The Affenpinscher

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History

Surprisingly enough, the first Affenpinscher ever registered at the British Kennel Club, was in 1897. The dog was called Affie. There were no further registrations until the mid 1950s when an attempt to introduce the breed failed. In 1974 a successful attempt was made to reintroduce the breed and the dogs imported during that year and in 1975 are the ancestors of today's breed. The Affenpinscher is not a smart dog; in fact, the breed standard in the UK calls for a shaggy coat. In Europe the only recognised and accepted colour is Black, however, this black may be enhanced by grey frosting. The character of the Affenpinscher is that of a clown. They are jaunty, happy and happy go lucky. They love to get into mischief and are fearless dogs. In heart they are bigger than the biggest dog and more loving than the most loving lap dog. An Affenpinscher would lay down its life to defend its human companions. Like a cat, you can never say you own it, the relationship between humans and Affenpinschers is not that of Master & slave, but more of intelligent being to intelligent being. Although it is yet to be proved, Affenpinschers are telepathic and can read ones moods and thoughts. Affenpinschers are like Terriers in as much as if they are disturbed they make very good Warning dogs and a number of Affenpinschers can produce a wonderful chorus when they attempt to bay.

They were bred originally to Rat, and this instinct can still be found in some, but not all, Affenpinschers. The Ratters amongst them also enjoy chasing rabbits and when this happens in open countryside you should not fear losing them, as generally the call of Din-dins, or some other term denoting food will usually bring them back to your side! The two things Affenpinschers love most are being cuddled and held, and food! The latter should be strictly controlled, as the tendency is to eat until they burst! Although a small dog, average height 11" (some can grow a little larger), Affenpinschers will take as much exercise as you wish to give them. We have known them to go mountaineering and fell walking, and have ourselves walked them in stages, roughly 10 miles in a day. If, however, the weather is inclement and a walk down the garden path is all you fancy, the Affenpinscher will be as happy with that. Affenpinschers are not the sort of dog that like being left, particularly where they are the only dog and it is said that the difference between most other dogs and Affenpinschers is that where most other dogs when left alone will find the warmest, most comfortable thing to settle down on, the Affenpinscher will stand waiting, and sometimes weeping, behind the door for your return. Like a well-known brand of chocolates, Affenpinschers grow on you. They really do get under your skin, and there are not many people who own only one. As breeders we find that people who have puppies from us soon come back enquiring for another.

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The Affenpinscher Club of Great Britain

Almost everyone that owns an Affenpinscher in the UK belongs to the breed club. The breed club holds two shows a year, an Open Show and a Championship show, for those members who exhibit their dogs. It also has a Summer Garden Party held in the Garden of the Secretary that is situated on the banks of the river Thames. Invariably the sun shines on that day, no matter how good or bad the summer is. In the past 12 years it has only rained once on Garden Party day. Any club member can attend the Garden Party and bring their dogs, no matter what breed they are, however, they must behave themselves (but the dogs can do what they like!) The club also produces three newsletters a year and periodically a Year Book. These items are edited and produced for the club by ourselves. More recently the club has started to have an annual educational day designed to help newcomers to the breed understand the breed and also to help new judges to the breed judge the breed better. It also produces several educational pamphlets on the breed. The Affenpinscher Club runs a Merchandise stall at all its sponsored events and Crufts. Items of interest to Affenpinscher owners are available - ranging in price from well under £1 to the most current item - a double head study of the Affenpinscher by the well-known dog sculptress Patsi Ann, at £85. Members of the Affenpinscher Club have the right each year to vote for it's committee and for the judges for the two club shows. There is also an Annual General Meeting where members receive the usual reports from the Club Officers and can raise anything they wish for discussion.

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Occasionally we have puppies for sale. Anyone wishing to visit to get to know Affenpinschers and Pugs better in a home environment, are welcome, however, we would request prior notification to arrange mutually convenient times.

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Separated at Birth? Runty and Wicket......Hmmmmmmmmm

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