The Entertaining Affenpinscher Dog

The Affenpinscher dog is a lively small breed with roots dating back to the 17th century in Germany.  At that time, Affenpinschers were larger dogs and were used by farmers to rid their property of rats and mice.

The Affen, as he is affectionately called, is a terrier-type dog with similar hunting abilities. No doubt his terrier disposition and fearless demeanor made him a good candidate for his rodent-eradicating job. 

Ancestors of the Affenpinscher dog are believed to include the Schnauzer and smooth Miniature Pinscher. It is also strongly believed that the Affen was the main breed involved in the development of the Brussels Griffon.

Its name, translated from the German, means Monkey Terrier or Monkey dog which seems to explain its somewhat comical expression.

Today, the Affenpinscher is primarily an entertaining companion breed though it has done well in competition having won the Best in Show award at the Westminster Dog Show in 2013.

The breed was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1936 and is classified under the toy dog group.

Appearance

Grooming The Affenpinscher Dog

The Affenpinscher dog has a shaggy appearance, perky short ears, a mischievous expression and large dark and alert eyes. Sometime the tail is docked. However this procedure is banned in some states and countries.

His coat is coarse, somewhat wiry and is a mixture of short and dense. An abundance of hair frames the face and looks rather unruly and spiky. There's no denying that this shaggy look is very appealing and contributes to their overall charm.

The standard coat cut is unique and while owners can learn how to trim it, some may choose to have it groomed by a professional.

That being said, a brushing and combing two to three times a week with a high quality soft pin brush and a comb is necessary to keep the Affie's coat maintained in between visits to the groomer. Combing is also very helpful in picking apart any mats that may be starting to form.

As part of your grooming routine, includes a weekly ear inspection for any issues and clean them if needed. Trim the nails when you can hear them clicking or about once a month. Give a bath as necessary. Brush teeth every day if possible or at least 2-3 times a week. This can't be over-stated. So many serious health issues can arise from poor dental hygiene.

One thing to keep in mind about this type of coat is not to purchase cheap tools that may damage it.

Personality and Traits

The Affenpinscher is an affectionate, though a bit mischievous, loyal companion and a very popular family pet. While they don't crave constant attention, they do like to keep close company with their family and do best in homes where someone is there most of the time.

This toy dog is extremely intelligent - learns quickly, is bold and playful, normally of even disposition but he can be a tad stubborn and short-tempered at times.

He will delight you with his comical behavior and entertaining little tricks.

Make no mistake, this outgoing little dog is very self-confident, quite fearless and makes an excellent watchdog. With the intelligence that this dog has, he absolutely needs training on a regular basis. Without it, he can become dominating and unruly.

Health of the Affenpinscher

Just like humans, our canine companions are susceptible to accidents, illnesses, and unexpected health issues. Some of the health problems associated with the Affenpinscher dog breed include:

Patella Luxation aka Slipping Kneecap: As the name implies, this involves a dislocation of the kneecap to varying degrees and is usually an inherited defect and more common in toy or smaller breeds. Responsible breeders will screen more than one generation of parents for this condition, before breeding, as well as the resulting puppies, before they are offered for purchase. An early sign of Patella Luxation is limping.

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic joint disease that results from the malformation of the hips and is characterized by joint weakness, stiffness, and pain caused. Depending on the severity of the condition, a veterinarian may advise pain medication or surgery.

PDA (patent ductus arteriosus): A congenital heart defect that is very common among dogs. It involves a tiny blood vessel connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery which serves the purpose of shunting blood away from the lungs before birth. This vessel is expected to begin closing very soon after birth so that puppies can start using their lungs to breathe. But sometimes it doesn't.

Cataracts: A loss of transparency of the lens. Some cataracts can be treated by surgery.

In addition, having a short muzzle, similar to a Brachycephalic breed, they can experience breathing issues during hot weather or when over-exerted.

Other concerns to be aware of that may affect them include:

• Various skin problems caused by allergies,
• Eye diseases 
• dental problems.

Like many delicate small dog breeds, Collapsed Trachea can be more of a risk. However, use of a harness for walks instead of a collar can help reduce pressure on the trachea.

Affenpinschers are very food oriented so care should be taken not to indulge them with too many treats to avoid the danger of obesity and overall health.

Health Tests Recommended By the National Breed Club:

• Patella Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Responsible breeders have their dogs tested for a patella score and should provide certificates with the results to prospective owners.

With the benefit of good home care, a high quality diet, adequate exercise, and regular vet check-ups, pet parents can expect to enjoy their lovable Affie for up to 15 years.

Activity Level of the Breed

A healthy Affenpincher has the energy, and will thoroughly enjoy, long walks.

Even though they are quite an active dog in the home, a daily walk is still needed and provides the opportunity for socialization with other dogs and people.

They can also be trained off leash in a safe area as they don't tend to take off like many other breeds are prone to do.

Ideal Living Space

The Affenpinscher adapts well to house or apartment providing he is allowed, and has enough room, to run around inside and gets out for a daily walk.

A yard is always a nice extra as every dog needs to have a change of scenery and some fresh air.

The Affen With Children?

The Affenpinscher dog breed is very playful and energetic, but because they are quite territorial and guarding of their toys, they are not the best match for families that have toddlers or rather young children.

That being said, the Affen is otherwise a very affectionate family pet and would be fine around mature children who have the ability to provide leadership.

Seniors Or Less Active Families?

This is an excellent breed for senior or more sedentary families.

In addition to being great companions, Affenpinschers do not have heavy exercise demands, are entertaining, loving and alert to potential intruders. They have also done well in therapy situations.

Find an Affenpinscher to Buy Or Re-home

If a purebred Affenpinscher puppy is your goal, the first step is to locate a reputable breeder who is concerned with the quality and health of their puppies. You can tell a lot about a reliable breeder by how willingly they provide the parents health history and encourage you to meet them. 

Avoid casual breeders, along with pet shops and puppy mills, because they are generally only focused on making sales based on the breed's popularity. 

Here are some worthwhile places to begin your search: 

• Available puppies can be found through the AKC Marketplace
• The Affenpinscher Club of America maintains a breeder list. 
• Affenpinscher Rescue of America lists dogs available for adoption/re-homing, if they have any.    

Bear in mind that the Affen is not a common breed and not many puppies are born each year, so you may have to join a wait list.

The cost to purchase an Affenpinscher puppy is between $800 to $2,500. The reputation of the breeder, lineage, coat color, and health testing can influence the price.

But, buying the puppy is only the beginning of expenses that will re-occur over the pup's lifetime. So take these into consideration before you commit: required dog license, vaccinations, everyday food costs, insurance, routine vet visits, training, crate, toys, grooming tools and supplies etc. It all adds up.

In regard to health insurance premiums - it's more cost effective to buy insurance for a puppy before health concerns show up. It's also the best hedge against the rising cost of veterinary care and unexpected health issues.

If you are intending to adopt a rescue, check with local shelters and breed-specific clubs where you are may find lovable Affens longing for a new home. 

Do your research before meeting a breeder so you know what to ask.

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