The Affenpinscher is a bundle of joy to keep in the city! The most faithful friend, an overview of all the features of the breed, the subtleties of character and training, as well as photos and videos.

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Classification Origin: Germany

Class: according to the FCI classification - 2nd group (Pinchers, Schnauzers, Molossians and Swiss Cattle Dogs). Section 1 (Pinchers and Schnauzers)

Use: dogs companions

Color: black, but other colors are acceptable

Dimensions: Height at withers - 23-29 cm, body weight - 4-6 kg

Lifespan: 11-14 years

The Affenpinscher is a miniature dog and belongs to the Pinscher species.

This is a very rare breed, originally used as a rat catcher and stable guard. Then the pet became a favorite of the rich nobility.

Now fans of dwarf breeds are happy to get an Affenpinscher.

• 2 Appearance
• 3 Psychology
• 4 Application
• 5 How to choose a puppy
• 6 Features of care
• 7 Walking
• 8 Food
• 9 Health
• 10 Characteristic diseases
• 11 Vaccinations
• 12 Mating

History of the breed

The Affenpinscher has German roots dating back to the 17th century. The name of the breed translated into Russian sounds like “monkey pinscher.” As we can see in the photo, these small creatures actually have something similar in appearance to small monkeys.

At first, representatives of the breed were much larger. The following colors were allowed in their color: gray, a mixture of yellow and brown, brown with black, brown with gray and even red.

Affenpinschers with white paws and chests were often seen.

The main purpose of breeding the breed was to rid human homes and stables of rodents with the help of these domestic animals. At one time, miniature pinschers .

The breeders then decided to develop a smaller Affenpinscher that could be easily kept in an apartment and used as a companion dog.

You can find out about other dog breeds suitable for keeping in an apartment here:

These small creatures have something similar in appearance to monkeys

The breed standard was approved at the end of the 19th century, at an exhibition in Berlin, after which the popularity of pets began to grow rapidly abroad. The dog has gained fame throughout Europe and the USA.

The Second World War was the main reason why the breed was on the verge of extinction. Only by the middle of the 20th century did it gradually begin to revive, and small pets again became the object of attention of dog lovers.

One of the representatives of the Affenpinscher named Banana Joe literally a few years ago was able to win the prestigious 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Pictured is Banana Joe, winner of the 2013 show.

The Affenpinscher is the closest relative of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Belgian Griffon .

Description of the breed

There is a clear description of the breed that all breeders strive to adhere to. The Affenpinscher is a dwarf dog with the following parameters:

• height at the withers – 23-28 cm;
• weight – 3-5 kg;
• the head is round, the muzzle is short, tapering towards the nose;
• eyes are round, dark;
• the body is slightly elongated;
• paws are short, wide;
• standing tail.

The Miniature Affenpinscher has another name, the Monkey Pinscher, because the faces of the two animals are similar. The main similarity is the lower jaw turned outward. This makes the appearance funnier; the pet always looks unhappy. This jaw shape is also characteristic of primates.

Coat type and color

The Affen's coat is naturally rough and harsh, but this can be easily corrected. Specialists know how to cut representatives of the breed so that with each new procedure the hair becomes more manageable and softer. They will not become absolutely soft, but the owners of any pet want to make its fur more pleasant to the touch. The longest hair length is on the muzzle, it exceeds 3 cm, on the withers, and the back is slightly shorter. It is least likely on the paws and tail, which are not fluffy.

A distinctive feature of the Affenpinscher is the mustache and beard, which is created by long hairs on the muzzle. Together with the outward-turned lower jaw, they create a funny monkey-like appearance.

The most acceptable, popular color is black. Initially, puppies of gray, white, brown, and red colors were unacceptable. Recent changes in the appearance standard allow the presence of these shades. Most of the fur should still be black.

Appearance

The Affenpinscher has an anatomically square body with a small, rounded head. The forehead is convex, has a sharp transition to the muzzle. On the short muzzle there is a snub nose with a black tip.

The breed's eyes are slightly protruding, round, large and dark in color. The jaws protrude slightly forward, but should not be overshot and well closed.

The neck, according to the standard, is short and muscular, and the back is perfectly straight. All limbs are muscular and parallel to each other. The high-set and perky tail should be docked at the 3rd vertebra.

