Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are bold stout dogs with an alert and curious nature. These dogs originate from Germany with their name (affe) meaning monkey, due to its monkey like expression. They were originally bred for the purpose of killing rodents in farms and stables and hence they are great hunters. Affenpinschers are highly loyal and affectionate toward their owners but fearless in the face of danger. They are highly intelligent dogs with a solid build and make for good house pets. However they can be a stubborn breed and will assume the role of the boss if no one else will. Affenpinschers have a lifespan of around 11 years. The Affenpinscher is a toy dog known for its monkey-like face, curious nature, and proud spirit. History Toy dogs originated in Central Europe during the 17th century. These times were marked by an overwhelming presence of rats on farms, in stores, and in stables, which led to a host of problems, not the least of which was disease. Since rats and other rodents had a tendency to hide in tiny holes or burrows, workers needed the smaller dogs to flush the rodents out. Thus, the toy breed was born out of necessity. The Affenpinscher originated during these times in Germany, as the name suggests; the translation of the name is "monkey-like terrier."� As the Affenpinscher developed, it was clear that this breed had an impish and curious nature. Because of their personality, these dogs quickly earned the nickname, "little devil with a moustache."� Thankfully, they were effective enough to reduce the rodent problem. Over the years, these ratters were bred down to even smaller sizes so they could serve as companions in the home, as they do today. Appearance According to the American Kennel Club standards, a purebred Affenpinscher is a sturdy dog with a box-like body. Average height between 9.5 and 11.5 inches when measured at the withers, and the body is about as long as it is tall; the average weight is between 7 and 9 pounds. The chest of this toy dog is usually broad and deep. These proportions, along with thicker bones and stocky legs, give the Affenpinscher a rugged body, so it doesn't appear delicate like other toy breeds. The face should have a monkey-like expression, as this is the Affenpinscher's trademark. The round not oval eyes should be dark in color. The ears should be erect and alert. The blunt nose on the dog's muzzle adds to the monkey-like looks. The abundance or fur surrounding the face like a mane also adds to this apish appearance. On the rest of the body, an Affenpinscher's fur is usually about one inch long and has a wiry, coarse texture. This gives the dog a "shaggy but neat"� appearance. Fur can be black, gray, red, silver, or a mixture of black and tan. Temperament This little dog tends to strut around as if he were as big as a Great Dane. For this reason, the Affenpinscher is usually fearless. He will attack anyone or anything he perceives as a threat when backed into a corner, and he will protect his master. Except for these episodes of excitement, though, this dog is usually calm and quiet. His curious and sometimes impish nature makes him a fun-loving dog. This breed is also highly intelligent. He carries himself with a light and confident gait; some owners think this gives their dog an air of "comic seriousness."� Affenpinschers are also very loyal and affectionate towards their human families. They get along well with other pets. Pet Care Since the Affenpinscher is a tiny dog, long walks are not necessary. In fact, most of the dog's daily exercise can be done with indoor play. However, this breed does enjoy spending time outside, so a short romp every day would be to its benefit. Other pet upkeep includes grooming and trimming the fur. The wiry coat should be brushed at least twice a week for good upkeep; a trim may be necessary once or twice a year for hygienic purposes. Obedience training should start early on, especially when housebreaking a young puppy. Health Issues Like most small dogs, the Affenpinscher enjoys a long lifespan. On average, an Affenpinscher will live to be about 12 years old. The biggest health concerns are collapsed trachea, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. The collapsed trachea can be prevented by walking the dog with a chest harness rather than a collar. The other health concerns have more to do with genetics, so check the pedigree of your puppy prior to purchasing to see if there is a medical history in the breed line. What Owners Have to Say Owners who have Affenpinschers often praise their high-spirited temperament. These dogs like to play and get into a little bit of trouble, but they can also be trained and disciplined. Because of their intelligence, they are likely to learn commands with ease. Owners in small apartments or houses love the Affenpinscher for its size, as well, because these tiny dogs thrive in small confinements. However, each dog breed also has some "cons."� One of the biggest complaints of owners with young Affenpinschers is that they are difficult to discipline in the early months and they are slow to housebreak. Also, because they can be territorial when it comes to their food and possessions, they are not recommended around small children, at least not without supervision. Is this the right dog for you? Most Affenpinscher owners love the look of a small, terrier-like dog. If you also like a fun-loving dog that will put on a show, then this dog may be for you. Owners should have a sense of humor, since the Affenpinscher's attitude is often comical and, at times, frustrating. Other "pros"� of this breed are the small size, infrequent shedding, and low demand for exercise. Expect your Affenpinscher to make a lot of noise, since he'll appoint himself as watchdog for the house. However, if you don't have the patience to deal with a stubborn dog, you may want to try a different breed. The Affenpinscher can be difficult to silence when he is excited, to housebreak, and to take care of. The coat does need regular grooming, which takes time not all dog owners have. Plus, there are waiting lists to get purebred puppies because this dog is relatively rare. Very few puppies are born per year as compared to other, more popular breeds, like Golden Retrievers. Before you settle on an Affenpinscher, think about all of these qualities. For the right owner, this toy dog is the perfect match, but for others it could mean trouble.

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