The MINATURE PINSCHER, King Of The Toy Breeds

2 Miniature Pinschers  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Miniature Pinscher, the "King of Toy Breeds", also known as the Min Pin, is a breed of small dog in the Toy category. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher refers to a classification of dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin. Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. Zwerg, in German, means Dwarf or Midget.Pinscher, in German, means Terrier. Though the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed because of their small size, their temperament resembles the terrier more.

Although the Miniature Pinscher looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher it is not a "Miniature Doberman". The Min Pins origins are much older than the Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago. The Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring in 1919. At that time not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher the AKC referred to the breed as simply, Pinscher. In 1929 the breed was officially introduced into the AKC. Not knowing it was a true Terrier breed, decided to officially place it in the toy breed classification. For conformation purposes the description that the AKC noted: "must appear as a Doberman Pinscher in miniature" led to the misunderstanding still known today that this breed is a "Miniature Doberman Pinscher" when in fact it is not even related.

The Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher share no common ancestry. In 1836, Dr. Reichenbach after years of study of the breed determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth coated Dachshund with an Italian Greyhound. The goal was to make a faster ratter. This breed was primarily used on farms where open fields left for a faster dog to chase down rats and mice. The Min Pin was also used to hunt vermin in stables and farm kitchens.

Typically, the Min Pin stands between 10 and 12.5 inches at the shoulders, weighing between 10 and 12 1/2 inches. The coat is short and smooth, with colors of red, stag red, black or chocolate with tan markings. Min Pins also come in a blue and a fawn coat. Bluecoats can be registered in the AKC but cannot compete in a show. The Miniature Pinscher should have a docked tail and cropped ears, though the AKC no longer requires ear cropping for shows. The AKC standard specifies a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear. The head and tail are carried high.

The Miniature Pinscher is a very energetic breed that requires a great deal of exercise. These dogs enjoy agility training and attending competitions gives them a chance to shine. They are also prone to overeating and should have their diets monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight. Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken to prevent a Min Pin from attacking small objects, such as coins or small toys like legos, as they could pose a choking hazard. The Min Pin has a single coat, no undercoat which makes them primarily an indoor breed. Care must be taken in colder weather as the coat provides virtually no insulation from the cold. Min Pins do not tolerate cold or wet weather well. The Min Pin lives in a state of two years old until well into their senior years which makes them very entertaining, but they can also be very frustrating. Your puppy should attend obedience classes and you should be careful to follow up on every command. 

They can, in most cases, be very difficult to house train requiring much patience. Being an independent breed by nature, they prefer to initiate contact and generally do not do well being overly handled. This is where much of the misconception of the breed being a biter comes from. Making them not always the best breed for small children. Although the Min Pin is not necessarily bad with children, care must be taken in educating the child about proper handling and play. Although sturdy, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child. They are quite fearless and can be overprotective. This breed does not see itself as a small dog but rather a big dog and therefore can get into trouble easily. The Min Pin has a very strong protective attitude and guard instinct. 

They can be a one-person owner or adapt greatly to families. The Min Pin is very loyal and will alert their owner to any changes within the home environment. Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone, as they are very curious, strong-willed, and frolicsome. Their owners must have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience. Keeping in mind that this breed is, in fact, a working breed, spoiling could result in the dog becoming somewhat of a tyrant. The Min Pin by nature can be stubborn so anything to induce this generally will result in a more difficult dog to handle.

Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. They should be brushed with a firm bristle brush. Loose hair can be removed by wiping with a damp warm cloth. Min Pin's are an average shedder. They do have problems with overgrown nails. Be sure to check your Min Pin's nails frequently.

The Miniature Pinscher has a refined elegance, regal look, style, grace, mighty fearlessness, and impish character has earned the title "King Of Toy Breeds". If the Miniature Pinscher suits your fancy you might find it hard to stop at just one.

By Penny Taylor - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

Are MINIATURE PINSCHERS and DOBERMAN PINSCHERS Related?

Photo  by jacilluch 

Doberman Pinschers are known for being energetic, determined, alert, fearless, and aggressive dogs. Also lauded for their speed, endurance, and intelligence, Doberman Pinschers are easily trainable which is why we see most of them being part of the police or army excursions. However, this is not all Doberman Pinschers are good for. Doberman Pinschers have their soft side too as these dogs have proven to be trusty companions and guardians as well.