Black is the preferred color for the breed, but other shades are possible.

The Affenpinscher has a hard and thick coat. At the same time, the undercoat is soft and may be slightly wavy. The head and neck have significantly longer hair in relation to the body.

Protruding eyebrows around the eyes and a shaggy beard on the face give the pet a monkey-like appearance. Black is the preferred color for the breed, but other shades are possible.

According to the standard, the following colors are allowed:

• brown:
• grey-black;
• ginger;
• reddish-black;
• grey;
• blue.

White and very light colors, as well as white spots, are not acceptable. Representatives with wavy and soft hair, drooping ears, an overly elongated muzzle and a scissor bite are rejected.

The photo shows the generally accepted breed standard

Affenpinscher breed standard

The Affenpinscher is a shaggy cutie with intelligent button eyes and a charming shaggy face, adorned with a bushy mustache and a scraggly beard. The overall “toy-like” appearance of the animal is enhanced by its square body, as well as its small height - only 25-28 cm with an average body weight of 4-6 kg. The Affenpinscher behaves with dignity and seriousness, which only adds charm to his already funny image.

Head

Representatives of the breed have a round, dome-shaped skull with a well-defined forehead and stop.

Jaws, teeth, lips

The teeth are white, 42 in number. The incisors are arranged in a slightly rounded row, and the lower jaw has a slight curve and is slightly extended above the upper. With the mouth closed, the dog's canines and incisors are not visible. The missing pairs PM1, PM2 and PM3 are allowed by the standard. The Affenpinscher's lips are black, without dampness.

Nose

The black, rounded lobe is distinguished by good fullness and wide open nostrils. The bridge of the nose is shortened, elongated in a straight line.

Eyes

The large, almost round eyes of the Affen are dark in color. The black folds of the eyelids along the contour are covered with coarse hair.

Ears

The ears are set high and symmetrically and turned forward, the inner edge of the ear flap is pressed to the head. It is prohibited to crop the ears of show animals, so this procedure is practiced mainly by owners of pets who want to give the appearance of their ward even more expressiveness.

Neck

The Affenpinscher's neck is massive at the base, short and strong, and has no skin folds on the throat.

Frame

The dog's body is moderately dense, resembling a square. The top is slightly sloping, the back muscles are developed and strong. A strong, shortened loin transitions into an equally short croup with a smooth, rounded outline. The chest is of normal width, descending to the joints, with flattened sides. The lower abdomen is tucked and almost parallel to the line of the back.

Limbs

The front legs are level, moderately wide; the rear ones are set at a slight angle (when viewed from the side) and have moderate articulation angles. The animal's shoulder blades are flat, long, located at an angle of 45°. Elbows without turning outward or inward, metacarpus vertically set, barely sloping, muscular. Volumetric, developed hips are also considered a characteristic of thoroughbred breeding. The Affenpinscher's shins are powerful and long, with vertical metatarsals. The dog's front paws are compact and rounded, the hind paws are more elongated in length, with tightly packed and curved toes.

Tail

From birth, the Affenpinscher's tail is saber- or crescent-shaped. Previously, dogs had their tails docked. Today, cynological associations in Europe have banned the procedure, but in Russia there are still breeders who practice docking of non-show pets.

Wool

The Affenpinscher has coarse, thick hair that lies tightly to the body, but stands up randomly on the head and forms fluffy sideburns, eyebrows, mustaches and a goatee.

Color

The FCI recognizes the standard color of the breed as solid black, with patches of white fur being highly undesirable. However, according to the AKC standard, Affenpinschers can have silver, red, black and tan or grayish coats.

Defects and disqualifying defects

The exhibition evaluation of an Affenpinscher is influenced by such conformation defects as an upturned griffon-like muzzle, light bone structure, pincer-like bite or an undershot with a pronounced waste. It is prohibited to display the following animals in the ring:

• height higher or lower than specified by the standard by more than 2 cm;
• suffering from any deformities of appearance;
• having distorted jaws and a scissor bite;
• having defects in color, coat structure and general structure;
• exhibiting cowardly or aggressive behavior.

Psychology

The Affenpinscher can coexist alongside cats and dogs, especially if they were raised together.

