Dog of the week: Affenpinscher (Monkey Terrier)

This is a quirky, spunky, small, stubborn and mighty mustached little deviled dog! For 7-12 pound of scruff this dog has a protruding lower lip that results in this breed to look like they are pouting. This is a Toy breed that can adapt to just about any environment.

This breed can be tracked back as far as the 17th century in Germany. Bred as a "ratter" meaning they were bred to kill vermin populations in homes. The Affenpinsher is known for the breeds appearance in "Luncheon of the Boating Party" a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir:

This breed is known for their shaggy (black, belge, tan, grey, silver, or red) coats that must be kept by weekly stripping to prevent the coat from becoming matted or untamed. How to groom an Affenpinscher:

1. Gently break apart any matted sections of fur

2. Use a 'slicker' brush to remove knots or loose hairs

3. Use a 'greyhound' comb to smooth out the fur

4. Use a 'stripping knife' to shorten the length of the fur & blend the fur along the body

5. Trim hairs around the anus, around nose, around eyes

6. Trim nails & give bath

Affenpinscher's are known for many inherited diseases:

1. Patellar luxation - a common injury in smaller dogs that causes the dogs knee to bend inwards

2. Canine follicular dysplasia - a genetic condition that causes hair loss or abnormal hair growth

3. Cushing's disease -a common endocrine disorder that affects middle-aged and senior dogs in producing an excessive amount of cortisol from the adrenal glands

4. Trachea/windpipe disorder - a respiratory condition that causes the tracheal rings and cartilage to collapse resulting in breathing problems

5. Acute kidney failure - an abrupt decline in the kidney's functions

It's important to ask the breeder or shelter about medical history of the dog and the parents of the dog (if known). You should also ask about the policy the breeder or shelter has if serious genetic diseases occur in later in the dogs life.