Affenpinscher

The Affenplnscher is an enchanting little breed with an almost monkeylike appearance, whence the prefix 'Affen', which is the German word for monkey. In its country of origin it is often called the 'Zwergaffenpinscher' ('Zwerg' means dwarf). The French have dubbed It the 'moustached devil'. In any event it is an appealing, comical little dog, the smallest of the Schnauzer and Pinscher breeds, alert, gentle and affectionate, but always ready to defend.

Origin and history

Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers were, until 1896, classified as one breed In that year, at the Berlin show, authorities decided that the long-coated variety should thereafter be known as the Affenpinscher.

The Affenplnscher is an ancient German breed that was depicted by

Jan van Eyck (1395-1441) and Albrecht Durer (1471-1528). There is, however, some controversy as to its origin, though its nationality has never been in doubt. Some believe it to be related to the Brussels Griffon; others attribute the Brussels Griffon to the Affenpinscher; a third school of thought is that the Affenplnscher is a toy version of the German coarse-haired terrier, the Zwergschnauzer.

In any event, this delightful breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936, and has also achieved recognition in the United Kingdom, being represented for the first time in the 1980 Crufts Dog Show .

Affenpinscher Puppies

Good points

Affectionate
Cute monkey-like appearance
Good watchdog

Take heed

No drawbacks known

Size

Height: 9112-11in (24-28cm). Weight: 6V2-91b (3-4.1kg).

Exercise

Like most toy dogs it will be content with a walk around the park, but It will gladly walk you off your feet If, that is your pleasure .

Affenpinscher Information

General appearance

Wire-haired and stout, with an apish expression, the Affenpinscher is small but sturdy in cuild, is not delicate in any way, and carries Itself with a comic seriousness.

Colour

This should be black, although dark grey and black with grey, rich tan or brown markings are permissible.

Head and skull

The head is fairly small in proportion to the body; a domed forehead, broad brow and marked stop WhiCh, however, should not be intended. Muzzle blunt and short but not flattened as far as to cause wrinkling of the skin or difficulty In breathing. The chin should be prominent with a good turn-up. The distance between the dark eyes and black nose should form an equilateral triangle.

Body

The back should be straight and roughly equal to the distance from the shoulder to the ground. Chest reasonably deep, loins tucked up slightly.

Tail

The tail should be set high and carried high; it can be left a natural length or docked to the third joint. Feet. These should be small, round and compact, and turn neither in nor out. The pads and nails should be dark.

Affenpinscher Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Regular brushing will keep the Affenpinscher in good condition.

Feeding

Recommended would be 5-70z (142-198g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 3", to 1% cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water. When giving a dry feed, ensure that the dog has - as always - an ample supply of water