Affenpinscher Information

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The Affenpinscher is known as "Monkey Terrier" in Germany, and their nickname in France is "little devil with a mustache." They are one of the most ancient of the Toy Breeds, and originated in Central Europe.

These small terriers were usually kept around stables, farms and stores to serve as ratters- their original purpose was to catch and kill rats and mice. The dogs are fiesty, alert, inquisitive and have great loyalty to their owners. They are generally quiet dogs, but they get very animated when threatened or attacked, and they are fearless toward any aggression. They were bred down to a smaller size and then kept as companions in homes primarily, but also served to keep mice from overwhelming their owners homes.

The Affenpinscher has had a major influence in the development of many of the smaller rough-coated breeds of continental Europe, including the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer.

The area around Munich, Germany became the heart of Affenpinscher breeding in Europe. The Pinscher Klub was founded in 1895 and the Bayerischer Schnauzer Klub was formed in 1907. In 1923 these two clubs joined forces as the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub, which attracted many new breeders. However, the Affenpinscher's popularity was overshadowed by the Brussels Griffon.

The Affenpinscher arrived in the United States sometime in the mid 1930's. It is known that a woman from Illinois imported a pair of Affenpinschers in 1935. One female was bred in Germany and had the litter in the USA. The mother of the litter was the very first of the breed to be registered with the American Kennel Club.

Any breed brought into this country today must undergo quite an ordeal before AKC recognition is granted. This was not the case in 1936 when the Affenpinscher was first recognized. According to AKC records, there was no breed club at that time. The breed was recognized through some very persistent efforts. In 1936 the AKC only registered a total of 84,475 dogs in 100 breeds.

The Affenpinscher should be between 9 - 11.5 inches tall. Their coat is dense, rough, harsh textured and about one inch in length. The color can be black, gray, silver, or black and tan, with symmetrical markings, or red, varying from a brownish red to an orangey tan.

Hair growth in the ear canal is common. Remove it on a regular basis, to allow air circulation and removal of waxy buildup. Left untended the ear will have an excess of both and may develop fungal or bacterial conditions. Moist ears with excess hair are conducive to ear mites. If your Affen has natural (uncropped) ears, you must be observant to avoid these problems.

The Affenpinscher Club of America states that breeders should test for hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, eye conditions and legg-valves perthes prior to breeding.

As with many toy breeds, Affenpinschers can be a chore to housebreak. When not in direct sight, it's best to crate the puppy in order to prevent accidents. Take outside whenever you notice him sniffing at the floor or looking as if he may "go". After eating, take outside immediatly. Some will tell you to wait 30 minutes before taking outside- if you wait, you will have a mess to clean up. When your Affen does do his business outside, praise him as if he just pooped gold!

Many Affenpinschers tend to gain weight quickly so it's best to monitor the diet/weight so that obesity does not occur. Obesity puts more strain on the organs as well as joints and should be avoided. If you notice your dog putting on weight even though you haven't been giving more food, his activity level may be decreasing. Try a lower fat food and/or increasing his exercise habits. Obesity can lead to many health problems such as diabetes, so it's best to keep your Affenpinscher at a normal weight.

Since Affenpinschers have a very short face, they tend to have problems with breathing in hot/humid temperatures. They should only be outside long enough to potty during these conditions, and should be kept in an air conditioned home.

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