Little “monkeys” are real jealous people and will not tolerate it if they are given less attention than other pets or even a child.

Therefore, it is not recommended to have this breed if there is a baby in the house. The dog treats older children well and quickly finds a common language with them.

Important! Dogs of this breed will not get along with decorative rodents, due to their genetic inclinations and inherent hunting instinct.

The Affenpinscher does not tolerate loneliness and cannot stay at home alone for a long time. A dog needs training: it must understand and follow basic commands from an early age.

Attention! A dwarf pet is difficult to train, so it is not recommended for novice owners to have them.

This is a very capricious and stubborn animal that carries out commands with “benefit” for itself. The Affenpinscher does not like other people's dogs and is always ready to engage in battle with them, regardless of the latter's size.

With proper upbringing, these pets become excellent helpers and little protectors. They are cheerful, kind, smart and very active.

The pet is kept as a companion dog or just as a small, faithful friend

Training

Charm and sweet appearance are offset by disorder and stubbornness. All a dog needs is affection, attention, games, activity and treats. With this approach, a shaggy baby can cause many unpleasant moments for the owner. From an early age, the puppy will have to explain the rules of behavior and set prohibitions.

It is impossible to do without training when dealing with an Affenpinscher.

Energy and hot temperament provoke the puppy to perform acrobatic tricks and throws at the legs. It’s worth weaning your pet off of this habit right away: it won’t be able to carry him off his feet - there won’t be enough weight, but tripping over a baby is also not much fun, especially if you’re holding a bowl of food in your hands.

Dog handlers advise not to treat this breed as cute little kids - cunning cosmatics will immediately take advantage of any weakness and emotions. The training process should consist of short cycles, interrupted by long pauses: the “monkeys” instantly become captivated by new things, but no less quickly lose interest. All classes must be held in a game format.

The first training sessions are best done indoors, without the presence of other people. It is impossible for puppies not to be distracted by movements, noise, and smells. Outdoor training attempts will inevitably fail. Positive stimulation is necessary during training: affection or favorite food.

The system of prohibitions is more difficult for Affenpinschers to assimilate. A narcissistic dog cannot understand that some things are forbidden to him. In the whole world there is only him and the owner. It’s a pity, of course, to disappoint, but it’s necessary.

The owner’s reaction to incorrect actions serves as a counterbalance. Displeasure is expressed through intonation or silence. The relationship with the owner means a lot to the pet, therefore, seeing dissatisfaction, he will refrain from wrong actions in the future.

Damage to things, biting family members and guests, and impatiently snatching toys or food out of hands are prohibited.

Small dogs have a hard time learning the difference between a living space and a place to relieve themselves. Tray training an Affenpinscher is not an easy task. For this, a mini-aviary is used, where the baby goes for half an hour, after which he goes to the tray. The fenced-off space is perceived as a place for rest and sleep - the puppy will not do any mischief there. The steps will have to be repeated several times a day.

How to choose a puppy

To purchase a puppy, choose only trusted kennels with a good reputation. The cost of a real Affenpinscher ranges from 20 to 60 thousand rubles.

Puppies must have a pedigree, which is a guarantee of their purebredness.

Such a dog will subsequently be able to take part in exhibitions or can be used for purebred breeding.

But it is worth considering that pedigree does not guarantee that the puppy will grow up to be an ideal pet - this is influenced by factors such as proper maintenance, nutrition, training, etc.

Attention! By purchasing a young dog from a kennel with an unverified reputation, you risk becoming the owner of a “defective” pet.

The animal should be purchased at the age of 2-2.5 months, but not earlier. Until this moment, puppies of dwarf breeds, including Pomeranians and Wolfspitz , still need mother's milk and her care.

It will be very good if you have the opportunity to observe the baby and his behavior for several hours.

The puppy should have a healthy appearance, moderate fatness and shiny coat. All his movements should radiate confidence.

Healthy puppies are always very inquisitive, playful and steady on their feet.

Pictured is an Affenpinscher puppy

Choosing a puppy

There are few puppies in one litter - no more than four, so when choosing, it is worth looking at all the babies. A good indicator would be that all puppies are the same size and weight. One weak one is the norm.

