longevity means that owners should be prepared for potentially extended senior care periods requiring increased attention and veterinary support.

If you're looking to adopt a Monkey Dog, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Monkey Dogs waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. Due to the relative rarity of this breed, fewer Monkey Dogs may be available through rescue channels compared to more common breeds. Consider also checking with local all-breed rescues, toy breed rescues, and animal shelters in your area, as Monkey Dogs may occasionally be found through these general rescue sources.