 |
Affenshire |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Germany <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Affenshire |
| The Affenshire is a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Yorkshire Terrier. It is considered a designer breed because two pure registered breeds have been intentionally crossed to create this lively little canine. Affenpinschers and Yorkshire Terriers are hypoallergenic breeds; their coats can be smooth or shaggy, and should be brushed and combed several times a week. Affenshires are curious, intelligent and a little stubborn. They learn quickly, want to get in on the action and are very easy to train. Because of their small size and stature, Affenshires are not a good breed for homes with young children. With proper socialization and patience, this adorable hybrid will make a fine addition to your family. |
History of the Affenshire |
| When it comes to the origin and history of designer dogs, there's a lot of information missing about individual breeds. Some of the oldest or most popular mixes have a well-documented history, but many others are not so lucky. The lovable Affenshire is one of these "mysterious" designer dogs. There is no clear information on when or where this breed originated. Naturally, there have probably been accidental mixes of Affenpinscher and Yorkie throughout history, but what interests breed enthusiasts is when people started crossing the two intentionally. As no breeder currently claims to be the mastermind behind the Affenshire, there's no way of knowing. The best guess we can make is that these crosses are no different from most other designer dog breeds. This means that they were probably created within the last 20 years in the USA. |
A little of the Affenpinscher |
||
| The Affenpinscher originated in Germany in the 1600s. 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 bred to be much smaller and became companion dogs. The breeds that would have been used to develop the small Affenpinscher were the Pug, the smooth-coated German Pinscher and the silky Pinscher. The Affenpinscher was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. The Affenpinscher is thought to have contributed to the development of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon. Affenpinschers almost became extinct during the Second World War. After the end of the war, breeders crossed the remaining Affenpinschers with the Griffon Bruxellois, creating the breed's unique facial structure. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Affenpinscher | ||
A little of the Yorkshire Terrier |
||
| Yorkshire Terriers were developed in Yorkshire, England, in the 1800s. Their original function was to hunt small vermin. The Yorkshire Terrier arrived in North America in 1872. The first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. During the Second World War, a 2.5 kg Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became a hero and a sensation in the United States. Smoky was found in a foxhole in New Guinea by an American soldier, who then sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne for around $6.44. The corporal carried it in his backpack or inside his helmet. She visited wounded soldiers and bravely traveled in a 21-meter-long underground pipe with a telephone wire attached to her collar. This wire enabled the outposts to communicate with each other. According to an Animal Planet survey, Smoky was the first registered therapy dog. She fulfilled this function during and after the war. Smoky's heroic actions made the Yorkshire Terrier breed very popular in the USA. There is a statue of Smoky in Cleveland, Ohio. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier |
Appearance of the Affenshire |
| The Affenshire is the offspring of a cross between an Affenpinscher and a Yorkshire Terrier. Your Affenshire may have characteristics of both parents. Even in the same litter, their markings and color may vary. They may have floppy or pointed ears. The Affenshire will have a dark nose and dark eye color. Because of his Affenpinscher side, your puppy may have an underbite. He will be a small dog with a very expressive and unique facial expression. An Affenshire who takes after the Yorkie parent may have a long coat with a silkier texture; the Affenpinscher parent may influence with a rougher coat and mustachioed face. Your Affenshire will be original in that its coat may be a unique blend of the two. |
Temperament of the Affenshire |
| The Affenshire's temperament will be a lovely combination of the personality of the Affenpinscher and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Affenpinscher and Yorkshire Terrier are often described as big dogs in small bodies. The Yorkshire is a Terrier breed and the Affenpinscher is described as a Terrier, making them lively, alert and good watchdogs. This breed doesn't need much exercise. The Affenpinscher has an even more mischievous personality than the Yorkshire Terrier, and can also be aggressive towards food. Early socialization with strangers and other dogs is important for the Affenshire. The Affenshire can be a barker; if this becomes a major problem, an animal behaviorist may be able to make some suggestions for reducing barking. Yorkshire Terriers can suffer from separation anxiety. As a result, the Affenshire may not like to be left for long periods of time. This intelligent, pleasure-loving hybrid is very easy to train, and appreciates all the attention it can get. |
Needs and activities of the Affenshire |
| Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Affenpinscher are toy breeds that can be very vocal and, if not properly trained or socialized, can be snarling. Even though they're toy breeds, they need plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and get their blood flowing. The same goes for any dog born of a mix of these two breeds. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes a day playing hard with him or taking him for long walks so that his body can get exercise and he can live a long and healthy life. Playing ball in the garden or taking part in dog sports are excellent ways to get you and your dog exercising. |
Maintenance of the Affenshire |
| The Affenshire's coat can be rough and stiff or long and silky. In either case, your Affenshire will need to be brushed and combed several times a week. Patience and consistency on your part will make the grooming process a more positive experience for you and your small dog. Carefully remove matted fur, and separate tangles with your hands before starting the combing. Teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent tartar build-up, and annual dental check-ups are essential, as small breeds are prone to dental problems. Their nails should be trimmed monthly to avoid breakage or tearing. Floppy ears should be cleaned monthly with a veterinarian-recommended ear wash. Some Affenshire owners prefer their dogs to be shampooed, their nails trimmed, their ears washed, their anal glands emptied and their hair trimmed by a professional groomer every month. |
English (United Kingdom)