Affenpinschers
February 19th, 2008If you are searching for an out of the ordinary puppy or older dog, there is no better time to consider the Affenpinscher. Affenpinschers are a toy breed that originated in Germany, in the 16th century. They are sometimes referred to as monkey dogs because of their appearance and disposition.
Full-grown, they weigh 7 to 8 pounds and stand approximately 10 inches high. They have a life span of 11 to 12 years.
Affenpinschers were originally bred to exterminate the rat population, in kitchens, stables and granaries. While they do possess similar characteristics of terriers, they are actually classified as a pinscher-schnauzer breed.
These delightful animals have a coat of shaggy, dense, hair which looks quite un-kept and rather harsh. This coat is roughly 1 inch, in length, on the dog’s shoulders and body. Hair on the legs, neck, head, stomach and chest is longer but less harsh looking in appearance.
By the time Affenpinschers reach the age of maturity they have longer hair on their heads, beard and eyebrows. They also sport a mane of hair at the neck area, as well. Coat colors range from gray to black and silver and even red. Although, the most common coat color is black.
Their long, scruffy, coats protect them in inclement weather. Surprisingly, this breed sheds very little and requires only minimal grooming. However, they should be brushed on a weekly basis.
Affenpinschers are very active, but it is not absolutely necessary to provide them with a great deal of space, in which to run. An indoor exercise regiment will work as well when combined with leashed walks, a few times each week. For this reason they are a good choice for someone living in an apartment or condominium setting. They are climbers who love to bark. Because of this, outdoor supervision is recommended.
Two well-known traits of the Affenpinscher are agility and dexterity, which can be quite amazing. As a rule, they are spunky, somewhat bold and quick witted. Normally, they get along with other animals that they have been raised with. Unfortunately, because of their tendency to protect their belongings they are probably not the best choice for families with young children.
Affenpinschers are prone to hip dysplasia and collapsed tracheas, as are many small breed dogs. For this reason, it is recommended that you use a harness instead of a collar when walking your Affenpinscher.
