affenpinscher

 

(ăf'ənpĭn'shər) , breed of toy dog perfected in Europe at the end of the 19th cent. It stands from 8 to 10 in. (20.3–25.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs about 8 lb (3.6 kg). Its wiry coat is short and dense over most of the body but grows longer and shaggier on the legs and around the eyes, nose, and chin. It is usually solid black or black with tan, red, or gray markings. Believed by many authorities to have existed as a distinct breed as early as the 17th cent., the affenpinscher is alert and lively and makes a devoted pet. See dog.

Affenpinscher
Black is the most common coat colour of the Affenpinscher.
Country of origin
Germany
Common nicknames
Monkey Dog
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 2 Section 1 #186	Stds
AKC:	Toy	Stds
ANKC:	Group 1 - (Toys)	Stds
CKC:	Group 5 - (Toys)	Stds
KC (UK):	Toy	Stds
NZKC:	Toy	Stds
UKC:	Companion Breeds	Stds

The Affenpinscher is a terrier-like toy breed of dog.

Appearance

Weighing 7 to 9 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 11 inches (24-30 cm) in height at the withers,^[1] the Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black,^[1][2] but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs);^[3] other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.

Affenpinscher quick facts
Weight:	3.1-3.6 kg	7-8 lbs
Height:	25 cm	10 inches
Coat:	Rough & thick
Activity level:	Very high
Learning rate:	Medium to high
Temperament:	Alert, quiet
Temperament (cont)	inquisitive
Guard dog ability:	Very low
Watch-dog ability:	Very high
Litter size:	2-3
Life span:	11-12 years

Temperament

Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

Health

Mortality

A small sample (N=21) of Affenpinschers in a UK survey had a median lifespan of 11.4 years,^[4] which is a typical lifespan for a purebred dog, but a bit lower than most breeds of their size.^[5] The most common causes of death were old age (24%), urologic (19%), and "combinations" (14%).^[6]

Morbidity

The Affenpinscher can get hip dysplasia.^[7] As with many small breeds of dog they are prone to collapsed trachea, which is best avoided by walking the dog with a harness instead of a collar. Cataracts are occasionally reported. ^[7]

History

The breed is German in origin and dates back to the seventeenth century. Its name is derived from the German Affe (ape, monkey). The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Miniature Schnauzer.^[8]

Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600 but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and also red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.

Care

Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times a week because of their 1 inch coat.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} http://www.dogdomain.com/FCI/fcistandards/fci-186.htm FCI breed standard. Retrieved March 23, 2007
2. ^ http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/177 The Kennel Club (UK) breed standard. Retrieved March 23, 2007
3. ^ http://www.akc.org/breeds/affenpinscher/index.cfm AKC breed standard. Retrieved March 23, 2007
4. ^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
5. ^ http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/weight_and_lifespan.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Weight and Longevity page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007
6. ^ http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee. 2004. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007
7. ^ ^{a b} http://www.upei.ca/cidd/breeds/affen2.htm Canine Inherited Disorders Database, University of Prince Edward Island. Retrieved March 23, 2007
8. ^ http://www.affenpinscher.org/breed_history.htm Affenpinscher Club of America: Breed History. Retrieved March 23, 2007

External links

Clubs, associations and societies

• Affenpinscher Club of America
• The Affenpinscher Club (UK)
• Affenpinscher Rescue Affenpinscher Rescue Site.

Toy dogs

Affenpinscher  · Australian Silky Terrier  · Bichon Frisé  · Bolognese  · Boston Terrier  · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  · Chihuahua  · Chinese Crested Dog  · Coton de Tulear  · English Toy Terrier  · Griffon Bruxellois  · Havanese  · Italian Greyhound  · Japanese Chin  · King Charles Spaniel  · Löwchen  · Maltese  · Miniature Pinscher  · Miniature Poodle  · Miniature Schnauzer  · Papillon  · Pekingese  · Pomeranian  · Pug  · Shih Tzu  · Toy Manchester Terrier  · Toy Poodle  · Yorkshire Terrier

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