Miniature Pinschers, also known as "Mini Pinschers" on the other hand, are known for being alert, spirited, and fearless dogs. Miniature Pinschers are relatively small in size, ranging from 10-12 inches tall. They have easily recognizable docked tails and cropped ears just like Doberman Pinschers.Truthfully, it may seem like the only difference between Miniature Pinschers and Doberman is their size. Miniature being the Doberman's seemingly smaller counterpart, have also earned themselves the title the "King of Toys" being that they are considered toy dogs but are larger than most and are physically quite similar in appearance to Doberman Pinschers.

However, contrary to popular belief, Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are not actually related. While it is true that Miniature a lot of similarities to Doberman in terms of their disposition and appearance, Miniature Pinschers are not just smaller versions of Dob Pinschers. They have a lot of traits and qualities that are unique distinctly unique to their breed.

The Miniature is a dog breed that traces its roots to early Germany. Several hundred years ago, these dogs were specifically bred to be barnyard ratters. It was the primary goal of Miniature Pinschers to keep rats and other rodents away from horse stables. Miniature count Daschunds, Italian Greyhounds, and Terriers as their ancestors.

Doberman Pinschers, on the other hand, were bred in the late 1800s by a German tax collector named Louis Doberman. Basically, he wanted a dog to serve as both his protector and companion. Dogs of this breed count Short-haired Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Greyhounds as their ancestors.

So now we see that the uncanny similarities of Miniature Pinschers and Pinschers should not be that big of a mystery. Both Mini and Doberman share the same ancestors. And since both dog breeds originated in Germany, some may easily assume that Miniature Pinschers and Doberman are directly related. Perhaps it would be a good compromise to say that the two dog breeds are distant cousins. However, the bottom line is that Miniature and Pinschers are both unique in their own right. Perhaps their similarities stem from a lucky coincidence but it is still important for owners of both Miniature and Doberman to know what makes each of their loyal companions or each dog breed distinctly unique from the rest.

By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins discusses whether Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are related. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn about different dog breed. Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

History of the DOBERMAN Pinscher

Photo  by andrewk100 

The history of the breed of dogs known as Doberman Pinschers is relatively short in comparison with other canines. Dobermans were first bred in Germany around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a tax collector and was forced to travel through many rough areas of town with bandits and thieves. He bred Dobermans in order to have an effective animal for protection while performing his job. When creating the new breed, he envisioned a dog with the perfect blend of strength, loyalty, and intelligence. Dobermann also worked as the local dog catcher, giving him easy access to a large number of canines that he could use for his breeding purposes.

It is believed that the modern day Doberman Pinscher originated from several different types of dogs. Although the breeds used still remains unknown, it is speculated that the Pinscher, Rottweiler, Beauceron, Weimerainer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, old German Shepherd dog, black Greyhound, and Manchester Terrier all contributed to the Doberman's development. Many experts believe the modern day Doberman is a combination of at least four of these types of dogs. One exception does exist, however. It is documented that Greyhounds were crossed with the current Doberman. Additionally, it is commonly thought that the old German Shepherd, a now extinct breed, was the largest contributor to the gene pool.

After his death in 1984, the breed was named the Dobermann-pinscher in his honor. However, about 50 years later, the term pinscher was dropped. In German, pinscher means terrier. It was thought that it was inappropriate to call the dog a type of terrier, so the ending term of the name was formally dropped.

After becoming very interested in the further development of the breed, Otto Goeller adopted the kennel name Thuringen and further refined the work done by Dobermann. Several years later, in 1889, Herr Goeller established the first "Dobermann Pinscher Club." Herr Goeller became involved in breeding the dogs as well and took up the kennel name Groenland. This kennel is responsible for some of the most important and influential specimens in the history of the breed. Most modern-day Dobermans can be traced to this prominent line of dogs.

Because of their history as a guard dog, Dobermans excel at a number of disciplines such as police and military work. However, they can be aggressive.

By Joseph Devine - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

AFFENPINSCHER'S Function and Temperament

The original function of 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. 

Affenpinscher - Photo: Wikimedia

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.

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.

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 Affenpinscher 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 that 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 Affenpinscher's eyes, as he may interpret this as a challenge.