• The puppy's coat should not have receding hairline, bald spots, or unpleasant odor.
• Pay attention to the bite and the complete set of teeth.
• Curiosity, sniffing, and attempting to defend territory by barking loudly are natural behaviors for puppies. If babies are lethargic and inactive, something is wrong.
• Look at the parents: many indicators of exterior and character are inherited, to one degree or another.
• A professional breeder will respond affirmatively to the request to “monitor” the puppy in the first year - this indicates that the person cares about his business, excluding the option of commercial breeding “anyhow.”

Features of care

A dog of this breed is intended exclusively for apartments and houses. The Affenpinscher is not suitable for keeping in an outdoor kennel.

Pets need:

• combing;
• bathing;
• daily walking;
• balanced diet.

With proper maintenance, the dog will have a beautiful, well-groomed appearance and good health.

Puppies also need ear and tail docking, which is done between 2 and 5 months of age. This will require an experienced veterinarian.

Black dogs should not stay in the sun for long periods of time to avoid overheating.

Hygiene

The Affenpinscher needs regular brushing (at least twice a week) with a Furminator to prevent tangles. To remove dead fur and dirt, wipe the pet with a damp towel or mitten after walks.

Bathing is carried out no more often than once every four weeks using specialized shampoos.

Cropped ears of a pet require constant care: they must be cleaned periodically.

You can read about how to properly clean dogs' ears here:

Gently wipe the eyes with damp cotton pads.

It is recommended to trim the hair around the animal's eyes, as otherwise it can lead to vision problems. It is also important to remove ear hair. If this is not done, the dog may become deaf.

Once a week it is necessary to brush your teeth with a brush or a finger attachment. To prevent the formation of plaque, a piece of fresh tomato is included in the animal’s diet.

Nails are trimmed once every four weeks using a nail clipper designed for small dog breeds.

Maintenance and care

The inquisitive and reactive Affenpinscher does not need spacious apartments - an average apartment is enough for him, in which there is enough space for his bowl and bed, as well as for the owner’s sofa. The breed also does not require any specific equipment, with the exception of an indoor enclosure, which is necessary for those cases when the puppy will have to be left completely alone. But the Affen really needs toys: at a young age - for development and practicing commands, in adulthood - for relaxation.

Hygiene

According to the English Kennel Club standard, the Affenpinscher has a coarse coat 2.5 cm long, which does not require trimming. However, in practice, dogs have to be pinched, because the rare Affen has a perfect coat by nature. Once every few months, it is necessary to remove the “overripe” wool, and this can be done manually (stripping) or using a stripping knife. It is not recommended to get too carried away with the process and pluck out all the loose hair. The specialty of the breed is precisely its shaggy appearance, and too careful trimming will only worsen the situation.

The hair on the Affenpinscher's face is lightly trimmed with scissors, giving the head a ball shape. Pets' beards are also shortened for hygiene purposes. By lowering its head into the bowl, the dog will not stain the hair on the lower jaw, and accordingly, the owner will not have to constantly wipe the pet’s chin. However, this method will not work with show animals, just like stripping - Affenpinschers that clearly show signs of recent trimming or haircut are fined in the rings.

It is better to shorten the hair on the inside of the dog’s ear, as well as in the anal area. If the dog is overgrown, it is useful to remove excess vegetation in the eye area that obscures the animal’s view. Three times a week, it is recommended to comb the affena with a medium-tooth comb, which will remove dead hair, and then massage it with a brush.

Frequent bathing, especially on the eve of an exhibition, is contraindicated for Affenpinschers, but once every 3-4 months the pet can be washed using shampoo and conditioner for wire-haired breeds. Dogs' nails are trimmed once every 4-6 weeks, and teeth are brushed once every 7 days. The dog's eyes must be examined daily, and once a week they must also be wiped with a textile napkin moistened with chilled tea infusion.

Examination of the ears is also a mandatory procedure. If a decent amount of sulfur deposits have accumulated inside the funnel, it should be carefully removed with a cloth soaked in disinfectant lotion. However, you should not go to extremes and clean your ear until it shines. A small amount of sulfur is necessary for the animal, as it prevents the penetration of sand, debris and other microscopic foreign bodies deep into the organ.

