top of page
Search

Dog of the Week: Meet the Affenpinscher – The Fearless “Monkey Dog”

Updated: Dec 8, 2024

This is a quirky, spunky, small, stubborn and mighty mustached little deviled dog! For 7-12 pound of scruff this dog has a protruding lower lip that results in this breed to look like they are pouting. This is a Toy breed that can adapt to just about any environment.


This breed can be tracked back as far as the 17th century in Germany. Bred as a "ratter" meaning they were bred to kill vermin populations in homes. The Affenpinsher is known for the breeds appearance in "Luncheon of the Boating Party" a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir:

This breed is known for their shaggy (black, belge, tan, grey, silver, or red) coats that must be kept by weekly stripping to prevent the coat from becoming matted or untamed. How to groom an Affenpinscher:

  1. Gently break apart any matted sections of fur

  2. Use a 'slicker' brush to remove knots or loose hairs

  3. Use a 'greyhound' comb to smooth out the fur

  4. Use a 'stripping knife' to shorten the length of the fur & blend the fur along the body

  5. Trim hairs around the anus, around nose, around eyes

  6. Trim nails & give bath

Affenpinscher's are known for many inherited diseases:

  1. Patellar luxation - a common injury in smaller dogs that causes the dogs knee to bend inwards

  2. Canine follicular dysplasia - a genetic condition that causes hair loss or abnormal hair growth

  3. Cushing's disease -a common endocrine disorder that affects middle-aged and senior dogs in producing an excessive amount of cortisol from the adrenal glands

  4. Trachea/windpipe disorder - a respiratory condition that causes the tracheal rings and cartilage to collapse resulting in breathing problems

  5. Acute kidney failure - an abrupt decline in the kidney's functions

It's important to ask the breeder or shelter about medical history of the dog and the parents of the dog (if known). You should also ask about the policy the breeder or shelter has if serious genetic diseases occur in later in the dogs life.

Comments

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: By booking a session with Trained2Listen K-9, you acknowledge and accept that dog training and behavior modification work are not without risk to yourself, family members, strangers, and other pets. You waive your rights to any claim against Trained2Listen K-9, including its trainers, and release Trained2Listen K-9 from any and all liability of any nature for injury or damage resulting from the action of any dog, whether your own or someone else’s. You expressly assume the risk of any such damage or injury while attending a training session, function, or event, wherever the activity takes place.

In consideration of and as inducement towards the acceptance of your booking with Trained2Listen K-9, you hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Trained2Listen K-9 from any and all claims (including claims by a stranger, by you, or by any person accompanying you to a training session, wherever it may be located) arising out of any action by any dog, whether your own or somebody else’s, including without limitation responsibility for all damages, expenses, and legal fees. By booking a session, you agree to abide by Trained2Listen K-9’s Dog Training Liability Waiver and any further recommendations and advice Trained2Listen K-9 may provide during our professional agreement.

bottom of page