affenpinscher puppies

The Affenpinscher is a terrier-like toy breed of dog.
Description
Appearance

Weighing 7 to 9 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 11 inches (24-30 cm) in height at the withers, the Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its 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,and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs); other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.The affenpinscher is a dog with a shaggy, wiry-type coat.

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 of group 2 in the FCI classification and 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 is 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.The affenpinscher has a terrier like personality.
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.

Health



Mortality

A small sample (N=21) of Affenpinschers in a UK survey had a median lifespan of 11.4 years, which is a typical lifespan for a purebred dog, but a bit lower than most breeds of their size. The most common causes of death were old age (24%), urologic (19%), and "combinations" (14%).Some are prone to fractures, slipped stifle, pda, open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather.

Morbidity

The Affenpinscher is prone to 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. Cataracts are occasionally reported.

History


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, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and also 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.

Care

Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times a week.

Shedding

Affenpinschers often appears on lists of dogs that allegedly do not shed (moult). However, every hair shaft in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle. Each shaft has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another shaft. When the hair shaft dies, the hair is shed. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. "There is no such thing as a nonshedding breed."
Frequent grooming reduces the amount of loose fur in the environment.

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher

affenpinscher

affenpinscher

affenpinscher puppies

affenpinscher puppies

It’s not usually flattering to say someone or something is “monkey-faced” but in the case of the Affenpinscher it’s not only a term of endearment, it accurately describes this adorable little character. The Affenpinscher is an ancient toy breed, the smallest of the Pinschers and Schnauzers and fully grown is between 8 – 12” high and 7 – 12 pounds. While of small stature it’s not delicate and has a big personality. Alert, gentle, and affectionate, Affenpinschers love to socialize. They get along well with other pets and are curious and playful. They are quick-witted and fairly easy to train despite their mischievous streak, and they are a great choice for someone with little or no dog experience. Because of their animated personalities, they do like variety in their daily routine. They are content with a walk around the block but will gladly walk you off your feet if given the chance. They will be happy living in an apartment (though some are afraid of heights so watch the balconies) but they do love to play and dig outside and are not as likely to get into mischief if they can run and play a bit every day.

Quite often this breed has it’s tail docked and ears cropped, but ouch. They aren’t born that way so I say if you’re looking for a companion and not a show dog leave their little appendages alone. It has a shaggy, rough coat which just needs to be brushed regularly (about once a week) and they don’t shed so they are good for allergy suffers. Their coats come in a variety of colours – everything from black to silver to red to everything in between.

Originally Affenpinschers were kept as pets to catch rats (that great terrier trait) and guard against intruders so that makes them a great little defenders. THis also means they can be somewhat protective of their food and toys. Might not be such a great idea to have small kids and an Affie share the same home. Maybe older kids who have somewhat developed the share aspect of their personalities would do best. ”One carrot for me — one carrot for Affie.”

And speaking of food, this little dog will eat about 1 – 1.5 cups of dry kibble a day which is good news as this also means you only need a sandwich baggie to be a responsible, poop-picker-upper.

The Affenpinscher is a short-nosed breed (like the Pug and the Shih Tzu) and can be prone to respiratory problems, but few other health issues. The few that are common are heart murmurs, luxating patella and kidney problems. But as a small breed they live to be 12 – 14 years of age. That’s 12 – 14 years of living with a delightful little monkey.