The Affenpinscher is a playful toy breed with a short muzzle, round, black, glittering eyes, and a rough coat. It is small and mischievous and has an expression similar to a monkey.
Despite their small bodies, these cute little dogs are not delicate. The breed standard describes them as self-assured and bearing themselves with a lighthearted seriousness.
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AFFENPINSCHER CHARACTERISTICS
- Country of Origin: Germany, and France
- Weight: 6.5-13.2 pounds (2.9-6 Kg)
- Height: 9 to 12 inches (23-30 cm)
- Family: Pinscher
- Group: Toy
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
- Coat: Wiry and with medium length
- Colors: Pure black with a black undercoat
- Patterns: Black and tan
- Tendency to shed: Low
- Grooming needs: Easy to groom
- Attention needs: Medium
- Energy Level: High
AFFENPINSCHER APPEARANCE
The Affenpinscher is a dog between 9 and 12 inches tall and weighs around 10 pounds. The Affenpinscher’s body is broad, with a sturdy chest.
The coat is harsh and thick and can be black, silver-gray, or reddish-brown.
The eyes are large with thick eyebrows. This dog has protruding jaws and a lower lip with a monkey-faced appearance. The Affenpinscher has a short snout and naturally drooping pointed ears or semi-straight.
HISTORY
Country of origin: Germany
The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds, but its history is a mystery. Affenpinscher-like dogs were frequently depicted in paintings by the ancient Dutch Masters from the fourteenth century. Affen, which means monkey, and Pinscher, which means terrier, are the two words that best describe the Affenpinscher. Frenchs also name the Affenpinscher the diablotin moustachu or the tiny mustached devil.
By the seventeenth century, terrier dogs that were good at killing rats were common in central Europe and Germany. Later, random crossing with the Pug, German Pinscher, and German Silky Pinscher originated the Affenpinscher.
As a result, various wire-coated toys, most notably the Brussels griffon, descended from the Affenpinscher.
AFFENPINSCHER PERSONALITY
The Affenpinscher has a big personality and is an active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn dog.
The Affen gets along well with other dogs and cats but does not get along with hamsters and gerbils. This breed enjoys being with its family but does not enjoy being hugged, squeezed, or chased.
Even though he is a loyal and loving dog, the Affenpinscher is very territorial, and they are not suitable for homes with small children.
AFFENPINSCHER HEALTH
The common health problems are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collapsed trachea
- Cataracts
- Urologic problems
CARE AND GROOMING
The rough and dense Affenpisncher’s coat always looks messy, but the grooming is easy. A weekly brushing will suffice. Maintain the fur around the ears, eyes, and mouth daily.
Check the paws after every walk to see if there is no debris, mats, or foreign bodies between the pads.
FOOD AND DIET
The Affenpinschers are toy dogs with a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Therefore, they must eat little and often.
Choose small-breed foods specifically developed with appropriate levels of nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to fit their smaller mouths.
EXERCISE NEEDS
Affenpinscher is an active dog, and an hour of exercise will be adequate. However, to keep your furry friend fit and healthy, you must take long walks and runs with your dog. Although the Affen is easy to entertain at home or in a small garden, it is necessary to keep the dog’s brain well exercised with training, puzzles, and games.
SPACE REQUIRED
The Affenpinscher can live in small houses because of their miniature size. In addition, this small breed may squeeze through even the smallest openings or dig under the ground to get to their desired location, and a secure garden is essential.
The Affenpinscher can live in the city, or the country, as long as they are properly socialized and taught to avoid barking.
AFFENPINSCHER TRAINING
The Affenpinscher is intelligent and will appreciate dog training and the opportunity to collaborate with its owner. These dogs are easy to teach and capable of most dog sports and activities, as well as trick training and small-field agility.
CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AFFENPINSCHER DOG BREED
- The Affenpinscher is a rare breed
- They hunt rats and other small pets
- In German Affenpinscher means monkey dog
- The French describe the affenpinscher as the “diablotin moustachu” or “mustached little devil” (Source-Hillpets).