History of the Affenpinscher Breed
The affenpinscher’s name is derived from its appearance: affen, meaning “monkey,” and pinscher, meaning “terrier.” The French refer to the affenpinscher as the diablotin moustachu — “moustached little devil!” The affenpinscher’s origins are obscure. In Germany, affenpinschers were used to hunt rodents in and around kitchens and stables. At one time, smaller versions of the affenpinscher were sought after for ladies’ lap dogs, because they could kill vermin in the home as well warm their mistress’ laps and entertain. This small version eventually became the affenpinscher. Later, occasional crosses with the German pinscher, German silky pinscher and the pug led to the affenpinscher being the progenitor of other wire-coated toys, such as the Brussels griffon. The affenpinscher was most popular in Germany. The AKC recognized the affenpinscher in 1936, but the affenpinscher’s popularity was stifled by World War II. Since then, the breed has remained extremely rare even in America and Germany.
Size and Appearance of the Affenpinscher
The affenpinscher is a smaller version of a working terrier, and is not considered to be a delicate dog. On the contrary, the affenpinscher is an active, tough dog agile enough to catch rats and mice. The affenpinscher is squarely built, compact and sturdy, with medium bone. The affenpinscher has a monkeylike facial expression with long eyebrows and beard, with a comically serious expression. Neat, but shaggy, the affenpinschers’ rough coats are about one inch long on its body and somewhat longer on its head, neck, chest, stomach and legs. The natural tail is set high and carried curved gently up over the back while moving; if docked, the tail is 1” to 2” long. Affenpinschers may be black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, or beige. Black affenpinschers may have a rusty cast or a few white or silver hairs mixed with the black. Red affenpinschers vary from a brownish red to an orangey tan.
Temperament of Affenpinscher
The affenpinscher lives up to its name — “monkey terrier” — in both looks and actions. A terrier at heart, the affenpinscher is busy, curious, brazen, fearless and obstinate, but the affenpinscher can also be playful and mischievous. Unlike most terriers, the affenpinscher can get along fairly well with other dogs and pets. The affenpinscher is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor. Affenpinschers are well-suited for a family that likes entertainment and can keep its sense of humor about the affenpinscher’s penchant for antics. But, because it can be stubborn, the affenpinscher requires firm but loving guidance and discipline.
Affenpinscher Recommended Maintenance
The energetic and active affenpinscher needs moderate exercise, such as vigorous indoor games, romps in the yard, or short walks on leash. The affenpinscher enjoys being outdoor, but it should live indoors. The affenpinscher’s coat requires combing several times (at least two or three times) weekly and should be shaped every three months. Recommended shaping for affenpinscher pets is by clipping, whereas affenpinscher show dogs require stripping. Typically, dewclaws are removed.
Affenpinscher Health
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Life span: 12 – 14 years
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Major concerns: none
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Minor concerns: patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes
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Occasionally seen: PDA, open fontanel
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Suggested tests: knee, (cardiac)
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