BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
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* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Height at the withers:
9 1/2" to 11 1/2" (Withers height is approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.)
Average Weight:
7-8 pounds (3-3.36 kg)
Breed Profile:
The Affenpinscher is believed to have originated in central Europe and is one of the oldest of the Toy breeds. The literal translation to the breed name means "monkey terrier". In France, the breed is sometimes referred to as the Diablotin Moustachu, or "Moustached Little Devil". The breed makes an excellent watchdog as well as a wonderful companion.
With a terrier-like personality, the Affenpinscher is bold, inquisitive and stubborn but also playful and mischievous. The Affen is often said to have a "big dog in a small body" mentality. Generally, a quick learner he does well in such activities as obedience and agility as well as in the show ring. Courageous, confident and sometimes with a dominant nature, early socialization and training is recommended.
The Affenpinscher has a harsh, shaggy coat, and longer hair all over the face. A sturdy little dog, the Affen has a square-body, with a deep chest and round head with a pronounced stop. The lower jaw is undershot, protruding below the dog's short nose. The black eyes are prominent and rounded. The neck is short and arched and the limbs are straight and well boned. The coat is usually black or dark gray, but tan and red are also acceptable. The undercoat is slightly curly.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Affenpinscher puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
For the Affenpinscher breed, the Affenpinscher Club of America recommended testing includes hip x-rays to exclude Hip Dysplasia, testing for Luxating Patellas (slipping stifles), x-rays for Legg-Calves-Perthes, and eyes should also be checked to ensure that they are normal.
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
- Legg-Calve Perthes (LCPD) — This is a disorder of the hip joint occuring in both humans and dogs. It is most often seen in miniature and toy breed dogs between the ages of four months and one year. No specific causes are known although it is believed to have a genetic mode of inheritance. (No testing is available for this disorder.)
- Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Affenpinscher
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Affenpinscher — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Standard No. 186 / 02.09.2009 / GB
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AKC AFFENPINSCHER DVD
16 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges. — Available from Dogwise.com |
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Toy Breeds—Housebreaking
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed:
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