© Affenpinscher Club of Aerica. All rights reserved.
The Affenpinscher is a relatively healthy breed. Currently they are not prone to any specific genetic debilitating or life threatening diseases. The health of this breed is due directly to the combined efforts of reputable breeders nationwide in their shared common goal to maintain the health of the Affenpinscher.
However, as toy dogs, they are active, tend to jump and in doing so encounter problems with their patellas (patella subluxation - slipping kneecaps). Affenpinschers have also been known to have problems with hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes and eye issues. They are canines and can also become ill due directly to many of the issues that all dogs have in common. The bottom line is that Affenpinschers, to date, have no known inherited illness, deformity, or genetic malfunction.
The goal of the Affenpinscher Club of America is to promote healthy dogs and to promote the procreation of healthy dogs. The Club relies on the Member breeders and the Membership to continue to maintain high standards and practice responsible breeding, such as having all Affens of breeding stock CHIC tested.
The Canine Health Information Center records the Affens whose owners have tested their eyes (registered with either CERF or OFA) and patellas which are OFA evaluated. These tests qualify the dog for a CHIC number which certifies that the dog in question has passed the necessary tests required by the Affenpinscher Club of America. (http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chicinfo.html)
Many breeders go beyond the required tests and add OFA evaluations for hip dysplasia, elbows, Legg-Calves-Perthes and heart evaluations. The Affenpinscher Club of America strongly advises all puppy buyers to inquire as to the testing of the parents by each breeder.
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.
Caring for your new puppy should be an enjoyable, but thoughtful experience. How he develops depends a great deal upon the care he receives when very young. One of the first things to remember is to make him feel secure and comfortable with his new family. Confidence in his owner will bring with it pleasure and a devoted friend, as the Affen develops a very strong attachment to his master.
A reputable breeder or seller will provide you with a health certificate or a health record showing all immunization vaccinations given to the puppy prior to sale. Some states (California, Florida and Texas) require breeders to provide veterinarian-certified proof of health on sale of a dog.
Your new puppy should be examined by a veterinarian and given a series of shots, if he has not already received them. They consist of, and are generally combined, for infectious hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis parainfluenza and parvovirus. The frequency and combination of vaccines is a matter of veterinarian preference. Rabies vaccinations generally are given when the puppy is older. Some veterinarians want to provide immunization against bordatella (kennel cough) and corona, particularly if the puppy is to be entered in shows or to mingle with many other dogs. Check with your veterinarian and follow his or her advice.
Also a stool sample should be checked for worms. If you live in a warm climate where mosquitoes are a year-around threat, consult with your veterinarian on heartworm preventative. Generally the monthly heartworm preventative also prevents other parasite infestations.
Now that you have ensured your little Affen is protected from disease and content in his new home, a regular diet and schedule should be kept. The breeder may have provided you a small supply of food or told you what the puppy has been eating. Making a sudden change in puppy diet sometimes can result in diarrhea or the puppy's refusal to eat. Vitamins and calcium can be prescribed by your vet. He should be fed four meals a day until six months old, small amounts at a time. After that, reduce it to three meals a day, increasing the amount. After the tenth month, two meals will be enough. When he reaches one year, one meal will be sufficient.
While an increasing number of exhibitors now are showing Affens with natural ears and tails, others prefer cropped ears. If you choose to crop the ears of a show quality Affen, the cropping should be performed by a qualified veterinarian or an individual recommended by your breeder. All breeders have their preference as to the age of the animal when this operation should be done. The ears usually are cropped when the Affen is anywhere from eight weeks to four or five months.
Crate training is strongly recommended for young Affenpinschers. Crate training simply means purchasing a small airline kennel or similar crate, providing soft clean bedding in the crate, as well as drinking water if the puppy is crated for lengthy daytime periods, and encouraging the puppy to spend the night in the crate. A puppy should be confined in a crate when there is no one home to watch him. Crating a dog is not cruel. Dogs by nature are den animals and a dog who is accustomed to a crate sees that crate as a safe and secure haven. A dog who has been crate trained can be housebroken more quickly and also will travel happily (and more safely) in a crate.
Training your Affenpinscher should start early, as they are much happier when they know what is expected of them. Generally a scolding is all that is needed in disciplining the little fellow, a spanking seldom is needed. Another aspect in the training of your Affen is called "socializing". This refers to getting your puppy used to situations and people outside the home.
Many times we hear of dogs who perform and behave beautifully at home, but fall apart in strange surroundings. Take your puppy for rides in the car, preferably on an empty stomach. Let strangers pet him and make a fuss over him. Shopping centers are excellent for this, as well as school yards and playgrounds. If you plan to show your Affen, this will help him accept the noise and confusion of a dog show. Take him to a handling class, if your local kennel club sponsors such classes. Puppy kindergarten classes also help in socializing a young puppy.
You will be happier with a well adjusted, well socialized little creature living in your home and your Affenpinscher also will be happier knowing what is expected of him. knowing how to please you.
PREPARED AND PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ACA of America, Inc. Board 2004.
One of the appealing characteristics of this breed is its appearance. We, the Affenpinscher Club of America, want to assist you in learning how to maintain your Affen’s coat, health, and overall condition. Grooming your Affen as your pet is simple, and with a minimum of interest, time, and your personal desire, can be done by you.
Perhaps by now this little “monkey dog” has found its way onto your chair, onto your couch or even into your bed. If so, you might enjoy its company more if your little friend is a bit cleaner, less smelly and doesn’t bring twigs and leaves with its beard and whiskers onto your pillow.
We’ve created this step-by-step guide for the pet Affen/owner/groomer.
Rules:
Okay, now that you have established who is the Alpha dog (that’s you), let’s proceed! For your convenience, we have created an illustrated grooming guide which you may view and/or save to print out. If you don't have the Adobe® reader already installed on your computer, you may download it for free.
When you are done, your Affen should look something like this one!
The ACA has sponsored several research projects through the AKC Canine Health Foundation. View details on the grants and research by clicking on the titles below:
759: Investigation of Antigenic Causes of Vaccine-Associated Allergic Reactions in Dogs
779: Characterization of the Canine Y Chromosome: Identifying Genes that Cause Male Infertility
01188-A: Capacity for Respiratory-Based Thermoregulation in Brachycephalic Breeds
Articles written by Ann Schwink, DVM on various aspects of health and wellness. Please respect that these are original works, and do not re-distribute them without permission.