Appearance
Affenpinschers weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) and stand 23–30 cm (9–12 in) at the withers. Clipping softens its harsh, rough coat. It has a unique monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). The head and shoulders have a mane, while the back and hindquarters have a shorter coat. Maintaining it makes it harsh and wiry. FCI and KC breed standards require black coats. However, the American Kennel Club also accepts belges (a mix of red, brown, black, and white hairs) and greys, silvers, reds, blacks, and tans; different clubs have different lists of acceptable colours; black is the preferred colour. It’s illegal in Europe to dock the tail.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for your Affenpinscher Terrier and other dog breeds.
- As the most fundamental nutrient, water should account for 60–70% of your dog’s body weight.
- Proteins: The Affenpinscher terrier doesn’t need any additional protein beyond what it gets from meat, vegetables, grains, and soy. Protein helps make hormones, provides insulation, and shields internal organs. Problems with development and the skin might result from a severe lack of fat in the body.
- Vitamins: A few micrograms of vitamins daily are required to ensure your dog’s healthy metabolism. Get the scoop on what to feed your Affenpinscher Terrier puppy, from wet to dry.
Diet for puppies
- Premium Loaf Grain Free Tender Lamb and Potato Puppy Canned Food
- Chicken Formula Nuggets: Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Diet for adults
- Limited Ingredient Diets: Potato and Duck Dry Dog Food
- Adult Chicken and Rice Canned Dog Food
- Canine Digestive Care with Turkey Canned Dog Food
Fact
- Affenpinschers have short muzzles, domed skulls, and ears that can be cropped, naturally drop, or stand erect or semi-erect.
- In the 1600s, Germany and Central Europe bred the Affenpinscher to control rodents and vermin in kitchens, shops, and stables.
- Affenpinschers are territorial and stubborn.
- Affenpinschers don’t like rodents because they’re rodent hunters.
- The breed trusts and loves its owners.
Health
Among Toy dog breeds, the Affenpinscher is a popular option. His personality reminds me of a terrier’s; it’s lively and full of mischief, just like his. He’s a good dog to have around and can adjust to different kinds of homes. His coat has a rough, hard shell and needs regular brushing. He must engage in daily physical activity.
Affens, like other short-faced breeds, can have difficulty breathing in hot weather if they are allowed to overheat and then have trouble panting to lower their body temperature (dogs don’t sweat to keep cool). However, they are generally healthy dogs.
Some health issues can arise in Affenpinschers, which is especially important to keep in mind if you aren’t careful about where you get your puppy from. This category contains luxating patellas, eye diseases, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
History
The name “affenpinscher” is derived from the German language and means monkey-terrier. The Affenpinscher breed has been around since the early 1600s, but the early examples were much bigger (about 30 to 33 centimetres, or 12 to 13 inches in height) and came in various colours (including grey, fawn, black, tan, and red).
The breed was designed to raid kitchens, granaries, and stables. Late in the 1800s, Affenpinscher breed clubs were founded. The AKC recognised the breed in 1936. It remains a rare dog breed in the US.
German Affenpinschers are Pinscher Schnauzers. The Pinscher Schnauzer Klub’s first stud book listed 14 Affenpinschers in 1902, but registrations steadily increased to 56 per year. Sadly, German Affenpinscher numbers are low.
Postcards from the late 1800s show German film stars and fashionable women of the breed. At the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, five-year-old Affenpinscher Banana Joe V Tani Kazari (Joe) won Best in Show. This breed has never won “Best in Show” at Westminster.
It has a harsh, rough coat when it is not clipped; if clipped, it can be softer and fluffier.
Should you own an Affenpinscher?
Those seeking a companion dog should know that the Affenpinscher may not be their best choice. This is not the breed for you if you want a friendly dog who gets along well with kids and other pets. They can be very hostile toward both human strangers and other canine companions. Due to their strong will, Affenpinschers need consistent training and may take a while to become fully housetrained.
- Brush them daily. This prevents mats in their long, wiry hair.
- Use a cotton swab or pet store liquid to clean their ears regularly.
- Brushing at least once a week will freshen your breath and prevent cavities in those sharp incisors!
