Considered to be one of the oldest toy dog breeds existing today, Affenpinschers are usually quiet and timid. The breed is prone to exhibit the classic terrier spark when excited and is generally fearless in the face of threat. To know more about this feisty little breed, read the listicle below.
1. Old As Gold
The breed originated in Germany in the 17th century, is a type of terrier and belongs to the pinscher-schnauzer class.
2. But the Breed Was First Registered In…
The first few of the breed were brought to the United States by Mrs Bessie Mally from Cicero, Illinois. The first of this variety to be registered with the American Kennel Club in 1936 was from the first litter of Mally’s dogs. The name of the dog was Nolli v Anwander.
3. Were Not Known For Two Centuries
Despite these small and timid dogs being depicted as companions and ratters in the artworks of the 1500s, the breed did not appear in any record until the 19th century!
4. Became Popular Among Ladies
The variety evolved its miniature proportions in the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries to a larger one and became a loved ladies’ companion and pet. They particularly became popular in 2002 when an Affen won in the Toy Group category at the nationally televised Westminster Kennel Club Show.
5. One Little Fella Made It Big
A five-year-old Affenpinscher named Banana Joe V Tani Kazari was given the ‘Best in Show’ title at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. This win was notable as it was for the first time that the breed won the title at Westminster.
6. How That Name Was Derived
The Affenpinscher, means “monkey-like dog” in German (where “affen” = monkey, “pinscher” = terrier). It was so named because of its monkey-like facial appearance, particularly, its huge, black eyes and a protruding lower jaw and lip. It is also called by these names: Affie, Affen, and the African Terrier.
7. Other Traits
The Affenpinscher has a short muzzle, domed skull, and ears that are either cropped to a point, naturally drop or stand erect or semi-erect. Its tail is short and erected.
8. Its Height and Weight
This breed is sturdy, has a broad chest and stands between 9 to 12 inches high at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades) and weighs between 3 to 4 kilograms.
9. Its ‘True Colours’
The variety is covered with a long, coarse, and wiry fur that can be black, grey, tan, silver, even red in color. Some of these colours come mixed streaks of gray and white further mixed with the main base colour. Some of them sport a singular white spot around the chest area. Reds tend to diminish in tone to develop a more brownish coat or one that is orangey.
10. Were Used As Ratters
The Affenpinscher was bred in the 1600s to eliminate rodents and vermins from kitchens, shops, and stables in Germany and Central Europe.
11. Led To Production of Cross-breeds
The breed has contributed to the creation of countless tiny European dog varieties, including the Brussels Griffon, the Miniature Schnauzer, the smooth-haired German Pinscher, and the German Silky Pinscher.
12. That French Connect
These dogs are described by the French as the diablotin moustachu or the moustached little devil; because of it having the human version of the handlebar moustache.
13. Got That Adrenaline Rush
The variety is playful, curious, adventurous, and stubborn. It always gets along well with other dog breeds and cats in the house; more so, when they are raised together.
14. Not One To Be Messed With
The Affenpinscher is very stubborn and territorial. It is not recommended for families with children because it fiercely protects its food and toys and does not hesitate to bite when provoked.
15. High Maintenance
Although they fall in the hypoallergenic category of dog varieties, Affenpinschers do indeed shed fur. While they require little grooming, it is still advised that their coats be stripped regularly; it involves pulling the dull, dead hair out to only leave the new shiny hair behind. This kind of diligent stripping reduces shedding dramatically.
16. Keeps Those Rats Away
Owing to their heritage as a rodent hunter, Affenpinschers are typically not compatible with small pets, rodents in particular.
17. Achieved Popularity Before World War 1
In 1936, most of their breeding took place in Saxony and Bavaria. These dogs achieved popularity before World War I, but their fame decreased during the war. Then, they again became popular from the mid-1920s until World War II.
18. A Remarkable Watchdog
The Affenpinscher is a remarkable watchdog. These dogs are usually not very loud, but when they detect an intruder, they will bark loud enough to alert an entire neighbourhood.
19. Smart As a Whip
They are intelligent dogs that can be easily trained. This breed can perform several funny tricks by walking on their hind legs. No wonder they are often used as therapy dogs.
20. ‘Break a Leg’ (Literally)
Affenpinschers are prone to fractures and cuts because of their agile nature.
21. Tender and Sensitive Nature
They also usually suffer from hip dysplasia and slipped stifle and experience respiratory difficulties during the hot weather.
22. Have Forepaw Dexterity
The variety possesses splendid forepaw dexterity and so has a knack for holding and tossing toys.
23. Always Ready For an Adventure
These dogs learn quickly and readily adjust to change. Thus they are good travellers and always ready for new adventures.
24. Are Loyal
The breed is confident and affectionate towards their host family. Their loyalty towards their owners makes them very possessive.
25. Their Puppies Are Blind When Born
More often than not, the variety produces only a few puppies per litter. Also, the puppies are blind when born.
26. Their Grooming Routine
The coat of this breed needs to be trimmed up to two inches high from their bodies, two times a year. Further, their coats have to be brushed and combed twice a week to get rid of the loose and tangled hair.
27. How To Keep Them Fit
Regular walks on a day-to-day basis keeps them fit and kickin’. Owners must ensure feeding them their everyday dose of minerals and vitamins in terms of dog food made available for terriers. Avoid overfeeding them and monitor their salt intake to help them stay clear from falling sick or developing other health issues.
28. Their Life Expectancy
It has an average life expectancy of up to 12 years if taken care of properly. It is not uncommon for the breed to outlive this life expectancy, with recorded cases of Affenpinschers living even up to 20 years old!
29. Can Be a Bit of a Spoilt Brat
Behavioural problems aka mood swings are prevalent in the toy branch of these canines. So, firm leadership and obedience training become essential right from an early age.
30. Has a Sense Of Humour
They are playful, mischievous and have a very good sense of humour!
