Affenpinscher - description of the breed and character of the dog

Mini - dog originally from Germany was previously kept in order to catch rats. But today it is a small fluffy pet with the sweetest appearance is purchased as a pet.

From the history of the breed

This breed is first mentioned in the 18th century. Outwardly, this dog is very similar to a little fluffy monkey. The ancestors of these animals are very similar to the modern representatives of the breed. They were much larger. Of modern affenpinchers, very few individuals vaguely resemble their old ancestors. These changes have occurred thanks to many years of breeding. Great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers differed in their size and could afford the colors of those that today are considered unacceptable.

This breed was bred for the purpose of extermination of rodents.The relatives of the affinchpins are the miniature schnauzers and the Belgian griffins. Therefore, their appearance is similar to a dwarf schnauzer specific beard and mustache. However, the muzzle is very similar in general terms terrier.

The miniature friend is obliged by the Belgian breeders. Despite its funny look, affenpinscher is no fluffy living toy. This is a clever and intelligent animal, possessing courage and courage. Of course, the furry comrade does not cause fear, but can bring itself to respect. He can fearlessly stand up for his master and stand up for himself, while not caring at all about the size of the enemy.

Even with its charming appearance, affenpinscher did not become a fashionable trendy dog ​​like a sneeze, for example. Most people do not consider them aesthetically attractive pets.Although this little dog combines excellent external data, compact size, courage and high intelligence.

Characteristics

Often when describing the breed they are compared with monkeys. Many call these dogs close relatives of terriers. And all thanks to the external similarity with the dogs of this breed. You can understand this by reading the description of the breed closer:

• Very thick eyebrows.
• Cropped eyebrows.
• Docked tail.

In general, this miniature dog is very harmoniously folded. A distinctive feature of the affenpincher is the habit of proudly raising his head, as if he exalts himself over all others.

Torso
Small sizes. Height at the withers is no more than 25 - 28 cm. The weight of an adult individual is no more than 4 kg. Build strong, stocky.

The disadvantages are:

• Too coarse bone or vice versa easy.
• Weak development of muscles.
• The deviation of growth is more than 2 cm from the generally accepted standard, no matter in what direction.

Head
Small in size. Proportional to the body. Set high. The skull is round, but not dome-shaped.The shape of the forehead is convex and wide. The lower jaw is slightly wider than the upper jaw, and slightly protrudes, emphasizing the rounded chin.

The disadvantages are:

• head too big or too small;
• pronounced cheekbones;
• elongated muzzle;
• weak pigmentation on the nose, lips, eyelids.

Paws
Strong and straight with well developed muscles. According to the cat type. The forearms are parallel to each other. Flexion joints look strictly back, they are at right angles to the hind limbs.

The ends of the paws are small in size, turned forward. The claws and paw pads are black.

Disadvantages:

• X-shaped paws;
• too short or too long.

Stomach. Moderately fit. A too-drawn or rounded belly is considered a disadvantage.

Ears. Small size. Set high and elevated in the area of ​​cartilage. Too soft cartilage of the ears, raised or vice versa hanging ears, are a disadvantage.

Eyes. Medium size. Round shape. Dark color. Should not be light in color. Strabismus is unacceptable.

Wool cover. Thick and hard guard hair of different lengths on different parts of the body with a soft and short undercoat.

Colors. Dark.Most often black or gray. There are white, silver and red colors, combined with black patches or darker undercoat.

Content with other animals

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their mobility and vigor. But they are extremely loyal to their owners and friendly towards all members of the family in which they live. Affenpinchery very curious, but a little stubborn. They like to receive an increased dose of attention from others, to feel care, love and admiration.

Relations with pets at these lovely animals are not very good relations. Especially they do not like the representatives of the cat family. Most likely, they are simply afraid of them. But when living in the house of affenpincher, the need for cats disappears by itself. After all, this small, sweetest dog is a great rat-catcher. By the way, it is just perfect for those who do not like cats and rodents.

It is worth noting that rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and rats to keep with it is also not the best idea. After all, it can end up badly enough for rodents.

But they have a heightened sense of responsibility for all members of the family in which this little dog lives. Despite its modest size, it will with great enthusiasm protect the house from strangers.

Taking into account the attachment of affenpinchers to their human friends, it is very undesirable to leave them alone for a long time. If this is a necessary measure, then it is worth entrusting your pet to friends or acquaintances.

Character traits

Like all miniature dogs, affenpinscher grasps everything on the fly. They are quite patient with other pets and tend to forgive them all. This character trait must be taken into account by the owners. Usually, other animals turn a blind eye to the antics of affinpinchers, but their patience is also not unlimited. Of course, this trait requires increased attention from the owner of the dog and a certain upbringing of the pet.

In fact, the affenpinscher is a rather capricious dog. They can be jealous of the owner even to the children. Therefore, they are not the best friends of the little ones. But with more adults (older than 10 years) get along just fine.They tend to be hostile to guests in the house and encroachment on private property. But they are very perky and playful, prone to various pranks and will never refuse to play. Smart enough, understand the intonation of the owners and their mood. Sometimes they are obsessive and addictive, that not all dog lovers will like it.

Due to their intellectual abilities, they are perfectly amenable to training and teaching teams. They quickly socialize and get used to new conditions.

Care and maintenance

Grooming
Their scalp requires increased attention. To avoid knocking the wool into clumps, they must be combed at least 2-3 times a week. The remains of wool must be removed from the body of the animal with a wet hand or a special glove. It can get the dog in the eyes and lead to inflammation, which will cause an unpleasant sensation of itching and cracking in the pet. It is best to cut the hair around the eyes with a special trimmer. This can be done in the cabin and independently. The procedure is simple if you learn to carry it out correctly.