Although Affenpinschers 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 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 watching dog mean that he generally is not a suitable breed for people with small children, although there are exceptions to this rule. Affenpinschers 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 Affenpinscher will certainly go after what he thinks is prey.

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 safely). 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.

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.

By Haoran Gao Article Source: EzineArticls

---

---

The AFFENPINSCHER in America

Affenpinschers were first listed in the American Kennel Club stud book in November 1936. At this time an abbreviated translation of the German standard was accepted as the American breed standard. The first entry in the stud book was for Nolli v Anwander. This was a German female imported in whelp by Mrs. Bessie Mally of Cicero, Illinois. The first male that she imported was Osko von der Franziskusklause. From 1936 to 1940, Mrs. Mally had 22 Affenpinschers listed in the stud books. During these years, 27 dogs were registered with the AKC.

Photo by dmjarvey

A few other enthusiasts also had imports or bred with Mrs. Mally's dogs. During this period Thelma D. Wolfe exhibited her dog, named Duke of became a champion. However, October 1940 was the last Affenpinschers entry in the Stud Book for the next nine years. Sadly, there are no records or reasons given for this abrupt end of the breeding of Affenpinschers in America. Likely US involvement with the Allies in World War II and the accompanying hostilities toward all things German led to the Affenpinscher's decline in popularity. No one seems to know what happened to these early dogs, and none is found in the pedigrees of the later dogs in America.

The renowned dog fancier Mrs. Henrietta Proctor Donnell Reilly, of Larchmount, NY, continued the exhibiting of the breed during these years. Her German import Ger. Ch. Niki v. Zwergteufel won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show for six consecutive years, from 1938-1943. Then a kennel mate of Niki, Ger. Ch. Everl v. d. Franziskusklause, won for the next four years through 1947. No record of Mrs. Reilly's kennel name, Etty Haven, is found in the stud books, so no breeding of her Affenpinschers was done or none of these offspring was registered.

The next American encounter with this breed was in 1949, when an import owned by Mrs. Evelyne Brody, Ch. Bub v. Anwander, became the first Affenpinscher champion according to American Kennel Club(AKC) records. This dog also went on to become the first Affenpinscher to place in the Toy Group. During the next several years Mrs. Brody's kennel name, Cedarlawn, from Nashotah, Wisconsin, dominated the listings in the stud book. Many of the Affenpinschers today can trace their bloodlines back to the Cedarlawn dogs.

Soon Mrs. Walter Kauffmann and her daughters, Helga and Louisa, from Westwood, New Jersey, also imported dogs. Interestingly these later imports came from the same kennels in Germany from which Mrs. Mally had gotten her original dogs. The Kauffmanns, under the Walhof name, became prominent breeders and exhibitors. Helga Kauffmann exhibited extensively and had the top group-placing Affenpinschers for many years. Their champion Walhof Margaretenklause Ivy, a female, was the first Affenpinscher to win the Toy Group, and their Ch. Je-Bil's Yogi Bear was the first male Toy Group winner. Some of these early dogs produced colors other than black. When looking back at the AKC stud books, it seems that two of the Kauffmann imports, when bred together, produced reds.

Ch. Kraus v. D. Margaretenklause and Ch. Blanka v. d. Charlottenhohe were the parents of Walhof Little Red Riding Hood. Later the Kauffmanns' Ch. Walhof Ivin was the first red champion, and his littermate Ch. Walhof Boutonniere became the first black-and-tan champion. These two dogs were out of Ch. Walhof Margaretenklause Lee and Walhof Margaretenklause Jan. When Boutonniere was bred to Little Red Riding Hood they produced top-winning Ch. Walhof Ivy, a black-and-tan group winner, and Ch. Walhof Blackberry Brandi. With the help of Jerry Zalon they produced many dogs of colors other than black. From these early dogs the color genes can be traced into England and continental Europe today. The Kauffmanns were probably the most instrumental breeders in the development of the Affenpinscher in America. The Walhof prefix is behind nearly all of the dogs in Morth America and England.

Another important kennel that greatly influenced Affenpinscher in the '50s and '60s was Arthur and Mary Harringon's Aff -Airn kennels from Albany, New York. Aff-Airn continued on with what Mrs. Brody had begun. They also bred with the Walhof kennels. One among many notable dogs of their breeding, Ch. Aff-Airn Tag Along, made a significant contribution to the breed.

