Читать книгу Affenpinscher - Jerome Cushman - Страница 7

This Affenpinscher uses his agile front limbs to give his Bedlington Terrier friend a hug.

“Look at that scruffy little dog! Isn’t that an adorable face?”

“That’s so ugly, it’s cute. What kind of dog is that?”

“Look at him prancing around, just like a little old man!”

People who own, exhibit and breed the Affenpinscher hear these kinds of comments all the time. This relatively uncommon, but old, breed is slowly gaining respect by the dog fancy and the public as well. One experienced dog enthusiast, after living with and showing his first Affenpinscher, was heard to say, “This breed is the best-kept secret in the dog world, and I hope it stays that way.” The Affenpinscher has a small but loyal following in North America and Europe. Its history and development as a respected member of the canine community is an interesting but unfamiliar story.

WHAT IS THE AFFENPINSCHER?

This German tot is a clever, sturdy little dog who loves to frolic with his master in almost any kind of environment. The Affen, which is the nickname that many friends of the breed use, adapts well to a variety of living arrangements, from small city apartments to lavish homes with acres of land in which to romp. The word Affen, in the German language, means to ape or to mock. From this it came to mean monkey-like behavior or appearance. Therefore, the name is often translated as “monkey terrier.” Interestingly, both its looks and actions are reflected in this name. The viewer quickly gets a decidedly “simian” impression from his scruffy whiskers and eyebrows, which frame the full, dark and intense eyes. This image is reinforced by an Affen’s willingness to walk or hop on his hind legs and bat the air with his front paws in a comical dance. The inquisitive tilting head and the devilish stare, followed by a sudden dashing off in a playful gallop, can’t help but bring a smile to an observer’s face. Because of the penetrating stare and these mischievous antics, the breed is called the “Diablotin Moustachu” or the “mustached little devil” in France. The distinctive round head with full, dark eyes, short muzzle, slightly undershot lower teeth, pouting mouth and hard shaggy coat are important characteristics for the typical “monkey-like terrier.”

The Affenpinscher is a toy breed ranging in height from 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder, ideally 10.25 inches. The body is moderately thick and square. The rib cage is generally more egg-shaped than barrel-shaped. The mature dog will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds. The back is short and level. The lengths of the upper and lower front legs are equal, and the legs are straight, not bowed or out at the elbows. The rear legs are straight, not cow-hocked, with moderate angulation. One health problem that affects many toy breeds is the luxation of the patella or the slipping of the kneecaps. This is a concern for some Affenpinscher breeders, and one needs to be aware that lameness in the rear legs may occur as a result of this genetic weakness.

In North America the colors of the coat include black, black and tan, gray, red, wild boar or belge, and all of these colors may have various shadings from light tan to dark red. The lighter-colored dogs may have black or dark gray masks. Generally, there are more black Affenpinschers than any other color. These black dogs often develop mixtures of white, reddish brown or gray hairs in their adult coats.

The coat quality has varying degrees of coarseness, depending upon the type of hair, its color and its care. Some coats are of a very hard texture, without much undercoat and with sparse furnishings. Some may have an abundance of undercoat and thick furnishings on the legs and head. Correct grooming and coat care will keep each of the extremes more suitable for the breed. Preference is for the hard coat with an undercoat that allows for full furnishings on the head and legs.

LOOKS LIKE A MONKEY…

The Affenpinscher uses his front paws with great dexterity, much like a monkey. He may hold his toys in his paws, use his paws to hold down another dog or put his paws around his owner’s neck. He also uses his paws to climb, and some Affenpinschers have been known to easily scale ladders.

The ears, which are set high, may be cropped to a point or left natural. The natural or uncropped ears usually tip forward but may also stand up erect. The tail can be docked or left long or natural. The docked tail on an adult is about 1–2 inches long, set and carried high. The undocked tail is carried curved, gaily up over the back when the dog is moving or is happy and attentive. The undocked and uncropped Affenpinscher presents a different overall image of the breed, but it should not be penalized in the show ring. In most of Europe the breed is required to be natural.

Showing properly cropped and high-set ears, this red Affenpinscher captures the breed’s monkey-like expression and ineffable appeal.

TERRIER ON DUTY

The Affenpinscher was originally bred to catch rats. This means that it does not share its home well with hamsters, gerbils or other rodent or rodent-like small pets. Regardless of how well behaved your pet may be, there are times when instinct takes over!

Today more than three-quarters of the Affenpinschers in America have natural or uncropped ears. Still, in the US and Canada one will see the majority of Affenpinschers in the show ring with docked tails. Even so, one of the breed’s top bitches has both natural ears and tail. Ch. Yarrow’s Lucy in the Sky, “Moraina,” as she is called, has a famous brother with natural ears (but a docked tail). He is “Cosmos,” the number-one Affenpinscher, formally Ch. Yarrow’s Super Nova. The all-natural Affenpinscher is steadily gaining popularity in America. Large or small, black or red, cropped and docked or natural, the Affenpinscher is a distinct and delightful breed.

FUNCTION AND TEMPERAMENT

The original function of the breed was that of a rodent killer in the kitchens, barns, stables and granaries. Some report that the Affen was used to flush out small game, also. Over the past three centuries the Affenpinscher has become a loved family companion who is willing to be dressed up in doll clothes by the young girls and pushed around in a baby carriage. But the dog is also willing to roughhouse in the yard or go chasing a ball with the boys. The breed’s flexible front quarters allow the playful pet to quickly pivot, scoop up a ball and literally toss it toward his master. Going for long walks or sitting on the sofa watching TV with the family, the Affenpinscher adapts and thrives with all kinds of human interaction. However, children under four years old or older children who do not respect the dog’s need for space and quiet time should not have an Affenpinscher. As with any small dog, uncontrolled little people can appear to be the enemy. Extra care should be taken to introduce the puppy into a family with young children.

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK TRAINING

When training an Affenpinscher for obedience or agility, you must make the training seem like play. This is a highly intelligent breed that rebels at harsh training methods—but that’s part of what makes training an Affenpinscher both fun and frustrating. As one writer said, “If you own a dog that looks and acts like a monkey, you better have a sense of humor.”

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 the original dog some confusion and jealousy that may result in a lapse in his training. Dogs are territorial and scent marking is in their nature. Humans must be vigilant and persistent to keep a clean and odor-free home.

CARE AND TRAINING

The breed as a whole is unaware of its diminutive size and is willing and eager to take on any foe. This can and has resulted in some horrible occurrences. However, this same self-confident ego also makes for its endearing and comical quality. Obviously, this breed needs to be kept under control—on a leash, fenced in the yard or in an exercise pen for its own safety.

Because of its diminutive size and trainability, the Affenpinscher makes a good apartment dweller, though strict and consistent training is essential to make sure the Affenpinscher is an acceptable house pet. Of course, housebreaking is a necessity, and this requires patience, determination and consistency. There are reports of apartment dogs that have learned to use a cat litter box. The breed is very clever and can often outsmart its owners with all kinds of cute diversions.