Other names Afen The Affenpinscher is a small sized dog with a shaggy, wiry style coat. It is a smaller version of the working terrier. With its fur on the face longer than the rest of the body gives it its rather distinctive look. A sturdy little dog, with prominent black eyes, and with a square-body, and a moderately broad, deep chest. The head is round and the lower jaw is undershot, and broad enough for the lower teeth to be straight and even, protruding below the dog’s short nose. It has a short and arched neck and the limbs are straight and well boned. The tail is carried high. Its ears are hairy. The coat is usually black or dark gray, but can also comes in lighter gray, silver, red, or black and tan. The undercoat is slightly curly.
| Temperament | If you like terriers this one is for you, having similar terrier-like personality. They are busy little dogs, bold stubborn and inquisitive, being mischevious and playful, tend to get along with other dogs especially when they are raised together. A lively sharp-witted, little dog that is confident and corageous. A fearless defender, and will quickly become the boss of the house, if you do not lay down the ground rules, set boundaries, limitations and constantly be this dogs pack leader. The Affenpinscher is very affectionate and amusing. This friendly little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training. They learn commands very quickly. Some may be difficult to housebreak, but persistance does pay. They are not recommended for very young children, simply because most people who own the breed treat them like a small dog, lacking the proper leadership, causing negative behaviour to come out in the dog. Children should be taught how to properly handle a dog. Owners need to consistently be the dog’s pack leader as they tend to guard everything from their food to their toys. Without the right leadership, it may unwisely challenge even large dogs and other large animals. They do have a tendency to bark. This little dog does fits in well with a family who likes entertainment and has a very good sense of humor. Any dog who displays growling, snapping or biting, has a lacking in pack leadership. These issues can be corrected as soon as the humans take control back from the dog. | ||
| Health Problems | Some are prone to fractures, slipped stifle, PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather. | ||
| Living Conditions | As a small dog, they fit in easily to good for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. These dogs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overly warm living conditions are damaging to the coat. | ||
| Exercise | All dogs need walking, including this little fella. Due to their personality, whilst out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog’s mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They are inquisitive so like to have a romp around a garden or open area. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. | ||
| Life Expectancy | About 10-12 years. | ||
| Litter Size | 1 – 3 puppies - Average 2 | ||
| Grooming | Never clip the Affenpinschers harsh coat really short, because this ruins the coat for many years. It should be brushed and combed weekly and it may be necessary to pluck it, as with a Border Terrier, A dog-trimming specialist usually does this but it is possible to learn how to do it yourself. If you are having it as a show dog they require stripping. Hair sometimes grows in the corners of the eyes, causing irritation; they should be dealt with promptly. This breed sheds little to no hair, so is great for allergy sufferers. | ||
| Origin | No exact information about the origin of the Affenpinscher’s exists, but it is one of the most ancient of the toy breeds. It is certainly related to the Brussels Griffon and probably to the terrier. It’s named “Monkey Dog” because of his monkey-like facial structure and expression, which reminds one of a monkey, as does the personality! It is believed that the Affenpinscher originated in Germany, and the name Affenpinscher translated from German is “Monkey Terrier”. It is believed that the first Affenpinschers were larger in size and worked on farms as ratters, In the 1800 and 1900′s they were miniaturized and became house pets. Excellent at catching mice and a brilliant watchdog. Today the Affenpinscher is primarily a companion dog. The Affenpinscher was admitted to the American Kennel Club’s studbook in 1936. |
