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Affenpinscher Dog is the smallest of the pinschers and schnauzers. They are a well balanced, little, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make them a good house pet. A comical face earned them their name. This dog is very loyal and protective even for their small size. They definitely will bark so you must tolerate a loud dog in a small package. They are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous. Looking for a great house pet? The Affenpinscher Dog may just be the breed for you.
Aff-en-pin-sher
Group
Toy Dog
Life Expectancy
14-15 years
Size
Height: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm.)
Weight: 7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg.)
Appearance
A small, black hairy breed, the Affenpinscher has a monkey-like appearance and expression. His dark, round sparkling eyes, shaggy beard and moustache give him a mischievous, slightly wicked look. The small ears are set high and can be erect or dropped. His coat is rough and harsh in texture, longer on the shoulders, neck and head and shorter on other parts of the body. Loose shaggy hair on the head frames his eyes, nose and chin, creating the characteristic monkey-like face.
Temperament
The general temperament of the Affenpinscher dog is game, alert and inquisitive with great loyalty and affection toward its master and friends. A small dog with stamina, agility, and great courage, sometimes more courageous than for his/her own good. These little dogs are alert and ready at all times to protect their owner, home and possessions, but their bark is definitely bigger than their bite. Early and consistent obedience training is recommended with this breed to counter its tendency towards stubbornness. You must be firm and consistent when training, the Affenpinscher must learn he/she is not the leader of his pack, however, he/she will be happy to assume that role if you fail to show them who is the boss. The Affenpinscher Dog is a great loving and fun dog to have as a member of your family.
Grooming
The Affenpinscher dog coat should be brushed weekly. It is relatively easy to learn how to trim the dog around the feet, ears, and tail with scissors to keep him looking neat. You should never over trim the Affenpinsher dog, since their hair will take quite a while to recover. The Affenpinsher sheds very little, if this is a concern for you and your household. One important point to remember with the Appenpinscher is not to over groom, let your Affenpinscher retain his/her natural look.
History
The origins of the Affenpinscher are far from certain, but they have been depicted in artwork in Germany dating back as far as the 17th century. It is believed they originally may have been a farm dog and ratter, possibly larger in size than todays Affenpinscher dog. During the 18th and 19th centuries the Affenpinscher appears as a house pet and companion.
The Affenpinscher is considered by many to be the oldest toy breed but the breeds true history is shrouded in mystery. What is known is that the breed has been around since the 1600s and was developed in Germany to hunt vermin. In Germany, the Affenpinscher was developed to rid the kitchens and stables of mice. The Affenpinscher has been kept around small stables, on farms, and in stores for the purpose of keeping the rodent population down. Their expertise in this field was famous and the little dogs soon found their way into the homes of people throughout Europe.
The origin of the Affenpinscher dog is believed to be the breeding a small dog, a cross between the Mini Schnauzer and the German Pinscher. Other dog lovers were also breeding crosses using some of the same type of dogs still holding to a basic breed, but adding small differences from the other breeds used. When the Pug was used the nose was greatly shortened and soon became known as the Brussels Griffon. These breeders soon got together and concentrated on breeding, preserving the original basic prototype in a smaller dog of more style and type. These were the first forerunners of the Affenpinscher as we know it today, however, the breed has changed very little in the last centuries and many of the old masters of art will show small, black bearded dogs looking very much like our present day Affenpinscher.
Affenpinscher Dog Details
Head
The Affenpinscher dog head is carried confidently upright and is in proportion to the body. It has the characteristic, monkey-like expression. The skull is round and domes, but never course. The stop is well defined. The short muzzle narrows slightly to a blunt nose. The length of the muzzle is approximately the same distance as that between the eyes. The lips are black. The lower lip is more prominent. When the mouth is closed, the teeth and tongue do not show. A broad lower jaw allows the lower teeth to be straight and even.
Teeth
A full compliment of strong and white teeth meet in a close undershot bite. A level bit is acceptable as long as the monkey-like expression is maintained.
Eyes
The full, round eyes are dark and brilliant. They are of medium size and in proportion to the head; never bulging or protruding. Eye rims are black.
Nose
The Appenpinscher dog black nose is not obviously turned up or down.
Ears
The ears are set high and may be left natural or cropped to a point, as long as they are symmetrical. If natural, they may stand erect, semi-erect or dropped. If cropped, they stand erect. The monkey-like expression must be maintained.
Neck
The short, straight neck is carried upright.
Forequarters
Angulation in the forequarters is moderate. The shoulders have moderate layback and are flexible enough to allow freedom of action.
Forelegs
When viewing the Affenpinscher dog from the front, the forelegs are straight. The elbows are held close to the body. The upper arm and forearm are approximately equal in length. The pasterns are straight and relatively short. Dewclaws are generally removed from the forelegs.
Body
The backline is straight and level. The back is short and straight. The rather broad, deep chest has moderately sprung ribs. The underline is slightly tucked up at the short loin.
Hindquarters
Angulation in the hindquarters is moderate.
Hind Legs
When viewing the Affenpinscher dog from the rear, the legs, including the rear pasterns, are straight. When viewed from the side, the hind legs are set under the body, maintaining the square appearance. The upper thigh and second thigh are approximately equal in length. The stifle and hock joints both have moderate angulation. Dewclaws are generally removed from the hind legs.
Feet
Fore and hind feet are small, round and compact. Pads and nails are black.
Tail
The tail may be left natural or docked.
The natural tail is carried curved gently over the back while the dog is in motion.
The docked tail is set high and carried erect. It is generally docked to be between one and three inches in length.
Coat
The hair is dense, rough and harsh-textured. It is approximately one inch in length on the shoulders, body and back; shorter on the rear and tail, and longer, shaggier, and less harsh on the neck, chest, stomach and legs. In a mature dog, the hair on the neck and chest may be longer, forming a cape. The monkey-like expression is maintained by the longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard.
Color
Color is not a major consideration. Colors include: black, silver, gray, black and tan (with symmetrical markings), and red.
Red may vary from a brownish-red to an orangey-tan. Some black coats may have a rusty cast, or have white or silver hairs mixed in the coat with the tan markings in a black and tan.
Gait
The Affenpinscher dog breeds characteristic gait is light, sound, balanced and confident; they tend to carry themselves with a comic seriousness. At a walk, the legs move parallel to each other. As speed increases, the dog tends to single track.
Maggie and Dave
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