Facts and Features of Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher Features

Name: Affenpinscher

Native place: Germany

Group: Dog

Avg size (H): 25cm (10 inches)

Avg weight: 3.6 kg (8 lbs)

Avg life: 12 years

Avg Litter Size: 3

Type: Terrier

Color: Black, Gray

Temperament: Alert and curious

Learning: Medium

Distinguishing facts: Black wiry body hair and dark eyes

Affenpinscher History and Domestication

An  Affenpinscher is  one of the oldest dog breeds, appeared  in Germany during the 17th century. Although the Affenpinscher was bigger then the dog  today we know , it is believed that the ancestors of these dogs were around long before, is represented in paintings and in the 15th century. The Affenpinscher was bred and kept as a form of pest control in kitchens and stables first, since these  Terriers were effective to keep rat numbers less. In the late 1800s, the breed was fully established in southern Germany and was a favorite dog of the rich and famous. The Affenpinscher was imported in U.S. after the Second World War, where today there are more Affenpinschers in comparison to rest of world.

Affenpinscher Physical qualities

Affenpinschers have a distinctive look that is often associated with terriers. Affenpinscher's small body is covered with coarse, wiry fur that tends to be black or gray in color, and is actually quite long for a small dog. The Affenpinscher has domed head with a short muzzle, small ears and dark eyes and its trademark "monkey like " the expression is exaggerated by the lower lip that is outstanding. Its tail is relatively short. Historically, Affenpinscher tail have been docked, and the ancestors of the breed today are in a variety of colors: red, fawn and beige and would have been larger in size.

Affenpinscher Behavioral characteristics

Behind  its differentiative Terrier-like looks, the Affenpinscher is different from other Terriers, as they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup, . These features make the Affenpinscher is not only small, active and loyal, but also often get along with other dogs and pets. Some of the most distinctive features of the Affenpinscher that they are active, adventurous, curious and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is safe, happy and affectionate with the family, but his loyalty to them also makes them very protective of them. Affenpinschers can be somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for families with very young children. This dog is generally quiet, but can get quite hectic if it feels threatened, showing no fear of any aggressor.

Affenpinscher Breeding

The Affenpinscher breed we know today was first bred of Germany in the 17th century as a home ratter. These dogs have been at least 30 cm in height (some believe they are getting bigger) making them significantly larger than the dog today. Inter-breeding with other domestic breeds during the early 1900s led to smaller and flatter with Affenpinscher face was imported to America several decades later. Despite being a number of this breed in the U.S., the Affenpinscher has never become a popular choice of dog in Britain, with their ​​being less than 30 breeders in the country today. On average, only about Affenpinschers produce puppies per litter, who are blind at birth first.

Affenpinscher Facts and Features

The Affenpinscher was named first in the 17th century as Germany Zwergaffenpinscher which literally converted means little monkey-dog due to its curiosity  expression like monkey. However, when the numbers were less  during war, the dog was bred with other small breeds such as the Brussels Griffon, which leads to the desired race today. Interestingly, the Affenpinscher had used years before the creation of the Brussels Griffon, that brought back the Affenpinscher, led to a shorter muzzle and chin more prominent. As with almost all domestic dog breeds, there are a number of health problems associated with the Affenpinscher. The most common problems are caused by so curious and active nature, often leads to a number of cuts and bumps, along with broken bones.