In 1958, Mrs. Florence Strohmaier became a friend of the Harringtons and started working with the Aff-Airn Affens. After the death of Mary and Arthur, Mrs. Strohmaier continued their lines but went out on her own under the name Flo-Star kennels. Her dogs continued to have an impact on the breed in the US, Canada, England, Irland, Scotland, Holland and Germany. Ch. Flo-Star's Adam of Joy, a grandson of Ch. Walhof Boutonniere, is behind many of the top-winning and top-producing Affenpinschers. Am. , Can. and Bermuda Ch. Flo-Star's Holy Terror and Am. , Can. , Bermuda and Dutch Ch. Flo-Star's Tandy Tane were some of Mrs. Strohmaier's important contributors to the breed.

Ch. Flo-Star's Titus Tiberius, CD was one of the first conformation- and obedience-titled Affenpinschers to get Toy Group placements. Primarily known for her black dogs, Mrs. Strohmaier won Winners Dog and Winners Bitch at the 1997 national specialty with her red or wild boar Affens. The Flo-Star Affens are known for their typey heads and good substance. Until her death in 2005, Flo Strohmaier consistently remained involved with the Affenpinscher. Her 48 years in the breed stand as a legacy, making her involvement longer than that of any other breeder in America.

In the early 1960s, Tobin Jackson and D. V. Gibbs got their start in Affenpinscher from the Walhof and Aff-Airn kennels. Soon the Deer Run Affenpinschers from French-town, New Jersey were making a mark in the dog world. Most American Affenpinschers have Deer Run bloodlines behind them. Jackson and Gibbs also wrote about the breed in How to Raise and Train an Affenpinscher, published in 1969, now out of print. Mr. Jackson also wrote interesting and informative articles for the magazine Popular Dogs. In the mid-'60s, Bonnie(Hawkins) Sellner began working with and showing the Deer Run dogs. Mrs. Sellner has worked with several other kennels, helping with their breeding programs and exhibiting their Affenpinschers.

Imported Affenpinschers continued to make their mark into the 1960s. Mrs. Lester H. Tillman, Jr. of Oyster Bay, New York, owned and exhibited the top-winning Affenpinscher of 1963, Ch. Babs von Reburg. This little dog came from Austria.

A number of midwestern breeders helped to advance the breed during the 1960s and '70s. Jean and Bill Becker, from Decatur, Illinois, starting with the Walhof lines, bred and exhibited many fine Affenpinschers under the Je-Bil kennel name. The Kauffmanns owned and exhibited Ch. Je-Bil's Yogi Bear, who was one of that era's top show dogs.

The Reverend Clyde Zarski and his Apache kennels from Rhinelander, Wisconsin combined the Walhof and Aff-Airn lines to produce a number of fine champions. Mrs. Lois Wolf(McManus)White, now a dog show judge living in California, handled dogs for and co-owned dogs with Rev. Zarski. One of these dogs of note was top-winning Ch. Apache Cricket Again. Mrs. White also bred a few litters and has been active with the development of the AKC Affenpinscher breed video and the breed standard. In the 1970s Kay Wurtz, also from Wisconsin, under the King's Royal name, continued with the Apache lines and bred and showed Affens until the late '80s.

It seems that the 1960s brought much enthusiasm, interest and controversy to breed. Breeders gathered to from a club but soon there were arguments over the standard and, specifically, over the height of the Affenpinscher. Some wanted the breed to remain at 10. 25 inches. Others felt that the dogs would be sounder and easier to breed if they were a bit larger. This battle became heated and caused a split in the club, with one faction forming the American Affenpinscher Association and the other the Affenpinscher Club of America. With time and civility the fancy joined together again as the Affenpinscher Club of America, which still exists but is still often embroiled in controversy.

The Affenpinscher, as a respected show dog with consistent group placements, started to make its mark in the mid-1970s. More professional handlers and enthusiastic breeder-exhibitions got involved. The overall quality and showmanship in the breed improved. A more refined and sculptured appearance for the show ring developed. The judges took note and more and more Affenpinschers began placing and winning in the toy ring. However, what the appropriate look is or how much grooming is right for the breed added to the controversy.

