| Affenpinscher | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Origin | Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||
TheAffenpinscher[a] is a Germanbreed of smalltoy dog ofPinscher type.[1]: 30 Originally developed as amouser, the Affenpinscher is now commonly found as acompanion worldwide.[2]
The word 'Affenpinscher' derives fromAffe, German for 'ape' or 'monkey'; it is sometimes translated as 'Monkey Terrier', although the dog is apinscher and not aterrier.[1]: 30 [3]
The origins of the Pinscher group of dogs are unknown.[4] Dogs of this type, both rough-haired and smooth-haired, were traditionally kept ascarriage dogs or as stable dogs, and so were sometimes known asStallpinscher; they were capableratters.[4] Until the late nineteenth century, both rough-haired and smooth-haired types were known as Deutscher Pinscher, and came from the same lineage; puppies of both types could occur in the same litter.[4]
In 1880 the Pinscher was recorded in theDeutschen Hundestammbuch of theVerein zur Veredelung der Hunderassen.[5] In 1895Ludwig Beckmann [de] described five varieties of Pinscher – the rough- and smooth-haired Pinscher, the rough- and smooth-haired Miniature Pinscher, and the Affenpinscher.[4][6]: 152 In 1895 abreed society, the Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub, was established for both types, both rough- and smooth-haired.[5]
Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600.[2] There were originally thought to be two sizes, the larger size is now extinct.[1]: 30 The larger size was approximately 30 to 33 centimetres (12 to 13 in), and came in colours of grey, fawn, black, tan, and red.[2] White feet and chests were also common.[2] The breed was created to be aratter in homes, working to remove rodents from kitchens, and also granaries and stables.[7] Early breeders crossed the various schnauzers and pinschers with the goal to create a mouser who also was a goodcompanion dog.[2] Some of the breeds that may have been included to produce the Affenpinscher arepugs,German pinschers,schnauzers and silky pinschers.[2]
The breed predates and is ancestral to theGriffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) andMiniature Schnauzer which was thought to be from affenpinschers crossed withstandard schnauzers in addition to other breeds.[8][1]: 30 The breed was recognised by the AKC in 1935 and the FCI in 1955.[9][10][11]
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Banana Joe V Tani Kazari,a.k.a. Joe, a five-year-old Affenpinscher, was namedBest in Show at the 2013Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.[12]
The Affenpinscher generally weighs 4–6 kg (9–13 lb) and stands some 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at thewithers.[10][11] It has a harsh rough coat when it is not clipped, but if clipped it can be softer and fluffier. It has a notable monkey-like expression (affe is German for monkey). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders, forming a mane, with a shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture when properly maintained. TheFédération Cynologique Internationale and BritishKennel Club breed standards specify that the coat must be black,[10][13] but theAmerican Kennel Club also allows grey, silver, red, black and tan, and beige (a mixture of red, brown, black and white hairs).[14]
Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. However, they are part of "Group 2, Section 1: Pinschers and Schnauzers" in theFCI classification, and not the terrier group.[15]
A UK study found a life expectancy of 9.3 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 forcrossbreeds[16]
The Affenpinscher is prone tohip dysplasia.[17] As with many small breeds of dog, they are prone tocollapsed trachea andluxating patella.[18] Some are prone to fractures, PDA, open fontanel and respiratory problems in hot weather. Ocular conditions such ascataracts are occasionally reported.[19] An emerging concern is syringomyelia, although the incidence is currently unknown.[20]
Bitches are more prone to seasonal flankalopecia, which seems to affect them during the winter.[21]
