The Affenpinscher’s compact size and endearing personality make it hard to stop at owning just one. This is Mrs. Margaret Boulcott from Scotland with a quartet of Affens, two of which are Flo-Star imports.
Generally, this breed is a wonderful companion. It travels well and can accompany the family almost anywhere and by almost any means of transportation. In an adequately sized dog crate, a soft-sided doggie carrying case with a net covered opening, or any small pet-carrying case, as long as his master or mistress is near, the Affen makes a quiet and easy traveling companion.
The Affenpinscher makes an alert, intelligent and amusing pet. His personality well suits his whimsical, monkey-like appearance and the twinkle in his eyes. Imagine, if you will, a dog that loves to throw and chase his own toys, using his front paws as hands. If you laugh at his antics, your Affenpinscher will perform even more enthusiastically for your entertainment. It is quite common for him to accompany his play with a great deal of enthusiastic racing around and barking, although retrieving is not something that generally comes naturally. One of the funniest things we’ve ever observed was an Affenpinscher attacking a wind-up stuffed dog that walked, barked and flipped over. With this in mind, child’s toys are best kept out of the dog’s reach, and all of the Affen’s toys should be checked carefully for suitability. Toys with small parts or materials inside that could injure the dog if ingested should be avoided or allowed only with supervision.
A natural performer, the Affenpinscher brings both fun and challenges to your training sessions with his comical antics.
Another characteristic of this breed is its independence, which sometimes verges on aloofness. The Affenpinscher has a great sense of its own self-importance, which is comical in a breed so small and endearingly bedraggled.
This delightful little creature also makes an excellent watchdog, barking vociferously as his first line of defense if he feels his territory is being invaded (even by the postman). Originally bred to guard his domain from intruders, be they rodent, canine or human, an Affenpinscher will still defend his property (including his owners) fearlessly.
It is likely that the Affen will bond most closely to one member of your family. While he is generally a quiet and affectionate companion, he is likely to become extremely excited and aggressive if he perceives that he or his owners are being attacked. This means that you should be careful when introducing your pet to visitors, and make sure that he understands that they are welcome in his home. Speak to your dog softly and soothingly, and allow him to approach your visitors when he is ready, rather than forcing their attentions on him. He may feel insecure or become frightened if a stranger bends down to pet him. It is also not a good idea for a stranger to stare directly into your Affen’s eyes, as he may interpret this as a challenge.
Although Affens do have a terrier-like personality, they generally tend to get along with other dogs and pets (except for hamsters, guinea pigs and other rodent or rodent-like creatures, which they are likely to view as prey). This is especially true if they have been raised with other animals. However, you should expect that your Affenpinscher will want to monopolize all of your attention, pushing his way in if you are playing with or petting one of your other pets. Because your Affenpinscher might attack a strange dog that he perceives as a threat, even one much larger than he is, it is important to keep him on his leash in public places. Keeping him on leash is also important for preventing him from running off after something that incites his interest, possibly into danger.
The same characteristics that make the Affenpinscher such a good watchdog mean that he generally is not a suitable breed for people with small children, although there are exceptions to this rule. Affens tend to guard their food and toys and may nip a child who attempts to take something they see as their property or who pesters them when they are sleeping or otherwise occupied. It is best if youngsters outside the family be told not to pet your Affenpinscher, as he might feel threatened and snap at them. Although generally he will not bite hard enough to break the skin, he definitely will set limits on how much he allows himself to be handled. Children should also be discouraged from picking up your dog, as he might be injured if accidentally dropped. Additionally, a small child who is flailing his arms and legs about, screaming or running away might be perceived as prey by this breed, and an Affen will certainly go after what he thinks is prey.
At three years of age, this fun-loving Affenpinscher is Ch. Kyleakin Maid At Yarrow.
Because of his small size, the Affenpinscher is well suited to indoor life, even in a small apartment. The Affenpinscher thrives on the company of his human companions and tends to stay close to his owners, whether indoors or outside on a country walk (though he must be on leash for safety). This is not a dog meant to be left in the yard for hours on end or in a kennel. In fact, because he is such a great climber, he is likely to attempt to escape from any such confinement. If you use a pen or metal crate during house-training or to confine your dog when you are away, be certain that the pen or crate has a tight-fitting lid. We once knew a dog that hanged himself by pushing his head through a loose corner at the top of a pen and then was unable to get back down or out.
This lovely black female Affenpinscher is named Justyne (formally Ch. Hilane’s Just Look At Me), pictured here with handler Kim Wedling. Justyne lives in Canada with her owner, Sandra Lex.
Affenpinschers living indoors, as they should, do not become acclimated to winter temperatures. Therefore, when walking your Affenpinscher outdoors in cold weather, be sure to provide him with a warm jacket. Quality pet-supply shops will have a variety of “winter-wear” for your stylish Affenpinscher.
THE IRRESISTIBLE AFFEN
People who own and love the Affenpinscher can’t understand why, over the years, it has not become more popular. The following is a quotation taken from a “love letter” written by a new owner of an Affen puppy back to the breeder.
“We are totally, absolutely, hopelessly, all encompassingly in love with our little Meerschaum! From the first second we laid eyes on his little black shoe-button eyes with matching nose and all those funny, fluffy feathers sticking haphazardly from his face—his dear charming, lovely face—we were hopelessly in love. I have had puppies (who ultimately became dogs, of course) all my life but this charm bracelet is so good, it’s hard to believe he’s only four and a half months old!”
There are many anecdotes that reflect the character and temperament of this breed. One that comes to mind is the story of a woman who had just returned with her husband from a trip abroad. The next day she had become ill and was at home recuperating on the sofa while her husband was at work. Suddenly loud, angry barking coming from the next room awakened her. The two sleeping Labrador Retrievers barely stirred while the barks and growls of growing intensity from her young Affenpinscher forced her to investigate. As she entered the next room she saw an intruder who had climbed part way through the open window but was being held at bay by her little dog whose hackles were up and who was poised ready to attack. When she and the intruder’s eyes met, both abruptly turned, one towards the telephone, the other towards escape. Thank God for her little dog with his fearless determination! Obviously the intruder had been watching the house and assumed the inhabitants were still away. This woman believes that her little Affenpinscher probably saved her life.
One of the mottoes associated with this breed is “Affenpinschers —I’ll bet you can’t own just one!” Because they are so cute and small, new owners often want a playmate for their first dog. The introduction of a new puppy can cause
