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Affenpinscher Description
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Activities
Affenpinscher - Activities
The Affenpinscher’s personality is very similar to that of a typical terrier. Unlike most terriers, however, Affenpinschers are more inclined to socialize and get along with other pets.
Affenpinschers are persistent, curious, and extremely playful by nature. They have a mischievous streak, but they are quick-witted and responsive to commands. Some Affenpinschers might be difficult to housebreak, but other than that, they are a breed that’s comparatively easy to train. Because of their animated personality and propensity to become bored, Affenpinschers like variety in their daily routines. While Affenpinschers are very loving pets and enjoy being with their families, they are not recommended for families with small children. This is because Affenpinschers frequently guard their food and are protective of their toys. Instinctually courageous and confident, Affenpinschers might foolishly challenge a large animal or get overly excited when threatened. They are a dog that does best with a family that will appreciate their humorous antics.
Additional Info
Affenpinschers do well in any environment. They don’t need a yard, and they will do just fine in an apartment. They are very playful indoors. Hot weather conditions can wreak havoc on an Affenpinscher’s coat and make it more difficult for them to breathe properly.
Affenpinschers love to play outside and like to dig. They are not as likely to get into mischief if they get to run and play several times a day in the yard.
Appearance
Affenpinscher
 Build
Weighing 7 to 8 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 11 inches (24-28 cm) in height at the withers.
Coat and Color
The Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe is monkey in German). His coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and beige; other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.
Care
Affenpinscher - Care
Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times a week.
Grooming
Affenpinscher - Grooming
It may be necessary to pluck the Affenpincher’s coat. This is usually done by a dog trimming specialist but it is possible to learn how to do it yourself.
The hair should never be clipped because this ruins the coat for many years. Hairs sometimes grow in the corners of the eyes, causing irritation; these should be dealt with promptly. You should brush the coat of this breed once or twice a week to keep in good condition and to minimize on shedding.
For show dogs the coat may need to be stripped every few months, where the dead coat is stripped off. The coat may also require some clipping to keep in looking its best.
Health
Affenpinscher - Health
Known Health Conditions in Affenpinscher
Luxating Patellas
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Hip Dysplasia
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
The Affenpinscher is fairly healthy, but like almost all breeds it has a prediposition to some diseases, genetic or otherwise. One of the most common problems in Affenpinschers is luxating patellas. Other known problems include Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, and hip dysplasia. As with many small breeds of dog they are prone to collapsed trachea, which is best avoided by walking the dog with a harness instead of a collar.
The lifespan of the Affenpinscher is around twelve to fourteen years, and this is generally quite a healthy and robust breed. However, there are health problems that can run in lines, and some of the more common ones include heart murmurs, Legg Perthes, luxating patella, and kidney problems. Like most other short-nosed breeds, Affenpinschers may be prone to some respiratory problems in warm weather. Some are also more likely to get fractures and slipped stifle. Overall, the Affenpinscher is a dog with very few major health concerns. The average life span of an Affenpinscher is 10-12 years.
The breed does not require exercise, as they can keep fit by playing indoors. They do enjoy walks in mild temperatures. Affenpinschers average 1-3 puppies per litter. The average affenpinscher litter is much larger. Mine are between 3 to 8, with an average of 5.
History
Affenpinscher - History and Origin
The breed is German in origin and dates back to the seventeenth century. Its name is derived from the German affe ("ape", "monkey") . The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Miniature Schnauzer.
Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600 but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, black, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and even red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.
The Affenpinscher originates from Germany, and his name literally translates as Monkey Terrier in German - he was given this name because of his monkey-like expression and face. The breed can be traced back to around the seventeenth century, and was originally trained for ratting. He was registered with the AKC in 1936.
Interesting Info
The Affenpinscher is an undersized, friendly-faced relative of the terrier. The breed features a thick coat of fur that occurs in longer, beard-like tufts around the face and neck. Despite the Affenpinscher’s small stature, he is not a delicate dog. Affenpinschers boast square-shaped bodies and stout, strong limbs. They are a very well-boned breed with short, arched necks and deep chests. Affenpinschers have round, prominent eyes with a wise, owl-like expression and short, upturned noses. The breed’s tails are usually docked to about two-thirds of their natural size. Their ears are regularly cropped so that they are pointed and stand upright. The Affenpinscher’s coat is typically black or dark gray in color, but tan and red coats are also considered acceptable.
Sources
http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/Affenpinscher/
http://www.greatdogsite.com/category_detail.php?id=5
Temperament
Affenpinscher - Temperament
Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification so often get along with other dogs and pets.
They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family.
It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.
Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor. The Affenpinscher is a small dog with bags of curiosity and playfulness, and is a great choice for those with little experience with dogs as well as for those that are more experienced dog owners. This is a breed that is very playful and entertaining, and is alert and agile, but can also be suspicious towards others and can be very stubborn and strong willed. However, in most cases these toy dogs will get on fine with other family pets, and with older, considerate children, although they are not recommended for families with younger, boisterous children.
You will need to quickly show this breed who is boss otherwise you may find your Affenpinscher to be very demanding and bossy. This is a sensitive breed, and is also intelligent and energetic. His stubborn streak can make training a little difficult, however, and he can be hard to house break. This is a breed that makes a very good watchdog, and also a great exercise companion for those that want some company whilst taking a stroll or a jog. Some Affenpinschers may be afraid of heights, so bear this in mind when picking your dog up, as he may panic and try and jump down. All in all, however, you will find this to be a fun-loving and loyal breed that makes for an excellent little pet.
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