NetPet's Affenpinscher Information

Breed Name:Affenpinscher

Dog Group: Toy

Registration Organizations: AKC

National Parent Club: Affenpinscher Club of America (sponsors shows)

National Club Address:

  Sharon Strempski, ACA Secretary
  2 Tucktaway Lane
  Danbury, CT 06810
  203-743-7503

Additional National Associations:Affenpinscher Friends Foundation, Inc
This is a national Affenpinscher group dedicated to doing breed rescue, genetic research, etc.

Patricia Bouldin, President  
627 Vineyard NE  
Albuquerque, NM 87113         
505-345-4889

The official address is:
Affenpinscher Friends Foundation, Inc
AFF, Inc
P O Box 2123
Southeastern, PA 19399-2123

Breed Description:

• Original Purpose: Ratters, mousers and Ladies Entertainment in the castles of Germany.

• Breed History:

  • Earliest record: 1400's
    
  • Country of Origin: Germany
    
  • Year of Registry with AKC 1930's but current dogs are from 1960's imports.

  In the US the breed was introduced twice in the 30's and the 60's with the present day dogs all being descended from the second wave of introduction. Its early history in Germany is linked to the development of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon. A relationship to the Rattler breed is also suspected. There are oil paintings, however, depicting very good examples of the breed as far back as the 1400's. A concerted effort and the formation of clubs to promote the breed can be traced back to the mid to late 1800's in Germany. Currently in the breeds parent land the breed is considered part of the Schnauzer family and the breed's registration and promotion is looked after by the Schnauzer Pinscher Club.

  Breed Registration Statistics:
  

  Fewer than 100 Affenpinschers are registered in any year with the AKC. The breed is a relative unknown far down on the popularity list ranging from 112-116th in popularity by registration.

  Size:

  • Height (inches): 7 - 14
    
  • Weight (pounds): 4 - 20
    
  For the show ring the allowed height range is of 9-12 inches and in consequence the normal weight range that fits these heights is 8-12 pounds.

  Eye color: light brown (a show ring no - no) to deep black (preferred)

  Lips: The jaw is undershot in this breed so lips that cover the teeth are required but not always present. The lip is usually tight.

  Ear type: This breed may be cropped or uncropped, uncropped ears may be of any type for the show ring as long as they match and do not detract from the monkey look.

  Cosmetic Surgeries (to establish 'breed look': Tails may be docked to 1/3 of the tail length or left natural, and ears may be cropped or left natural, dew claws if present on front or back feet should be removed.

  Color: The coat color is usually black either a 'blue' black or a 'brown' black, but black and tan, red, grey and a brindle and tan color (often refered to as wild boar), all with or without a black mask, dogs may also be found.

  Coat Type: The breed has terrier type fur (ie low shed but needing maintenance through stripping or clipping). The coat in individual dogs may vary from a single harsh coat to a heavy and soft double coat and variations inbetween with a hard coat with enough soft undercoat to permit the growth of leg and head furnishings being the most correct.

  Temperment: They are clever, amusing, mischevious, tenacious with a strong will, personality and curiosity. They are generally pleasant but fierce when aroused in protection of themselves or their family. They are not forward with strangers preferring their own family members first and then deciding at their own speed which strangers are to be among the elite allowed to be associates. However they quickly bond to new families when they must change homes. Affenpinschers are perfectly willing to be in charge and run things if you are not!

  Special Requirements: The Affenpinscher needs training but is easily bored like most terriers and so does not do well with long repetetive sessions. They can be busy and will amuse themselves with 'illegal' activities if no 'legal' play is planned for. They tend to be consummate actors and will pull the wool over any not too alert owners eyes. Rueful owners of pet store purchased dogs often give them up as they are too busy and untrainable yet the same dog in a terrier loving home will be described as brilliantly trainable and a joy to live with. People expecting a Poodle or a Maltese will be disappointed!

  Typical Competitive Activities for this Breed:In addition to conformation shows Affenpinschers participate in obedience and agility.

  Breed Pluses: Affenpinschers make you laugh just by existing and when you add in their antics its hard to remain glum. They are excellent snugglers yet ready for a long walk. The can play happily in the park or the livingroom. They are willing to defend their owner as fiercely as any big breed and make excellent watchdogs barking at appropriate times without being yappy.

  Breed Minuses: The Affenpinscher can be difficult to housebreak - as can any toy breed. As puppies they are active and they are very smart whether or not you train them and the 'or not' can cause trouble! Most rescues are pet store pups raised with poor socialization and purchased by well meaning folks who expect a quiet little placid toy dog instead of the brilliant busy pup they get. While not as hyper as some toy breeds they are not as quiet and placid as some of the others.

  Who should own this breed? People who enjoy an intelligent breed, terrier lovers and folks looking for a big dog in a small package. Often Miniature Schnauzer owners find they love the Affenpinscher.

  Who should not own this breed? This is not a breed for people who have very small children and want a puppy as the pups can be damaged by rough handling. People who will not train and want and instantly perfect dog need not apply.

  The Affen gets along well with many other breeds and other pets but care must be taken not to encourage inappropriate aggression as retaliation from a larger pet can be fatal. The Affen will try through sheer vehemence to be the one in charge of the pack. It is a poor choice for people desiring a 'robot' obedience dog as the Affen can think of too many other things to do beyond what is asked to comply with commands with precision each time.

  Contributing author for this breed profile: Nancy E. Holmes (fmkaffen@ix.netcom.com)

  For additional information on this breed emailfmkaffen@ix.netcom.com

  Bibliography: Unfortunately the only breed book has been out of print since the 60's.

  Directory of Breeders

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