Affenpinscher Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Toy Group

The Affenpinscher is actually a peppy dog which has the face and impish character of a goof. This wire-haired terrier like breed acts just like a large dog as they happily strut around. Their average life span is about 11 years.

History

The Affenpinscher came from Germany in 1600's. It has been used customarily as a vermin catching dog at farms as well as in cities, houses and towns. The exact roots and breed advancement of the Affenpinscher is basically unidentified, but there's no doubt that it's the main base stock of several breeds, like the Brussels griffon and Schnauzer.

The original Affenpinscher was most likely a somewhat bigger dog, and could have measured around 12-14 inches at the withers. But due to interest in vermin removal, the smaller dogs were selected over the larger dogs for continued breeding, so we have a smaller dog now then in the past.

Physical Features

Affenpinscher is a little canine breed which has a distinctive character and a hardy and stout appearance. The hair layer of the Affenpinscher is thick and rough and is about 1" to 1.5" long on the body. The hair on the chest, face and legs and stomach have a longer and finer coat.

In general the coat seems shaggy but nice, and there's a small amount of cutting or clipping necessary to maintain these dogs and keep them looking great.

The coat can be a number of shades such as black, black and tan, silver, red or gray or belge (a mix of red, black and white hairs). Some variants in color such as single white hairs are appropriate, along with a tiny white patch to the chest. Big white spots aren't appropriate from the breed.

Personality

Affenpinscher is usually be considered a great companion dog for either other canines or people. Earlier socialization with other pets, such as cats, is vital. The greater the socialization that develops as a pup, the more their approval of new individuals, environments and animals will be.

Common Health Problems

Several Affenpinschers could be at risk of bone injuries and sometimes PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) or open an fontanel as well as other respiratory difficulties related to any kind of short-nosed breed.

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