Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a sturdy built, compact dog with rough, harsh coating. The average weight ranges between 7 to 8 pounds (3 – 4 kg) and do not exceed 11 inches (24-28 cm) in height at the withers. It has a short, straight back and its height at withers is about equal to its body length from shoulder to buttock. It has long shaggy hairs on its head and shoulders with shorter coating on the back and hind quarters. Eyebrows, and a beard gives the breed a monkey-like expression, hence its name (affe means “monkey” in German). In Europe, United Kingdom and the United States, the preferred coat colour is black. However grey, red, black and tan colours are also acceptable in the US.

The Affenpinscher breeds originated in Germany and were known to have existed as early as the 1600’s, but were somewhat larger, around 12 to 13 inches in height. The breed’s name is derived from the German word affe, meaning “ape” or “monkey”. They were originally bred to be used in the home as mousers, working to remove mice from kitchens, granaries, and stables. Most of these breeds came in colours of solid black, grey, fawn, black and tan, and reddish black.

Historical accounts state that a man from Lubeck, Germany was the first to breed them intensely, and soon they were bred to an even smaller size. Around 1750, Hans-Jochen Kossman was able to breed a cross between the Mini Schnauzer and the German Pinscher. At the same time, many dog lovers were also successfully breeding crosses using different variations but have eventually preserved much of the original basic prototype in a slightly smaller dog. These were known to be the precursors of the modern Affenpinscher we have today.

An Affenpinscher is a very sociable breed and gets along very well with other animals. This breed is active, alert, inquisitive, and stubborn with great loyalty and affection towards its owner, to the point of being very protective of them. In general, this dog breed is mostly quiet and watchful of strangers, but can become agitated when threatened or attacked and will show no fear towards any aggressor. They are loyal companions, but need constant training because they can be obstinate at times and can be a little difficult to housebreak. This breed is rather territorial in nature, especially when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not typically recommended for very small children.

An Affenpinscher requires a moderate amount of grooming. Usually a weekly light brushing and hair mat removal. It is well-suited to a variety of living environments, be it in an apartment or house with a garden. Since it is a small breed, it can have adequate exercise indoors. However, it is also important to take the Affenpinscher for plenty of walks so that it can enjoy the fresh air and at the same time get some added exercise. Do not expose the dog to extremely hot weather as it can damage the coat. Diet and nutrition should be a combination of high quality canned food and quality dried food or kibble to maintain a good digestion and oral hygiene. Ensure also that the dog gets plenty of fresh water to drink.

The Affenpinscher is generally healthy, although some of the known health problems to affect the breed are:

• Luxating patella – otherwise known as trick knee, is a condition wherein the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. It can be caused by physical trauma or genetically related.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome – is a form of degenerative disease which affects the hip joint caused by a loos of bone mass.
• Patent ductus arteriosus – a congenital defect that affects the cardiovascular system.
• Canine hip dysplasia – a condition affecting the hip joint and hereditary in nature. The severe form can cause crippling, lameness, and joint arthritis.
• Collapsed trachea – a condition common with small breeds of dog which is characterized by incomplete formation or weakening of the rings of the trachea which are made up of cartilages.