Affenpinscher. Jerome Cushman
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same characteristics that make the Affenpinscher such a good watchdog mean that he generally is not a suitable breed for people with small children, although there are exceptions to this rule. Affens tend to guard their food and toys and may nip a child who attempts to take something they see as their property or who pesters them when they are sleeping or otherwise occupied. It is best if youngsters outside the family be told not to pet your Affenpinscher, as he might feel threatened and snap at them. Although generally he will not bite hard enough to break the skin, he definitely will set limits on how much he allows himself to be handled. Children should also be discouraged from picking up your dog, as he might be injured if accidentally dropped. Additionally, a small child who is flailing his arms and legs about, screaming or running away might be perceived as prey by this breed, and an Affen will certainly go after what he thinks is prey.
At three years of age, this fun-loving Affenpinscher is Ch. Kyleakin Maid At Yarrow.
Because of his small size, the Affenpinscher is well suited to indoor life, even in a small apartment. The Affenpinscher thrives on the company of his human companions and tends to stay close to his owners, whether indoors or outside on a country walk (though he must be on leash for safety). This is not a dog meant to be left in the yard for hours on end or in a kennel. In fact, because he is such a great climber, he is likely to attempt to escape from any such confinement. If you use a pen or metal crate during house-training or to confine your dog when you are away, be certain that the pen or crate has a tight-fitting lid. We once knew a dog that hanged himself by pushing his head through a loose corner at the top of a pen and then was unable to get back down or out.
This lovely black female Affenpinscher is named Justyne (formally Ch. Hilane’s Just Look At Me), pictured here with handler Kim Wedling. Justyne lives in Canada with her owner, Sandra Lex.
Affenpinschers living indoors, as they should, do not become acclimated to winter temperatures. Therefore, when walking your Affenpinscher outdoors in cold weather, be sure to provide him with a warm jacket. Quality pet-supply shops will have a variety of “winter-wear” for your stylish Affenpinscher.
THE IRRESISTIBLE AFFEN
People who own and love the Affenpinscher can’t understand why, over the years, it has not become more popular. The following is a quotation taken from a “love letter” written by a new owner of an Affen puppy back to the breeder.
“We are totally, absolutely, hopelessly, all encompassingly in love with our little Meerschaum! From the first second we laid eyes on his little black shoe-button eyes with matching nose and all those funny, fluffy feathers sticking haphazardly from his face—his dear charming, lovely face—we were hopelessly in love. I have had puppies (who ultimately became dogs, of course) all my life but this charm bracelet is so good, it’s hard to believe he’s only four and a half months old!”
There are many anecdotes that reflect the character and temperament of this breed. One that comes to mind is the story of a woman who had just returned with her husband from a trip abroad. The next day she had become ill and was at home recuperating on the sofa while her husband was at work. Suddenly loud, angry barking coming from the next room awakened her. The two sleeping Labrador Retrievers barely stirred while the barks and growls of growing intensity from her young Affenpinscher forced her to investigate. As she entered the next room she saw an intruder who had climbed part way through the open window but was being held at bay by her little dog whose hackles were up and who was poised ready to attack. When she and the intruder’s eyes met, both abruptly turned, one towards the telephone, the other towards escape. Thank God for her little dog with his fearless determination! Obviously the intruder had been watching the house and assumed the inhabitants were still away. This woman believes that her little Affenpinscher probably saved her life.
One of the mottoes associated with this breed is “Affenpinschers —I’ll bet you can’t own just one!” Because they are so cute and small, new owners often want a playmate for their first dog. The introduction of a new puppy can cause the original dog some confusion and jealousy that may result in a lapse in his training. Dogs are territorial and scent marking is in their nature. Humans must be vigilant and persistent to keep a clean and odor-free home.
CARE AND TRAINING
The breed as a whole is unaware of its diminutive size and is willing and eager to take on any foe. This can and has resulted in some horrible occurrences. However, this same self-confident ego also makes for its endearing and comical quality. Obviously, this breed needs to be kept under control—on a leash, fenced in the yard or in an exercise pen for its own safety.
Because of its diminutive size and trainability, the Affenpinscher makes a good apartment dweller, though strict and consistent training is essential to make sure the Affenpinscher is an acceptable house pet. Of course, housebreaking is a necessity, and this requires patience, determination and consistency. There are reports of apartment dogs that have learned to use a cat litter box. The breed is very clever and can often outsmart its owners with all kinds of cute diversions.
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