The exact origin of this dog is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Germany about 1600 AD. It is suspected that it was created as the result of crossing local Pinschers with Pug-like dogs from Asia. There is also speculation that the Affenpinscher may be the parent of Belgian Griffons and a relative of miniature Schnauzers.
The German word “Affe” means monkey, so this dog is also called Monkey Dog. If you examine its features and watch its actions and mischievous nature, it will remind you of a monkey. The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds in existence.
The Affenpinscher has a height of 9.5 to 12 inches (24 – 30 cm) and a weight of 7 to 9 pounds (3 – 4 Kg). It has a life expectancy of 14-15 years, although a recent study in Britain involving a significant number of Affenpinscher owners and breeders revealed that the mean lifespan there appears to be about 11.4 years. No explanation has yet been revealed regarding this lifespan discrepancy.
This dog was originally used as a vermin hunter and even today, if it is given a chance, an Affenpinscher will prove it is a formidable rat catcher. However, its current role is that of companion dog. It is fiercely loyal to its human family and very protective of its members. It is watchful of strangers and fearless toward aggressors.
The Affenpinscher is very lively and self confident. It is often described as a “Big Dog” in a little dog body.
This dog has a rough, harsh coat which is short and dense in some areas and shaggy in others. It comes in black, grey, silver, red and tan and belge (mixture of red, black and white hairs). Some may have Badger pied markings on the head and ears. The hair on the head stands away from the skull. It has well feathered feet, which are short and round. Its eyes are large, dark and sparkling, surrounded by bushy eyebrows, an abundant moustache and a bushy beard. The Affenpinscher has medium length legs, straight and well boned. Its tail, which is covered in short hair, is carried high which is another sign of its self confidence.
Some owners advise that the Affenpinscher is difficult to house break and train, while others say it is a very intelligent dog which takes very well to all sorts of training. The discrepancy here may be attributed to either differences in individual dogs, or the competency of the trainers.
The Affenpinscher is very territorial about its toys and food and displays a tendency to snap at interlopers. In view of this, it is suggested that this breed should be kept away from small children and other small pets.
Like all toy dogs, the Affenpinscher is prone to hip dysplasia and a collapsing trachea. Try to keep the dog from jumping and climbing up and down stairs during its first year of life. When taking it for a walk, use a harness instead of a collar to attach the leash to the dog.
The Affenpinscher needs to be groomed two to three times a week. This will remove loose hair, so shedding will be very minimal. (Some claim that this dog is a non shedding dog, but that is not true because it has hair in follicles. Over time all this type of hair dies, is shed and regrows.) Grooming will also reduce tangles and matting of the dense fur.
It you are looking for a self confident, active, fiercely loyal companion dog, then an Affenpinscher may be the dog for you.
Until next time,
Teia
PS. http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/affenpinscher.htm can provide more information
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