Affenpug |
||
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Germany <> China -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Affenpug |
The Affenpug is a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Pug. It's considered a designer breed because two pure registered breeds have been intentionally crossed to create this lively, charming little dog. Designer breeds are also known as hybrids; many are new to the dog world and are interesting mixes of older breeds. Affenpugs can be curious, intelligent and a little stubborn, but they learn quickly and are very easy to train. The Affenpug is an affectionate breed that loves to spend time with its owners. The Affenpinscher parent breed can be food-aggressive; consequently, the Affenpug may not be a good dog for a family with young children. The Affenpinscher's coat can be rough and coarse and needs to be brushed and combed several times a week; owners of this breed should be prepared for moderate maintenance. |
History of the Affenpug |
Like many new designer dog breeds, it's not known when or in which country the Affenpug was born. Although a large number of new hybrids were created in the USA between the 1970s and 1990s, there is no way of knowing if this is the case for the Affenpug, as there is no data available. Despite this lack of history, each of their relatives has well-documented stories that can give us a good insight into Affenpug's more distant history. |
A little of the Affenpinscher |
||
The Affenpinscher is a toy breed that originated in Germany. Originally, the Affenpinscher was a medium-sized farm or store dog used to hunt mice and rats. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Affenpinschers were crossed with Carlins, German Smoothhaired Pinschers and Silky Pinschers to produce a smaller companion dog. The first Affenpinschers were imported to America in 1935 by a breeder named Mrs. Bessie Mally from Illinois. The dogs had to be transported from Germany to the United States by steamship. They arrived in New York harbor and then had to travel to Chicago by rail. The Affenpinscher was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. In 2013, a ten-year-old Affenpinscher named GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show. | ||
Standard of the Affenpinscher | ||
A little of the Pug |
||
The parent breed Carlin is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to 400 B.C. The breed is thought to have originated in China. Carlins were bred as companions for the royal family and were highly guarded; they were also the companions of Buddhist monks in Tibet. Carlins later became popular in European courts. The breed became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572, after a brave Pug named Pompey began barking and warning Prince William of approaching assassins outside his tent. In the 1800s, another intrepid Pug belonging to Napoleon's wife Josephine carried messages in his collar and delivered them to Napoleon. The imprisoned Josephine could communicate with her husband, thanks to Fortune, her little Pug. Carlins arrived in the United States in the 19th century. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. In 1981, Pug Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in the United States. In 2011, a Pug named Lodi won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show. | ||
Standard of the Pug |
Appearance of the Affenpug |
The Affenpug is the offspring of a Pug and an Affenpinscher, and your Affenpug will have a variance of characteristics from each of its parents. Both the Pug and the Affenpinscher are considered brachycephalic breeds; brachycephalic meaning shortened head and pushed flat face. Because of this physical attribute, your Affenpinscher will most likely have a cute, soft face. His coat will not be as smooth as that of the Shorthaired Pug. It may be longer, rougher and more wiry, somewhat resembling that of the Affenpinscher. The color of its eyes and nose is dark. The Pug has a small curly tail, while the Affenpinscher's is long. Your Affenpug may have a medium-sized curly tail. Soft ears. |
Temperament of the Affenpug |
Affenpug temperament By combining the parent breeds Pug and Affenpinscher, your hybrid's personality will be unknown and discovered as it grows and matures. The Pug is charming, intelligent, calm and rarely aggressive, eager to please its master. This breed needs attention and affection. They have a lazy nature, which can lead to weight gain. Carlins are robust and generally good with other dogs and children. The Affenpinscher is a funny, bold and spirited breed, nicknamed the mustachioed devil. They are intelligent but can be stubborn. Curious, affectionate and very loyal to their masters, these small dogs can stand up to a big dog. They are very alert and make excellent watchdogs. The Affenpug can be territorial and aggressive towards food. It is therefore not recommended for homes with young children. |
Needs and activities of the Affenpug |
Both the Affenpinscher and the Pug can be territorial and very vocal around strangers. When looking for ways to keep your dog active, it's best to avoid dog parks with larger dogs. Larger dogs may take offense to a small dog thinking he's on top of the world. Long walks around the neighborhood or even playing in a large fenced-in garden are excellent ways to get him moving. This dog will need at least 30 minutes of intense play to exhaust himself. Dog sports such as agility or even rally are a great way to bond with your dog and keep him active. |
Maintenance of the Affenpug |
The Affenpug should be brushed and combed several times a week. Monthly grooming and clipping may be necessary. Hair growing around the eyes can cause irritation and should be trimmed. Nails should be trimmed monthly; if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, the groomer or veterinarian can do it. The Affenpug's typical floppy ears should be cleaned weekly with a cleaning product recommended by the vet. The Affenpug may need a monthly bath. If your Affenpug has a moustache, it should be wiped clean after eating to avoid a build-up of food and dirt. The folds of skin on his face should be wiped and cleaned daily, and his teeth brushed at least once a week to prevent tartar build-up. |