The Affenpinscher Breed

The Affenpinscher is one of the most ancient toy dogs. He originated in central Europe during the 17th century from small terriers who were kept on farms and in homes to kill rats and mice. The head of the Affenpinscher is round in shape, with a very pronounced stop between the eyes and the muzzle. The muzzle is relatively short, and the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the nose. The average life span of an Affenpinscher is 10-12 years. The breed does not require exercise, as they can keep fit by playing indoors. The Affenpinscher is a healthy breed, and has few documented hereditary health problems. Occasionally, one will see patellar luxation, breathing problems and corneal ulcers in the breed.

Even as small dogs, the Affenpinscher is observed to have a terrier-like personality. But in contrast with terriers, the Affenpinscher is more sociable, able to get along well with other dogs. Happily, the Affenpinscher is a relatively sturdy little breed with fewer serious genetic disorders than many other breeds. While most toy breeds were developed specifically as companions, the Affenpinscher shares with the Yorkshire Terrier a unique distinction among toy breeds; both were developed to perform a working function for their owners. Sharing qualities with the terrier breeds, the Affenpinscher is a family dog that can be playful, stubborn, mischievous and inquisitive. He can be just as happy playing with you in the living room as he is on a warm weather camping trip.

The Affenpinscher is generally quiet but can become excited when threatened and is fearless toward any aggressor. Affenpinscher is quiet and very devoted to his owner. Although small, Affenpinscher is a very sturdy dog. In France the Affenpinscher is known as the ‘diablotin moustachu’ meaning the -mustached little devil- or the ” Monkey Dog” because it produces a monkey-like expression! Affenpinscher is derived from ‘affen’ meaning monkey and ‘pinscher’ meaning terrier. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance. The affenpinscher is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor. Affenpinschers are well-suited for a family that likes entertainment and can keep its sense of humor about the affenpinscher’s penchant for antics.

Sturdy, smart, and alert, the Affenpinscher is an excellent watchdog who fears nothing. He’s not normally loud, but he is excitable. Another great thing about grooming an Affenpinscher is that the shaggy, unkempt appearance is the look that you should be going for. Not that hard to do considering Affenpinschers naturally look scruffy and untidy. The Affenpinscher is known to be somewhat stubborn, moody, and independent at times, creating difficulty in training. This breed learns quickly but its stubbornness might make it difficult to train. Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. On the other hand, the Affenpinscher’s very terrier like attitude will make him a difficult partner for the trainer that feels they can strong arm or bully the dog into a stellar performance. Instead, the Aff is a natural entertainer and keeping the entire endeavor fun, happy and playful will make it successful in many ways. Some Affenpinschers can be difficult to housebreak, so crate training is recommended. Your Affenpinscher will be ready to come home with you by eight weeks of age, and will require a brief socialization period in your home.

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Tags: Affenpinscher, Affenpinscher Breed, Average Life Span, Breathing Problems, Central Europe, Corneal Ulcers, Diablotin, Family Dog, Genetic Disorders, Hereditary Health Problems, Little Devil, Lower Jaw, Monkey Dog, Muzzle, Rats And Mice, Small Dogs, Terrier Breeds, Toy Breeds, Toy Dogs, Warm Weather, Yorkshire Terrier