Thursday 16 February 2012

Monkey Dogs



Today I thought I would tell you a bit more about affenpinschers as they are not as well known as us schnauzers but they are a very old breed of dog. The breed originated in Germany and their name means monkey dog. (Affe is German for monkey) They are thought to be one of the oldest breed of toy dogs going back to the sixteenth century. They are pictur



Affenpinschers were used as ratters but they also became much loved pets as they are very good at making people laugh with their comic antics. My brother Crybbe is a master at comedy especially in his training class doing little bows and twirls instead of obeying the commands and sitting and looking at the instructor with his head on one side.



Affenpinschers can have pricked ears like Crybbe or drop ears like my little sister Aoife. Crybbe was not born with pricked ears though. Here is a picture of him on Christmas Day at 4 months old.



But when he grew older his ears gradually went up - first one then the other!

Affenpinschers are now not a common breed at all even in Germany. The highest number of dogs is probably in the USA. Affenpinschers were introduced into the UK first in the 1890s but only in ones and twos. The breed did not really begin to be established until the 1970s and even now there are only about 100 puppies registered a year with the Kennel Club. It is thought we miniature schnauzers have affenpinschers in our breeding from years ago when the standard schnauzer was cross bred to reduce its size and make a smaller dog suitable for city living and to be a companionable pet.




Affenpinschers are intelligent dogs and can be trained to work as medical alert dogs. The picture above shows Crybbe who has worked as a Pets As Therapy dog visiting nursing homes to cheer up the residents! But some dogs are trained to work as assistants to people with a medical condition that could put their life at risk and one affenpinscher is working in Exeter with his diabetic owner Eileen Reed to help keep her well. Click on the link to read their story!






Affenpinschers are uaually between 10-11" tall (24-28 cm) and weigh around 8-9lbs (4 kg) In the UK their coat is always black although it can go grey at quite a young age.  They are judged in the Toy Group at dog shows.

Affenpinschers are not the dog for all people though. They may be small but they want to be top dog! They will protect their food and their toys by any means possible and are not slow to nip anyone who tries to steal them whether dog or human!


Aoife at 9 weeks old defending her toys

But they are fun to live with most of the time :-) and I wouldn't want to be without my little sister really;


16 comments:

  1. Wow, affenpinchers are such amazing little dogs, we never knew it meant monkey dog ;)

    Thanks for filling us in! :)

    Slobbers
    xxx

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  2. I always knew that the affenpinscher had a role in the production of us, and they are so cute. I think mum would like one but there is no way dad dad will allow another dog into our pack. I'm kinda happy being the only one - I get all the attention and spoiling! Love that last picture magic!!

    Tail Wuggles, Rubie

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  3. Great informational post about affenpinchers. I love that last picture of you and Aoife!

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  4. Interesting! I did not know much about them. Thanks!

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  5. Hi Y'all,

    My Human just LOVES that last picture of you with your sister.

    As a retriever I'm taught to "give up" anything and everything I have or that's in my mouth. I doubt my Human would know what to do if I suddenly wouldn't give something up.

    Guess my status as TOP DOG, well only dog, is secure.

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  6. Thanks, we didn't know much about Affies and don't know any except yours.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  7. OMD that is pawsome info! Now I know somethin new!

    woos, Tessa

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  8. Ooh, my people are thinking about getting me an Affenpinscher puppy this spring! They just love the little monkey faces.

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  9. i love dog history!! especiallly any breed that is a part of the schnauzer. also love how there is one in the painting, i never noticed there was even a dog in it.

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  10. That was very interesting. We were not familiar with the breed, so thank you!

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  11. Sooo interesting! Thanks for sharing!
    Stewey

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  12. Awww, what a cute last photo. You guys look adorable together.

    Thanks for sharing. Affenpinschers are a gorgeous breed.

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  13. Love this post Magic, thanks, Monkey dog, great little name for cute looking dogs. And we love that photo of toy guarding, really proud pose there!

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  14. That is really interesting information and I really liked that beautiful historical painting. I think the Monkey Dog looks really unique. And comical, they make me laugh without having to do anything! Oh, thanks so much for tagging me, really appreciate....^_^

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  15. Thanks for all the info about Monkey dogs! Our Momster really loves them and would love us to have one too but the Pop says a big No :-( So, it's lovely to read all about your little Monkeys instead! Thanks for the tagging Magic, we have had a few days away from the PC so will get on with that this week, Dex and Lou xxx

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  16. Heheeh ! I like the kind of dishelves look about this breed Affenoinschers ! specially when all the hair is all over his face and you cant hardly see their eyes !

    Enjoy the rest of the week !

    Woof all the way from myfurryplace in cambodia

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