Affenpinscher

In my own words

 

With my sweet little face, monkey-like looks and sparkling, curious eyes, you could say I’m as cute as button. Of course, I’d be inclined to agree! And I’m just as lovable as I look, you know. Yep, I’m as affectionate as they come. I adore being right in the heart of family life and I try to include myself with everything – from relaxing on the sofa watching TV and playing on the carpet in the living room, to going out on long walks and day trips to the beach.

Sure, sometimes my family can get a bit annoyed with me. I mean, I’m always getting into places that I apparently shouldn’t be and if there’s something I really want (like that ham sandwich on the counter), then you can bet I’ll find a way to get it… even when I know I’m not supposed to have it. Even when I make them mad though, I know they love me really. After all, who could resist this face?

Information essential about the Affenpinscher

 

Kennel Club Group:

Toy

Size:

Small: Weight Male 6.5 – 9 lb (3 – 4 kg) Female 6.5 – 9 lb (3 – 4 kg

Height Male 9.5 – 11” (24 – 28 cm) Female 9.5 – 11” (24 – 28 cm

Popularity:

 

The Affenpinscher is a popular dog in its native country of Germany, but is not particularly popular elsewhere. The breed’s popularity was stifled by the Second World War, during which many breeds suffered. However, in the UK and the USA the Affenpinscher is steadily becoming better known, with more and more families choosing them for pets.

Breed History:

 

The origin of the Affenpinscher is not well known or documented, however it is widely agreed that the breed originated in Germany. The Affenpinscher was originally bred to be a working dog on farms, where it tracked game and wildlife in the German countryside and kept the barns and outbuildings free from vermin such as rats and mice.

The name Affenpinscher can be loosely translated as Monkey Terrier, which is a nickname for the breed. However, strictly speaking Affen means to mock and pinscher means terrier, so Mocking Terrier is a closer translation.

Over time, the Affenpinscher was bred to be smaller. Their smaller, toy size soon found them popularity as a companion dog and family pet more than a working dog. However, Affenpinschers were still used as rat hunters. The original, larger breed of Affenpinscher is now extinct.

The Affenpinscher is an old breed. There is evidence of Affenpinschers dating back to the 1600s, and similar looking dogs can be seen in paintings that go back as far as the 1400s. They are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of toy dog.

Affenpinschers went on to contribute to a variety of more modern breeds, including the Miniature Schnauzer, the Griffon Bruxellosis and the Brussels Griffon.

Character:

 

Your Affenpinscher is alert, spirited and confident. He is wonderfully self-assured yet non argumentative and real people pleaser. Affenpinschers like nothing better than to be close to their families and, although they are not overly clingy, they should be involved with all aspects of family life both inside and outside the home. They’ll appreciate being taken out on family outings and trips, whenever possible. Your Affenpinscher has a curious and inquisitive nature which means he can be a bit mischievous if there’s somewhere he wants to be or something he wants to do. Affenpinschers are not only curious, but they are keen problem solvers and prone to independence, so it’s important to stay one step ahead of them or they may end up running rings around you! Your Affenpinscher will happily get along with other dogs and animals, making him a great dog for households which already have pets.

Temperament:

 

While your Affenpinscher may be small, he has no concept of his diminutive stature and isn’t afraid to square up to much larger dogs. Affenpinschers can be territorial and show guarding behaviour of their food and toys, which means they are not well suited to families with young children as the breed cannot show the patience needed around them. However, older children who can be taught how to respect the dog’s boundaries will find that Affenpinschers make very good companions. The Affenpinscher is a very affectionate and loving dog, who is highly protective of his family. Though they are most often quiet, the Affenpinscher will bark and become over excited when threatened and is fearless in the face of aggressors. In order to make sure that your Affenpinscher is well mannered and polite, socialise him from an early age with other dogs, animals and people.

Conformation:

 

The Affenpinscher has a small and compact frame with a lively gait. The head should be small in proportion to the body, with a rounded forehead and broad brow. The jaw is a little undershot and no teeth should show through.  The Affenpinscher has small, round and black eyes and small, erect ears which are set high. The forelegs should be straight and the feet are small and round. The tail is highly set with a gentle curve over the back while moving. The Affenpinscher coat is rough and coarse, with short dense hair on some parts of the body and longer, shaggier hair on the shoulders, neck and head. The face should show bushy eyebrows and a monkey-like look.

Colour:

 

The Affenpinscher’s coat usually comes in black with a small amount of grey shading around the face or chest. Silver, tan and red marking have been found, though rarely.

Training:

 

It’s important to start training your Affenpinscher from a very early age, as they are highly intelligent but can become stubborn as they get older, making them more difficult to obedience train. Your Affenpinscher enjoys a mental challenge, but can become bored if training isn’t fun or interesting enough for him. Therefore, it is best to keep your training session together short, varied and intense. Their intelligence allows them to learn new behaviours quickly, but this also includes incorrect behaviour so consistent and careful training is vital. Your Affenpinscher will respond well to positive, reward based training and clear, confident commands.

Care:

 

The Affenpinscher needs regular brushing, every two to three days, in order to keep his coarse coat healthy and knot free. As the breed is sensitive to extreme temperatures, keep an eye on your Affenpinscher during hot or cold weather and keep him as an indoors dog – they are not well suited to life as a kennel dog. Clean their ears, teeth and trim the nails every week.

Health:

 

The average Affenpinscher lifespan is 14 to 15 years. The breed is generally fairly hardy, though there are few known genetic health concerns. They are susceptible to Patent Ductus Arteriosis or PDA which is a rare heart condition, as well as an open fontanel, which is when the bones of the skull do not form together correctly. Slipped kneecaps, or Patella Luxation is also known to be an issue for the Affenpinscher, like many small breeds, but this can be treated. Due to their fine bones, Affenpinschers can be prone to bone fractures and breaks, so they must not be allowed to jump off furniture.

 

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