| General Information |
| Group(s):
Toy |
Height: 9-11 1/2 inches |
| Weight: 9-12 pounds |
Longevity: usually into the teens |
| Colors: black, gray, silver, black/tan, red with some accents; minimal white |
Coat type: dense, rough and harsh about 1 inch long |
| Recognized Registries: AKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: Big dog in a small dog body. Terrier appearance, bold with balanced body neither delicate nor ponderous. Unique head and rough coat encourage the highly unusual "monkey-like" expression. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: rather high |
| General Nature: |
intelligent and entertaining but also bold to the point of fearlessness |
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with Children: generally good when handled appropriately, as a Toy Dog, very small children not advisable |
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with other pets: generally good but again, bold fearlessness can lead to issues |
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with dogs: generally good but bold, fearlessness could lead to issues |
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| Socialization requirements: relatively high to avoid the tyrannical behavior of the indulged or fearfulness of the insecure |
| Ideal home characteristics: one that can protect this character from his own boldness as well as appreciate a highly refined sense of humor and intellect |
| Temperament Notes: Physically an easy to accomodate dog, mentally, would outhink most owners |
| Training requirement: basic manners including knowledge of off (as in furniture) so as to help establish alpha |
| Trainer notes: This bright and vibrant breed is often overlooked as a training partner. Granted, its diminutive size means that you will be using your back and knees alot to bend down and assist or reward but the rewards are a happy and intriguing worker. 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. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: probably prior to the 17th century |
| Country of Origin: Germany |
| Original Function: ratter (stable) |
| History: Bred down from the stable terrier, the small Affenpinscher became the companion and mice catcher of the house for the ladies' pleasure. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: loss of proper head and coat, oversized |
| Health Notes: occasionally seen - luxating patellas, PDA, respiratory problems, legge-perthe's |
| Health Testing: OFA (elbows), CERF |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Affenpinschers?
Why do you have
Affenpinscher (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Affenpinscher?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Affenpinscher?
How would you describe the ideal Affenpinscher home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training an Affenpinscher? |
| Web Sites: http://www.affenrescue.org/- Affenpinscher Rescue |
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| Other Resources |
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