Affenpinscher

Club: Affenpinscher Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Terry Graham
Address: 8386 Avalon Dr., Tallahassee, FL , 32305
Website: www.affenpinscher.org
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, "monkey-like terrier." The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. In France the breed is described as the "Diablotin Moustachu" or moustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. The total overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is more important than any individual characteristic. He is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance.

Size:

A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. Preferred height at the withers is 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 point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.

Coat:

Dense hair, rough, harsh, and about 1" in length on the shoulders and body. May be shorter on the rear and tail. Head, neck, chest, stomach and legs have longer, less harsh coat. The mature Affenpinscher has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. The longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard stands off and frames the face to emphasize the monkey-like expression. Hair on the ears is cut very short. A correct coat needs little grooming to blend the various lengths of hair to maintain a neat but shaggy appearance.

Temperament:

General demeanor is game, alert, and inquisitive with great loyalty and affection toward its master and friends. The breed is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor.

History:

One of the most ancient of toy dogs, the Affenpinscher (translated from German as Monkey-Terrier) originated in Central Europe. During the 17th century, small terriers were frequently kept around stables, on farms or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down in size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses' boudoirs.

The Affenpinscher is believed to have been a major influence in the development of many of the smaller rough-coated breeds of continental Europe, including the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer. The area around Munich, Germany, eventually became the heart of Affenpinscher breeding in Europe.

The breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1936.

Interesting Facts:

• The Affenpinscher is one of the most ancient of Toy dogs.
  
  
• In German, Affenpinscher means "Monkey Terrier."
  
  
• "Terrier-type" with a "monkey face", Affenpinschers are the bred-down versions of terriers designed to keep rodent populations to a minimum on stables and farms.
  
  
• The Affenpinscher is believed to have been a major influence in the development of many of the smaller rough-coated breeds of continental Europe, including the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer.
  
  
• The Affenpinscher was admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1936.
  
  
• The area around Munich, Germany, eventually became the heart of Affenpinscher breeding