LITMIR.BIZ

       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.