During the link in the hot season, you can make your pet a beautiful haircut. Today it is a popular procedure. It is worth noting that it also has a positive effect on the state of health of the animal in the heat and during periods of intense molting. Yes, and the owner himself, this will greatly facilitate life, eliminating the smutting of sofas, carpets and clothing.

The walks
This active dog is unlikely to give up long daily walks. But too exhausting travel is not for affenpinscher. They get tired quickly because their small size requires a lot of effort to travel long distances. This animal is contraindicated independent walking. They may suffer from larger and stronger members of the animal world and become a victim of cruel people. Walking affenpincher need only on a leash. It is best to teach them to a certain schedule, which is convenient for the owners.

Important! Due to their curiosity, these animals are often injured when trying to climb a tree, fence or bushes.

Nutrition
It plays an important role in the life of dogs of this breed. Meal, in principle, they love, especially if the product came to taste.The owner is simply obliged to monitor the amount and quality of food consumed by the pet, so that it does not cause excess weight and other possible health problems.

In food, they are not picky and can eat everything - in the literal sense. It is required to make a diet in advance and control the amount of food consumed by a pet. You can feed affenpincher with high-quality dry food or standard food. It all depends on the preferences of the owner. If the dog eats natural food, you need to know the list of products that are not worth giving.

Prohibited Products:

• sweets and desserts;
• fatty meat and lard;
• smoked meat and pickles;
• pastry;
• chocolate;
• alcohol;
• potatoes.

In the diet of the animal must necessarily be present: meat, lean fish without bone, cereals, boiled vegetables. Therefore, the animal is best fed with its own food, excluding products from the prohibited list. Meat is best chicken, turkey or beef.

In the diet of puppies it is necessary to include fermented milk products: kefir, yogurt (homemade), sour cream, cottage cheese. During growth, a fast-growing animal organism requires many beneficial effects.substances that get into it with food. Additionally, you can include in the diet complex vitamins for puppies.

Do not neglect cereals, they have a lot of nutrients, moreover, they are simply necessary for dogs as a source of fiber. Preference should be given: oatmeal, buckwheat, corn, rice. It is undesirable to give the dog: manna, millet, wheat porridge.

Eyes
They, as a rule, very often act as an identifier for the health of the dog. When the eyes are clear and shiny, you should not worry about the pet's health. If the animal’s gaze is sad and drooping, then by itself it can signal that it is not very moody. In diseases of the eye can become inflamed, sunken, tearing appears. Therefore, when the pet's eyes began to look different, you should show it to the vet.

Caring for the eyes is very simple. They need to be inspected periodically in daylight and once a week to wipe with a decoction of chamomile with a cotton pad.

Paws and claws
Affenpinscher, as a rule, do not really need long claws. Once a month they can be trimmed at the vet or on their own.This is done as a prophylactic measure so that the accidentally hooked claw does not cause the dog to feel uncomfortable.

Some owners cut claws with animals so that they do not knock them on the floor or in order to protect things in the house from damage. This procedure, when properly performed, is painless and completely safe for the animal. It has many advantages, but not required.

If the animal cracks paws, you should show it to the vet. Most likely, he simply does not have enough vitamins. Wounds must be treated with antiseptic, and then moistened with a cream or cosmetic oils: sea buckthorn, almond, olive and others.

Teeth cleaning
Teeth affenpinecher, as a rule, quite strong. To maintain their health until the elderly dog, it is necessary to feed him balanced and fully. Of the other preventive measures - only cleaning. It is required to be carried out 1-2 times a week and it is necessary to teach a pet to this procedure from an early age.

Health and life expectancy

Affenpicher can not be called long-livers.The life span of this cute animal is about 12 years. Given the several centuries of breeding this breed, its representatives have acquired quite good health. As a rule, characteristic diseases in affenpincherov not traced. But due to their small size and excessive activity, they are often injured. In the first place, limbs are injured, on which the dog jumps from a great height, but other parts of the body may suffer. Therefore, with a pet you need to be extremely attentive and somewhat limit its activity.

Purchase

It is necessary to treat the purchase of an animal very seriously. In principle, this breed of dogs does not require any special conditions of detention. They may well live in a small apartment and do not occupy much space in it. However, you should consider in advance what angle your pet should take so that he can retire there and feel comfortable.

These little dogs can walk on the tray. However, in order for affenpincher to teach him to walk, the dog’s toilet must be in the house before the pet appears in it. A special tray for cats is quite suitable for a small animal.whose top has a grille. This will help keep the paws clean and dry after the reign of natural need.

It is necessary to clearly determine in advance the sex of the animal, and determine for yourself exactly how it should be. Then you can start searching. This breed is not very common in the CIS countries, but finding nurseries in large cities will not be difficult. Of course, it is better to turn to professional breeders with a good reputation, because such a four-legged friend is not cheap, and the little puppies are all very cute. Having run into an unscrupulous seller, there is a chance to buy the sweetest pooch at the price of a purebred dog.

The price for puppies of this breed is quite decent and starts from 400 American dollars. But, if the animal has good pedigree data and value in breeding, then the cost of it will quickly pay for itself. Showing affenpincher at exhibitions and earning rewards, you can get hold of not just a four-way friend, but a pet who earns money on himself.

Video: dog breed affenpinscher