The Affenpinscher is a dwarf dog breed originally developed in Germany. The name comes from its distinctive appearance; in German, the word "affenpinscher" means "monkey." The French, meanwhile, nicknamed these restless dogs "mustached devils." These dogs are intelligent, playful, and curious, and enjoy playtime and long walks. With proper care, they can live for approximately 12–14 years.
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Origin of the breed
The first mentions of the breed date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Dogs resembling the Affenpinscher were depicted in paintings by Jan van Eyck and engravings by Dürer. Initially, these dogs were bred to catch rats, which mercilessly ravaged farms. Later, they were used to hunt quail and guard stables.
Over time, German aristocrats began keeping Affenpinschers as pets. In 1879, the dogs were first exhibited. In 1902, experts from the Berlin Kennel Club attempted to develop a standard, but it wasn't finally approved until 1913.
Description of appearance
The United States officially recognized the breed in 1936.
Males weigh between 4.5 and 6 kg, and their height at the withers is about 25–28 cm. Females weigh between 3.5 and 4 kg, and their height is about 20–25 cm.
Exterior Description:
- round head, domed skull;
- the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward;
- large, round eyes, set low and densely framed with fur;
- erect ears are slightly forward;
- short neck;
- square body, short back;
- short, muscular legs;
- The sickle-shaped tail is covered with hair.
Affenpinschers have a harsh, dense coat. The hair on their head is scattered in various directions. Their muzzle has a beard and sideburns, giving them a monkey-like appearance. The coat and undercoat are black, but red or silver tan markings are acceptable.
Personality traits
Affenpinschers are capable of engaging in a fight even with a large dog.
Members of this breed love their owners and are willing to follow them everywhere. These dogs are very jealous and do not tolerate competition. They require their owner's undivided attention, so they are hostile to children and other pets. Restless dogs will constantly snatch toys and bite their rivals. And if there are rabbits or hamsters in the house, they will not rest until they are rid of them.
Affenpinschers can create conflict out of the blue, as they have a mischievous and belligerent nature. Owners should be vigilant during walks. These animals were once ratters, so they often attack anything that moves quickly.
These compact pets are known for their fearlessness and courage. They greet intruders with a piercing bark and, if threatened, will attack without hesitation.
Pros and cons
The advantages of the breed include:
- compact size (suitable for keeping in an apartment);
- devotion;
- cheerful disposition and optimism.
The following are considered to be the breed's faults:
- hyperactivity;
- harmfulness;
- jealousy;
- willfulness (difficult to train).
Buying a puppy
At the time of purchase, the puppy must not be younger than one and a half months old.
It is necessary to purchase a dog from a professional kennel. Breeders are required to provide new owners with a veterinary passport and puppy certificate, as well as familiarize them with the pedigree and titles of the puppy's parents.
A healthy puppy can be recognized by the following criteria:
- the exterior meets the standard;
- active and inquisitive behavior;
- skin without pimples and redness;
- clean ears;
- eyes without purulent discharge.
The average price of an Affenpinscher is around 80,000 rubles. The high puppy prices are due to limited breeding and the breed's rarity.
Care and maintenance
Walks in the fresh air should be long so that the dog has time to run around to its heart's content.
Affenpinschers can live in a city apartment or a private house. Keeping them on a chain is prohibited, as they cannot stand loneliness, love to run and need free space. If you keep your pet in an apartment, you need to walk it at least three times a day.
Animal care consists of the following:
- Every other day, brush the coat with a furminator. This tool will help remove tangles and prevent matting.
- As the coat grows, the beard and mane around the neck are trimmed, and some of the hair under the tail, inside the ears, and on the legs is removed. Hair around the eyes and nose is trimmed with a trimmer.
- Once per season, pets are bathed with shampoo for wire-haired dogs.
- Trim the nails monthly using a nail clipper.
- Once a week, clean the ears and corners of the eyes from dirt using a cotton pad soaked in warm water.
Nutrition
When feeding pets, choose premium or holistic ready-made foods (Acana, Bosch, Royal Conein). They contain beneficial micronutrients and are free of artificial colors. Natural nutrition should be balanced and fortified with vitamins. The following foods should be included in the diet:
- lean meat (chicken, beef);
- offal (heart, lungs);
- sea fish (pollock, blue whiting);
- fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs (apples, carrots, parsley);
- fermented milk products (cottage cheese, fermented baked milk).
It is forbidden to feed dogs fatty and smoked foods, as well as sweets and potatoes. Drinking water should be freely available at any time of the day.
To prevent tartar, fresh tomatoes are included in the animals’ diet.
Education and training
The irrepressible temperament of pets causes a lot of trouble for owners during training.
Affenpinschers are willful and not always obedient. From an early age, they need to be taught who's boss.
The educational process will be easier if you follow these recommendations:
- Training must be carried out in a playful manner so that the pet does not get bored.
- Training should be short and varied.
- For a successfully completed action, the animal should be praised and rewarded with a treat.
- You shouldn't scold or hit a dog.
- Commands must be pronounced clearly and persistently; if the dog senses weakness, it will stop obeying.
Mating and care of offspring
The first heat in compact animals occurs between 6 and 10 months of age. Its duration ranges from 20 to 22 days. Female dogs should be mated on their third heat, and male dogs should be mated when they reach two years of age. Bitches that are seven years old or older cannot be bred.
Mating should take place in the male's territory. Before mating, the animals must be kept dry and thoroughly exercised. A test mating is performed 48 hours later.
The gestation period is approximately 56–72 days. A female dog will give birth to no more than three puppies at a time. The birth must be supervised by a veterinarian. The nose and mouth of the newborn puppies should be wiped with a clean cloth to prevent suffocation. After whelping is complete, the female dog will assume custody of the puppies.
Choosing a nickname
The nickname should be short so that it is easy to pronounce.
A dog should respond to its name from an early age, so you shouldn’t delay choosing it.
When choosing a name, you need to be guided by three methods:
- Come up with an exclusive nickname.
- Name the animal after your favorite book, city, actor, or movie character.
- Choose a name that matches your pet's appearance or personality.
Girls can be called by the following names: Alma, Goldie, Roxy, Olivia, Cherry.
The following nicknames are suitable for boys: Bob, Jack, Harry, Martin, Rocky, Chester.
Health
You should not allow your pet to jump from a height to prevent dislocations and fractures.
Energetic dogs have excellent immune systems, but are still prone to certain illnesses. To avoid health problems, follow these guidelines:
- Keep your dog away from direct sunlight, as this breed is prone to overheating.
- Monitor their diet, as Affenpinschers have voracious appetites.
- Undergo a routine examination at a veterinary clinic twice a year.
- Vaccinate your pets annually.
- Deworm once every three months. You can use Prazicid suspension or Drontal tablets.
- From March to November, treat dogs monthly for fleas and ticks. Dana or Advocate spot-on drops are suitable for this procedure.
Diseases common to Affenpinschers
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
| Legg-Peters disease | The joints are destroyed, the dog tries not to step on the affected limb and limps. |
|
| Congenital dislocation of the knee joints | When the kneecap dislocates, the pet tries to bend the affected limb and eventually stops putting weight on it. | Surgery is performed to eliminate the cause of the dislocation. |
| Heart murmurs | Most often they are inherited and occur as a result of a disruption in normal blood flow. | An ultrasound of the heart is performed and individual therapeutic treatment is prescribed. |
Affenpinschers are very active and playful, loving to play pranks and engage in active games. Those who prefer peace and quiet should avoid this breed, as boredom can cause illness or even escape.
