Questions to Ask Breeders

  1. Is the breeder in good standing with the AKC and ACA?
  2. Does the breeder participate in conformation and/or performance events?
  3. Health testing of parents? Are results available?
  4. Are in person visits available prior to selecting/purchasing?
  5. Results of puppy exams, shots or wormings?
  6. Are they microchipped?
  7. Are pups socialized to household noises, handling, different people surfaces, crate trained, car travel?
  8. Does breeder or puppy buyer select the pup?
  9. Age pup will leave the litter?
  10. Will the breeder take the puppy back, for any reason, during pup’s lifetime?
  11. Will breeder be available as an advisor?
  12. Will breeder provide references from vet and/or other puppy buyers?
  13. Does breeder provide AKC reg papers and 3 generation pedigree?
  14. Will breeder ship puppy or require direct pick-up?
  15. Does breeder only breed pets
  16. Are any restrictions and/or requirements placed on sale?

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ACA Breeder List Sign Up for Members

Attention ACA members:  If you would like to be included on the Club Breeder Referral List.

Please download and complete form and return as directed.

 

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Name of Breeder(s):


 

Breeder Guidelines

affenpinscherAccording to Section 1, Chapter 3 of AKC's Rules on Registration "The breeder of a dog is the person who owned the dam of that dog when the dam was bred..."

The owner of the female makes the decision to breed and selects the stud dog to use. Of course, the owner of the stud dog always has the right to refuse to breed it to any female.

Among the many reasons someone might have to breed his/her Affenpinscher, the best on of all is to bring the natural qualities of the Breed toward perfection. the purpose of the Affenpinscher Standard, as approved by the AKC, is to be used to promote a better understanding of the attributes of a "perfect" Affenpinscher. This is what all reputable breeders strive to achieve in every litter that they breed.

You DO NOT have to breed your Affenpinscher to be an Affen fancier. Many, many people are happy to purchase their Affens, enjoy them, and leave the breeding to others. Responsible breeding for those who decide to breed Affenpinschers requires more than simply complying with the AKC rules and understanding the Breed Standard. A breeder must be able to understand and recognize Affenpinscher "type."

Both stud dog and brood bitch should be of good quality and not have any serious faults. If either has a major fault or is unsound, mentally or physically, it should NOT be bred. The objective of the selection of the dogs to be bred should always be to produce puppies that are of better quality than the parents.

Careful examination of the pedigrees of both parents should reveal no obvious genetic disorders or defects. Inquire about the results of any genetic testing and/or problems that the stud dog or brood bitch or their littermates may have produced.

The above information should help you decide if your Affen should be used for breeding. You should try to learn all you can about the genetic background of your dog. Ask the breeders for input on each dog in the pedigree. Ask what genetic testing, if any, has been done and the results of the tests. Many of the genetic problems in dogs are caused by recessive genes.

Following are some of the tests that should be done BEFORE you consider using your Affenpinscher for breeding:

Hip Dysplasia - (x-ray) OFA certification of hips after 2 years of age. Preliminary x-rays may be done at an earlier age.

Luxating Patellas (slipping stifles) - Veterinary certification. Can also be registered with OFA.

CERF - eye checks.

Legg-Calves-Perthes - (x-ray) OFA certification after 1 year of age.

**Changes to CHIC requirements for Affenpinschers - effective June 1, 2024

Current requirements for Affenpinschers to be CHIC certified are OFA evaluation of Eyes and Stifles . The NEW requirements will include Eyes and Stifles, and in addition, Basic Cardiac screening and screening of Hips. This new CHIC will not be retroactive so if the dog is currently CHIC approved that will not change but will be noted as of June 1st to NOT include the additional testing. In order to update the CHIC rating, the dog will need to also be screened for Hips and Basic Cardiac.

The ACA Board approved this change in January 2023 but wanted to give members the time to get up to date screening completed.


You are required by the American Kennel Club to keep accurate records of all your dog breeding activities. For a copy of the pamphlet "Rules Applying to Registration and Dog Shows" you can write to:

The American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-696-8200
Fax: 212-696-8299
or on-line at www.akc.org

For further information about AKC registration, contact:

The American Kennel Club
5580 Centerview Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-233-9767
Fax: 919-233-3740
or on-line at www.akc.org

The OFA maintains a list of all Affenpinschers whose hip x-rays have been submitted and found to be either "fair," "good," or "excellent." The OFA's address is:

Orthopedic Foundation of Animals
2300 Nifong Blvd.
Columbus, MO 65201
Phone: 573-442-0418
www.offa.org

The address for CERF is:

Canine Eye Registration Foundation
124 Lynn Hall
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN  47907
Phone: 765-494-8179
Fax: 765-494-9981 

Breeder Referral

puppyHopefully an Affen puppy will be in your future; however, it is important to realize that there are usually not a lot of puppies available. Affenpinschers are rather an "uncommon" breed so there are not as many born or registered in a single year as there are in more "common" or popular breeds.

Affenpinschers, like other Toy Dogs, often have small litters - a litter of one puppy is not uncommon. Many breeders have people waiting for their puppies, so you may need to contact a breeder to put your name on a "waiting list".

Many breeders will not ship puppies to new homes as they are quite small. It will most likely be necessary for you to make a trip to the breeder's home to pick up the new addition to your family. If you are willing to wait and make the trip to get your new puppy, you will not be sorry...an Affenpinscher will make a wonderful, loving, fun-loving addition to your household.

Additionally, we suggest that you learn as much as possible about the breed to be sure they will fit well with your family, living arrangements and lifestyle. Our web site is an excellent place to start - with our articles on Affen Personality, Affens & Obedience, and Puppy's First Year.

For more information on breeders and puppy availability, please download our Breeder Referral List here.

See our Criteria for Breeders Directory.