The Monkey Pinscher: Monkey Terrier

AFFENPINSCHER

ORIGIN

AND HISTORY

The Affenpinscher, also known as the Monkey Pinscher or Monkey Terrier, appeared in Europe as early as the 17th century AD.2 This sturdy little terrier provided the genetic foundation for some of the more common small breeds such as the Brussels Griffon.’ The exact date and circumstances of its arrival in North America are not known; however, the breed was well established by the early

American Kennel Club DO NOT USE PHOTO

1900s. Affenpinschers were admitted to the AKC Stud Book and to show classification in 1936. Today the Affenpinscher is the rarest toy breed ranking 143rd out of 177 recognized breeds.

DESCRIPTION

Originally bred as a varmint hunter, the Affenpinscher is an inquisitive, alert, and intelligent

4, 6, 7 The ductus arteriosus fails to close at birth shunting blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery; over perfusing the lungs and under perfusing the rest of the body. Puppies with PDA may have difficulty breathing, a cough and acute heart failure. PDA in dogs with signs of heart failure must be corrected surgically before five months of age to avoid permanent damage.

The shape of the Affenpinscher’s skull puts it at greater risk for elongated soft palate. 6, 7 A caudally displaced maxilla causes the soft palate to extend into the laryngeal area obstructing upper air flow.

The breed has also been reported to be predisposed for collapsed trachea. 6, 7 The lumen fo the cervical or intrathoracic trachea is reduced, usually on inspiration resulting partial airway obstruction. The affected dog often has a characteristic “honking” cough.

DERMATOLOGICAL

Schistosomus reflexus has been listed as occurring in Affenpinschers. 7 In this condition, the skin and subcutaneous muscles fail to close over the abdomen leaving the viscera

6(802), 7, 10 In LCP, an interruption in circulation results in ischemic necrosis of the femoral head and neck. The disease usually occurs between 4 and 12 months of age and only one leg is usually affected. Affected dogs present with lameness and pain. If diagnosed early enough, the affected leg may be placed in a non-weight-bearing sling; otherwise the damaged femoral head must be removed or replaced surgically. The condition is suspected to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait with incomplete penetrance.