Walk

The Affenpinscher loves walks, and it is cruel to deprive him of this pleasure. It is best to take your pet out to breathe in the morning and evening, combining promenades with elements of games and honing sports skills. If you are walking in places where there is a high probability of meeting other dogs, keep an eye on the pulse and do not let your pet off the leash. When communicating with their fellow tribesmen, Affens behave cockily and defiantly, possessing a real talent for starting conflicts, so a leash will help them retreat from the battlefield in time and extinguish an impending quarrel.

Owners who let their Affenpinschers out for a walk in the courtyard of a private house and rely on the prudence of their pets will have to be a little disappointed - if they notice the slightest hole in the fence, the Affenpinscher will certainly seep through it. So either supervise the dog yourself or ensure a secure, frequent fence. Remember also that on hot days the breed suffers from overheating, which is facilitated by a thick coat of rich dark color. In summer, take your Affenpinscher outside in the early morning or late evening, or try to stay in the shade if the heat catches you in the middle of a walk around the city.

Feeding

The main diet of Affenpinschers from foreign nurseries is dry and wet industrial food of at least super-premium class. Natural nutrition for the breed is also not contraindicated, but it will have to be “strengthened” with purchased vitamins and mineral complexes. The Affen menu consists of products that are beneficial to all dogs, namely: any lean meat, sea fish fillet, kefir and low-fat cottage cheese, and a quail egg (once a week). Sometimes you can diversify your diet with cereal porridges - rice and buckwheat, but they should be cooked with the addition of meat.

Food from the master's table, including processed meats, baked goods and sweets, is not given to Affenpinschers. But since in the process of training a pet it is necessary to stimulate it with treats, sometimes you have to deviate from this rule. In this case, a piece of cheese, dried fruits (not candied fruits), and rye crackers can be positive reinforcement. Not all vegetables are good for dogs, so if you decide to add vitamins to your pet’s diet, let them come from pumpkin crops, as well as carrots, cucumbers and beets. Once a week, it is useful to add a drop of flaxseed or olive oil, as well as chopped kelp, to your dog’s meal.

Walk

The Affenpinscher is a very active dog that needs regular walks. As a rule, the animal is walked in the morning and evening.

Important! During walks, your pet must be kept on a leash using a harness , as it can attack another animal.

During walks, you need to stage active games with elements of training for your pet.

Affenpinschers have an unbridled passion for high-altitude obstacles: they happily climb trees and fences, so the owner needs to be especially careful while walking.

For such dogs it is recommended to use agility. This article will tell you what it is and how to use it.

Character

Despite their slightly shabby appearance at first glance, they are not short of arrogance and stubbornness. At heart, these creatures are true aristocrats with frequent despotism. It is important to understand that this breed should not be selected based on external characteristics, as it requires special attention from the owner.

This small wire-haired dog has expressive facial expressions and seems almost like a toy. But the character of this seemingly miniature animal is like that of an adult fighting dog. He is fearless, vigilant and absolutely devoted to his master. Moreover, often the dog itself does not understand at all that it is much smaller than its opponent, and therefore rushes straight into battle without fear or reproach. That is, the breed is distinguished by:

• Absolute fearlessness;
• Stubbornness;
• Some despoticism;
• Moderate activity and increased cheerfulness;
• Jealousy;
• Excitement;
• Playfulness;
• The desire for dominance;
• Devotion and tenderness towards family;
• Wariness towards strangers.

But it is worth noting that the Affenpinscher is not at all an evil Ripper who bites everything he can reach. In fact, he also has a lot of fun, excitement and enthusiasm.

But it is important to note that the dog can have an extraordinary degree of jealousy towards the owner. He will not tolerate competition and even children can irritate him, especially if he decides that he is not receiving enough attention. Therefore, the animal has a hard time coping with loneliness, becoming destructive to the environment.

This dog is focused more on one owner, and it rather tolerates others in its life and only sometimes spoils them with a good mood.

Another feature of the miniature dog is his unshakable confidence in his person and correctness in general. If the Affenpinscher has decided that he is the master of the house and family, then it will be very difficult to convince him of this. That is why any attempts at dominance are suppressed from the first months.

