Affenpinscher. Jerome Cushman
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the elbows. The rear legs are straight, not cow-hocked, with moderate angulation. One health problem that affects many toy breeds is the luxation of the patella or the slipping of the kneecaps. This is a concern for some Affenpinscher breeders, and one needs to be aware that lameness in the rear legs may occur as a result of this genetic weakness.
In North America the colors of the coat include black, black and tan, gray, red, wild boar or belge, and all of these colors may have various shadings from light tan to dark red. The lighter-colored dogs may have black or dark gray masks. Generally, there are more black Affenpinschers than any other color. These black dogs often develop mixtures of white, reddish brown or gray hairs in their adult coats.
The coat quality has varying degrees of coarseness, depending upon the type of hair, its color and its care. Some coats are of a very hard texture, without much undercoat and with sparse furnishings. Some may have an abundance of undercoat and thick furnishings on the legs and head. Correct grooming and coat care will keep each of the extremes more suitable for the breed. Preference is for the hard coat with an undercoat that allows for full furnishings on the head and legs.
LOOKS LIKE A MONKEY…
The Affenpinscher uses his front paws with great dexterity, much like a monkey. He may hold his toys in his paws, use his paws to hold down another dog or put his paws around his owner’s neck. He also uses his paws to climb, and some Affenpinschers have been known to easily scale ladders.
The ears, which are set high, may be cropped to a point or left natural. The natural or uncropped ears usually tip forward but may also stand up erect. The tail can be docked or left long or natural. The docked tail on an adult is about 1–2 inches long, set and carried high. The undocked tail is carried curved, gaily up over the back when the dog is moving or is happy and attentive. The undocked and uncropped Affenpinscher presents a different overall image of the breed, but it should not be penalized in the show ring. In most of Europe the breed is required to be natural.
Showing properly cropped and high-set ears, this red Affenpinscher captures the breed’s monkey-like expression and ineffable appeal.
TERRIER ON DUTY
The Affenpinscher was originally bred to catch rats. This means that it does not share its home well with hamsters, gerbils or other rodent or rodent-like small pets. Regardless of how well behaved your pet may be, there are times when instinct takes over!
Today more than three-quarters of the Affenpinschers in America have natural or uncropped ears. Still, in the US and Canada one will see the majority of Affenpinschers in the show ring with docked tails. Even so, one of the breed’s top bitches has both natural ears and tail. Ch. Yarrow’s Lucy in the Sky, “Moraina,” as she is called, has a famous brother with natural ears (but a docked tail). He is “Cosmos,” the number-one Affenpinscher, formally Ch. Yarrow’s Super Nova. The all-natural Affenpinscher is steadily gaining popularity in America. Large or small, black or red, cropped and docked or natural, the Affenpinscher is a distinct and delightful breed.
FUNCTION AND TEMPERAMENT
The original function of the breed was that of a rodent killer in the kitchens, barns, stables and granaries. Some report that the Affen was used to flush out small game, also. Over the past three centuries the Affenpinscher has become a loved family companion who is willing to be dressed up in doll clothes by the young girls and pushed around in a baby carriage. But the dog is also willing to roughhouse in the yard or go chasing a ball with the boys. The breed’s flexible front quarters allow the playful pet to quickly pivot, scoop up a ball and literally toss it toward his master. Going for long walks or sitting on the sofa watching TV with the family, the Affenpinscher adapts and thrives with all kinds of human interaction. However, children under four years old or older children who do not respect the dog’s need for space and quiet time should not have an Affenpinscher. As with any small dog, uncontrolled little people can appear to be the enemy. Extra care should be taken to introduce the puppy into a family with young children.
TONGUE-IN-CHEEK TRAINING
When training an Affenpinscher for obedience or agility, you must make the training seem like play. This is a highly intelligent breed that rebels at harsh training methods—but that’s part of what makes training an Affenpinscher both fun and frustrating. As one writer said, “If you own a dog that looks and acts like a monkey, you better have a sense of humor.”
The Affenpinscher’s compact size and endearing personality make it hard to stop at owning just one. This is Mrs. Margaret Boulcott from Scotland with a quartet of Affens, two of which are Flo-Star imports.
Generally, this breed is a wonderful companion. It travels well and can accompany the family almost anywhere and by almost any means of transportation. In an adequately sized dog crate, a soft-sided doggie carrying case with a net covered opening, or any small pet-carrying case, as long as his master or mistress is near, the Affen makes a quiet and easy traveling companion.
The Affenpinscher makes an alert, intelligent and amusing pet. His personality well suits his whimsical, monkey-like appearance and the twinkle in his eyes. Imagine, if you will, a dog that loves to throw and chase his own toys, using his front paws as hands. If you laugh at his antics, your Affenpinscher will perform even more enthusiastically for your entertainment. It is quite common for him to accompany his play with a great deal of enthusiastic racing around and barking, although retrieving is not something that generally comes naturally. One of the funniest things we’ve ever observed was an Affenpinscher attacking a wind-up stuffed dog that walked, barked and flipped over. With this in mind, child’s toys are best kept out of the dog’s reach, and all of the Affen’s toys should be checked carefully for suitability. Toys with small parts or materials inside that could injure the dog if ingested should be avoided or allowed only with supervision.
A natural performer, the Affenpinscher brings both fun and challenges to your training sessions with his comical antics.
Another characteristic of this breed is its independence, which sometimes verges on aloofness. The Affenpinscher has a great sense of its own self-importance, which is comical in a breed so small and endearingly bedraggled.
This delightful little creature also makes an excellent watchdog, barking vociferously as his first line of defense if he feels his territory is being invaded (even by the postman). Originally bred to guard his domain from intruders, be they rodent, canine or human, an Affenpinscher will still defend his property (including his owners) fearlessly.
It is likely that the Affen will bond most closely to one member of your family. While he is generally a quiet and affectionate companion, he is likely to become extremely excited and aggressive if he perceives that he or his owners are being attacked. This means that you should be careful when introducing your pet to visitors, and make sure that he understands that they are welcome in his home. Speak to your dog softly and soothingly, and allow him to approach your visitors when he is ready, rather than forcing their attentions on him. He may feel insecure or become frightened if a stranger bends down to pet him. It is also not a good idea for a stranger to stare directly into your Affen’s eyes, as he may interpret this as a challenge.
Although Affens do have a terrier-like personality, they generally tend to get along with other dogs and pets (except for hamsters, guinea pigs and other rodent or rodent-like creatures, which they are likely to view as prey). This is especially true if they have been raised with other animals. However, you should expect that your Affenpinscher will want to monopolize all of your attention, pushing his way in if you are playing with or petting one of your other pets. Because your Affenpinscher might