By Haoran Gao Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Early History of the AFFENPINSCHER

The Affenpinscher has its origin in Germany. The progenitor of the Affenpinscher was probably a rough-coated little ratter that survived in the central European countries by its clever personality and its rodent-killing abilities. The Flemish artist Jan Van Eyck (1390-1441) included in his painting The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini and Giovanni Cenami a scruffy terrier-type dog, placed facing the audience between the newlyweds. This is an example of the type of dog that probably was the ancestor of both the Brussels Griffon and the Affenpinscher.

Photo by dog_photographer 

Albrecht Durer (1471-1525) from Nuremberg, Germany included a small dog in several of his woodcuts that suggest the existence of this "Long-haired Dwarf Terrier." Seventeenth-century painter Gabriel Metsu (1629-1667) portrayed a little dog that looks very much like our contemporary Affenpinscher in his celebrated work A Soldier Receiving a Young Woman, which today hangs in the Louvre. Other dog enthusiasts claim these representations as early examples of their own breeds. One thing certain is that a small rough-coated household dog similar to the Affenpinscher existed an was admired for several centuries.

In addition to the Affenpinscher, the Miniature Pinscher, the Miniature Schnauzer and the brussels Griffon were all probably generated from this same type of dog. Later, with the infusion of other breeds plus selective breeding,the specifics of breed type developed and were promoted. For example, breeders crossed in the Pug to developed and were promoted. For example, breeders crossed in the Pug to develop the Brussels Griffon, which others added the English Black and Tan Terrier to create the Miniature Pinscher. By adding a small, dark schnauzer-type hunting dog from southern Russia, the Miniature Schnauzer was created. In each of these breeds' histories there were times when it became necessary to cross back into the associated breeds to keep the newer breed viable. In any case, the Affenpinscher is an old breed.

Offical records or formal breeding programs for Affenpinscher did not exist until the late 1800s. Affenpinscher show records from the 1870s and '80s in southern Germany, around Frankfurt and Munich, reflect that the breed was firmly established and exhibited. In an 1889 publication, The Canine Chronicle, there is a description of a special show in Frankfurt sponsored by a club for the German Toy Rat-terriers (Affenpinscher) . "Affenpinscher" was first used for the name of the breed at this time. Until then the word "Affenpinscher"was used as an adjective. At this show there were classes for dogs weighing under 5 pounds and over 5 pounds. By the early 1900s these two size classifications seemed to disappear. The smaller ones assunmed the former nickname, Affenpinscher, which the larger type being absorbed into the Miniature Schnauzer breed. Instead of its earlier function of being a "ratter," the smaller Affenpinscher is more of a "mouser." However, even today a large specimen of betwwen 13 to 16 inches might appear in a closely line-bred litter. These larger throw-backs generally have great personalities and are of good breed type, except for the size and the fact that their muzzles may be a bit longer. This larger type usually makes an excellent companion for a family with young children.

From Volume II (1903-1907) of the registration book for the German Pinscher-Schnauzer Club (PSK) , the Affenpinscher is listed for the first time as a separate breed. Fourteen specimens are recorded. Except for during World War I (1914-1918) , the numbers continued to thrive until 1939, with the majority of Affenpinscher coming from the area around Munich. It seems that the Affenpinscher reached a high point in the late '20s and early '30s. The people with wealth and fame in German society promoted the breed. It was often seen in dog acts on stage and in circuses. With the onset of World War II in 1939, the decline began, and the breed's popularity was never again the same in Germany. Of late, the number of Affenpinschers born annually in Germany remains only in the teens.

In early years Affenpinscher came in a variety of colors. Then under the leadership of the prominent breeder von Otto, a decision was made that a black coat best suited the personality of Affenpinscher. From 1917 to 1923, 60% of the Affenpinschers were of colors other than black. Gradually black became the predominant color. In 1935, 78% of the registered dogs were black. As late as 1954, 5% Affenpinschers were still colors other than black. Now, throughout Europe and England, black is the preferred color, and no other color is encouraged or allowed to be exhibited. In North America the colors that were first described for the breed are accepted equally, and many of them are shown. However, the majority of Affens in America are black.

Affenpinschers represented in photographs from the early 1900s closely resemble today's Affenpinschers.Obviously, the type for the breed was set early on and has been maintained over the years by a few devoted breeders around the world. It seems odd that this breed has never reached the popularity it deserves. Its greatest strides have been made in America and recently in England.

By Haoran Gao [http://www.dogdogstore.com/tag/history-of-the-affenpinscher/] Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---