Affenpinscher

Photo with thanks to Ingunn Axelsen, www.imrun.net

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Group Toy Dogs

Origin / History It is said that the Affenpinscher has been around since the seventeenth century and that its origins are rooted in Germany. Its name is derived from the word "Affe", which is a German term for "monkey". It was named as such because its facial structure and expression resembles that of monkeys.

Affenpinschers were originally farm dogs. They were used to hunt for rats and eliminate them from farms, kitchens, stables, and granaries. These dogs were also used as watchdogs. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, however, the Affenpinscher was bred to become smaller in size and became a small, feisty toy dog. Nowadays, Affenpinschers serve as good companions to their owners.

It's not exactly known from what breeds the Affenpinscher originated but it is known to be related to the Brussels Griffon and possibly used to develop the Miniature Schnauzer breed.

Appearance Affenpinschers have harsh, rough coats. The hairs on their face are typically longer than the hairs on the rest of their bodies, forming a mane over their head. They also have wavy or slightly curly undercoats.

Affenpinschers are miniature versions of working terriers and must not be construed as delicate dogs. They have black eyes which are round in shape. The ears of Affenpinschers are hairy and often docked, except in countries where docking of dogs' ears are prohibited.

Colours In the United Kingdom and according to the Federation Cynologique Internationale, the coat of the Affenpinscher must only be black. The American Kennel Club, however, allows Affenpinschers to have coats that are colored silver, gray, black, tan, red, and belge. Belge is a coat color that is a mixture of black, white, and red hairs.

Temperament Although Affenpinschers are under the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup, they have personalities that bear similarities to that of most terriers. However, unlike most terriers, Affenpinschers can get along well with other pets and dogs, particularly if these pets have been raised among them. Affenpinschers love to monkey around, being mischievous and playful, which is part of the reason why they are sometimes called as "monkey dog". These dogs are also known to be inquisitive, stubborn, bold, and busy. They are also good companions that enjoy spending time with its family and will have no qualms defending them if they are being threatened or attacked.

Height and Weight They are up to 25 cm in height and weight between 3.1 and 3.6 Kg.

Common Health Problems Since Affenpinschers are short-nosed, they may have respiratory problems when the weather becomes too hot for them. They can also have hip dysplasia, and are prone to having a collapsed trachea. In order to avoid a collapsed trachea, owners should make sure that they are using a harness instead of a collar when walking their dog.

The Affenpinscher can also have fractures and slipped stifles.

Living Conditions Affenpinschers can live inside an apartment because they can keep themselves active and occupied even when indoors. Owners of these dogs must make sure, though, that the living conditions of their dogs aren't too warm because this may be damaging to the dogs' coat. The dogs should also be taken outside for walks and should be played with regularly.

Some owners have said Affenpinschers are not ideal for families with very young children, since they have tendencies to guard their toys and food, however training can of course be given to avoid this problem in the first place.

Exercise Requirements The dogs need their walks on a daily basis and for those living in apartments playing with Affenpinschers indoors will be good extra exercise for them. Taking the Affenpinscher for hikes will also be good. However, when doing this, the owner must always watch the dog closely because Affenpinschers are daring and courageous in nature which might get them into trouble.

Training Requirements Affenpinschers, being naturally active and courageous, need firm, consistent training. However, owners must make sure that their training methods offer variety instead of just routine drills so that the dogs won't get bored easily.

Affenpinschers learn easily and are able to grasp commands quickly. Housebreaking of Affenpinschers may also take a while.

Life Expectancy Affenpinschers are known to live for up to 10 to 12 years.

Grooming Affenpinschers shed almost no hair. The hairs of the Affenpinscher must not be clipped because doing so ruins its coat. To groom Affenpinschers, the owner must brush the dogs' coats approximately twice or thrice in a week.

It may also be necessary to take the dog to a professional dog trimmer to have the Affenpinscher's coat plucked. The hairs around the dog's eyes may also cause irritation and should be removed carefully.

Famous Examples

CompleteDogsGuide Comment A toy terrier best suited to owners who can provide it more exercise and activities than most other toy breeds.

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More Affenpinscher Information: Check out our Affenpinscher Clubs and links to more informative websites dedicated to the breed.

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Affenpinscher Photos
Boris Age 2 years old, Black affenpinscher	Margareth Thatcher, Age 2 years old, Black affenpinscher
Jarube Sir Perceval, Age 3 years old, Black affenpinscher	Seija Korialta, Age 9 months, Black affenpinscher
Photos with thanks to Ingunn Axelsen, www.imrun.net