If we talk about the positive traits of the breed, then the owners usually note kindness and cheerfulness. It's never boring with them. And, despite the dwarfism of the breed, the dog in any situation will rush to protect its family with special zeal and fury. The owners of this dog say that it is impossible to find a better family partner if you had an Affenpinscher.

Photo: wikimedia.org

Nutrition

"Dwarf monkeys" are not picky eaters, but are very gluttonous. It is important to ensure that your pet does not overeat, otherwise this can lead to obesity.

You can feed your animal either premium dry food There is also a black list of foods that are contraindicated for Affenpinschers. It includes:

• raw pork;
• legumes;
• potato;
• bones;
• river fish species;
• smoked and sweet foods.

The diet must be balanced and contain proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates in the required proportions for a small breed.

It is necessary to include vegetables, cereals, and fruits in the animal’s daily diet. The dog should get protein from eggs, sea fish, offal and lean meat.

Cottage cheese and fermented milk products are sources of calcium for your pet.

The dog of this breed is in excellent health

Description and features

It is very difficult not to be charmed by the Affenpinscher dog . She is small but mischievous. Her appearance is non-standard, it is captivating. Fans of exotic dog breeds often choose this one. What attracts them so much to this cute creature? Perhaps inexhaustible energy.

The animal is incredibly active; it rarely rests, even after prolonged physical exertion. His goal is to get as many different emotions as possible, preferably positive ones.

But, in search of “home adventures,” the cute, mischievous dog often gets into trouble. For example, he can chase a cat and crash into a sideboard, breaking a mountain of dishes, or jump onto the windowsill from the sofa, demolishing the houseplants standing there.

The path to the formation of the breed was long and interesting. It is still unclear exactly who should be thanked for its standardization. What is known is that the parameters of a dog’s exterior were clearly defined only in the 20th century, after the end of World War II.

The original purpose of the breed is to find and kill rats living in private homes. Rodents have always been a problem for humanity. They destroyed buildings, destroyed food supplies and carried diseases, the spread of which led to pandemics.

All this was a reason for inventing a small living “weapon” against them. But mice and rats are not the only representatives of the fauna that the Affenpinscher could poison. The dog was actively exploited by hunters for forest baiting of pheasants, quails and even rabbits.

Today, this dog is almost never used for hunting. Pinschers make wonderful pets. They do not allow people to lose heart, they surround them with their care and give them positive energy. That is, such dogs perform sociable tasks.

The domestication of the breed led to the fact that it almost completely suppressed the bloodthirsty instinct that awakens at the sight of rodents. Many Affenpinschers will happily play with house mice and rats without hurting them.

The birthplace of the animal is Germany. Since its inception, it has gained wide popularity among farmers. Of course, it was useless to exploit such a dog as a shepherd. But, in addition to baiting mice, she coped with the security task very well.

The miniature size of the animal became a reason for the highest nobility to pay attention to it. It was prestigious to have such a pet at home. Men went with him for a walk, and ladies for social gatherings. By the way, the Affenpinscher breed is perfect for hand carrying. It is light and compact.

Vaccinations

To prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases, as well as rabies and leptospirosis, the animal is vaccinated . The procedure is prescribed subcutaneously, starting at six weeks of age.

Before vaccination, the pet must be absolutely healthy, free from helminths, fleas and other parasites.

On the eve of vaccinations, the animal is not washed or subjected to physical stress. The event is carried out on an empty stomach.

After vaccination, it is advisable to refrain for 1.5-2 weeks from visiting places with a concentration of animals.

Character and intelligence

The Affenpinscher's temperament is restless and inquisitive. This dog loves to communicate and be the center of attention. But despite its playfulness and cheerful character, the pet can be very naughty. He can play endlessly with children, but does not tolerate disrespectful treatment.

Affen is very loyal to his owner. Despite his miniature size, he fearlessly rushes to protect his loved ones, even if his opponent is many times larger. The breed has excellent watchdog qualities and is very cocky. Affens are wary of strangers. If there are other animals in the house, there is no guarantee that the dog will get along with them. She should always feel dominant.

The animal does not tolerate separation from its owner very well, this affects its behavior and health. But he handles travel easily. Therefore, you can take it with you on long trips.