Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher dog breed is native to Germany and originated around the early 1600s. It belongs to the toy breeds, very much like the terriers. Due to their small but compact frame, standing between 9 ½ to 11 ½ inches in height, they are ideal as house pets.

They were originally employed to guard kitchens and stables from the menace of rodents, as Affenpinschers typically become excited in the face of aggressors, making them suitable in guarding kitchens from unwelcome pests.

They have a squarely proportioned sturdy body, and are generally described to have a self-assured, monkey-like appearance. Affenpinschers are customarily dark gray to black in coating color, although there are beige-tan and red varieties.

Temperament

The temperament of the Affenpinscher is a combination of alertness, playfulness, loyalty, and general curiosity. Affenpinschers can either be hushed or aggressive, depending on the circumstances. When they are in the mood for games, they easily fool around and can get along easily with other dogs.

In spite of their small, toy-like structure they convey a sense of confidence and can be rather territorial especially with food and toys. When training affenpinschers, control is greatly needed as they can be typically imposing and domineering.

Health

The average life span of Affenpinschers is between 12 to 14 years. They usually don’t thrive well in cold or rainy weather and may sometimes require a sweater or woolen blanket for support. In hot weather however, this breed may be prone to suffer respiratory problems.

Toy breeds are naturally fragile, and Affenpinschers, no matter how sturdy looking need to be monitored during daily activities. They can be easily fractured, or suffer from Patellar Luxation where the dog’s kneecaps cracks out of place.

History

Affenpinschers originated from the 1600s in Germany, utilized for their ability at keeping rodents out of kitchens and stables. They are normally called as “monkey dogs” because of their primate-like facial appearance. They were believed to be of bigger stature when first propagated in Germany, although later on they were miniaturized, specifically beginning the 18th century for their new purpose as toy house pets.

Considered as one of the earliest toy dog breeds, they are still being employed presently as kitchen watchdogs, although largely kept as companion and house dogs.

Care

Severe temperatures do not work well with Affenpinschers. In extreme cold they need suitable protection, while in sweltering heat they could easily develop respiratory complications. They should be housed indoors, seeing that they can do well even when merely playing inside homes or apartments. However, daily outdoors exercises are still needed, plus considerable socializing with other dogs to develop its friendly temperament.

The thick, shaggy coating should be groomed regularly by brushing. Clipping the hair short is discouraged as this could lead to coat damage eventually. Cataracts can also affect this toy breed, which is why regular visits to the vet are necessary.

Affenpinschers, like any other dog breeds need to be given vaccination shots early in life as protection against any future infections.