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Although admittedly, this makes a much better afternoon ditty than a morning alarm clock.

There are a few important things to remember when bathing your Affenpinscher.  First, it is very important to keep water from getting into your Affen’s nose area, as this may cause harm.  instead, use a large cup or container to pour water over his head for both wetting and rinsing.

Also, be sure to use a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs.  Dog shampoo and othe dog bathing products are available at nearly every larger pet supply store such as PETCO.  You should also consult your vet to find out if a specific brand or type of shampoo is recommended for your dog.

Finally, you should also use dog-specific grooming products for adding the finishing touches to your Affenpinscher.  Again, large pet supply stores like PETCO offer complete selections of dog grooming supplies.

Enjoy the video, and feel free to post your own grooming tips!

Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.

For dog lovers from coast to coast regardless of political persuasian, the question of the moment had nothing to do with the war, economy, or health care, but rather what breed will the Obama’s select?

In his first post-election night speech, the President-Elect led off with more details about his canine quest.

• His family prefers to adopt a dog from an animal shelter
• They prefer to select a breed that is hypoallergenic

Well, so far, so good - Affenpinschers appear to still fit the bill.  However, in a poll conducted back in August by the American Kennel Club (AKC) at www.presidentialpup.com, over 42,000 Americans weighed in with their opinion.  The AKC created a shortlist of five breeds for the poll, and though all were smaller breeds, the Affenpinscher did not make the cut.   The eventual winner was the Poodle.

Still, unlike the election on November 4, 2008, the results of this poll are non-binding, so technically any low-shedding breed still has a chance.  Could the new first pup be an Affenpinscher?  We are keeping our fingers and paws crossed!

Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation is also known as “slipped stifles”, and is a mobility problem which affects several small dog breeds. Your dog’s leg, much like your own, consists of three main parts - the femur (thigh bone), the patella (knee cap), and the tibia (calf).

Patellar Luxation is caused when these three parts do not line up properly, causing lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, much like a skip or a hop. This condition is present at birth, though actual symptoms, or luxation, may not present until later in life. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease.

There are four grades of patellar luxation, ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation resulting in temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Patellar luxation is correctable through surgery, and severe grades may require surgical repair.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that occurs in many dog breeds both large and small. Dogs with hip displaysia have thigh bones that do not fit snugly into the hip joint.

Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but other dogs with hip dysplasia may not initially show any signs of discomfort. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia can be performed by a local veteranian.

This condition is heredetary, and as such, dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. If you are buying an Affenpinscher puppy, be sure ask your breeder for proof that the sire and bitch have both been tested and are free of hip displaysia.

Though Hip dysplasia is most commonly acquired through hereditary, it may also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors.

Legg-Perthes Disease

Legg-Perthes Disease is another disease common to many small dog breeds not limited to Affenpinschers. Legg-Perthes disease is a deformity of the ball of the hip joint. The symptoms usually appear when the dog is between 6 to 9 months of age, and is frequently confused with hip dysplasia. This condtiion also causes wearing and arthritis.

Legg-Perthes can be surgically repaired, and post-operative rehabilitation therapy is strongly recommended to ensure the most favorable outcome.

Heart Murmurs

This condition may occur in a variety of dog breeds both large and small. Heart murmurs are caused by a disturbance in the flow of blood throughout the chambers of the heart. Heart murmers may be indicative of the presence of another heart disease or heart condition that will require diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

Be sure to have your dog’s health checked regularly by a registered vet to ensure that his heart and other vital organs are functioning properly.

If you are trying to buy an Affenpinscher puppy, be sure to buy from a good, reputable breeder, and not a puppy mill. A good breeder will be able to provide health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. Be sure to ask your breeder for health clearances, and do not take a dog for which health clearances cannot be obtained unless you are prepared to deal with health issues.

In Affens, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to contact a registered veterenarian for professional advice regarding dog purchases, or for health concerns regarding dogs that you own.

Yet many prospective dog owners overlook small dog breeds when selecting a new pet because of preconceptions that are likely not true.

For instance, prospective owners who lead fairly active lifestyles might select a mid- or large-sized breed because they are perceived to be better walkers or runners.  Likewise, older people may avoid smaller breeds out of fear that they have hyperactive tendencies.

The truth is that there is a small dog breed for nearly every and all type of lifestyle, and some breeds are equally suitable for multiple types of lifestyles.  Picking a dog that suits your typical level of activity can not only ensure that your dog is a suitable companion for you,  but that your own level of activity is suitable for your pal as well.

The simplest way to understand what type of active small dogs suitable for your lifestyle is with the following list of “equations” that pair dog characteristics with owner’s lifestyle.

• High Energy Dog + High Exercise Needs + High Mental Stimulant = Very Highly-Active Owner
• High Energy Dog + Moderate Exercise Needs + High Mental Stimulant = Highly-Active Owner
• Moderate Energy Dog + High Exercise Requirement + High Mental Stimulant = Highly-Active Owner
• High Energy Dog + Low Exercise Needs + High or Moderate Mental Stimulant = Moderately-Active Owner
• Moderate Energy Dog + Moderate Exercise Requirement + Moderate Mental Stimulant = Moderately-Active Owner
• Low Energy Dog + Low Exercise Requirement + Moderate Mental Stimulant = Laid-back Owner

How Do Small Dogs Rank?

To determine what activity level are most suitable for your small dogs, we need to consider their energy levels, plus their requirements for mental and physical stimulation.  The following charts list small dog breeds along with the characterists that are most commonly associated with the breed.

Keep in mind that each dog is also an individual with unique personalities of his or her own, and as such, you should consider the information in the tables as a guide, and not to tailor your own dog’s activities.  If you already have a dog, you should to observe your own dog’s characteristics and choose an activity level that best meets his or her individual needs.

1. High Activity Level

Dogs in this group don’t enjoy just sitting around the house all day.  They like to have a large, constant amount of physical and mental stimulation.  Owners of these breeds must be willing to run them several times per day to the point of fatigue, such as with jogging or repetitive fetching.  If the dogs cannot get a good workout from their owners, they will find ways to entertain themselves, usually at the expense of a pair of shoes, a throw pillow, or a set of drapes.

Ideal Activities: Jogging, chasing, fetching, agility, flyball, hunting, herding, long walks, advance dog tricks

2. Moderate to High Activity Level

Dogs in this category do not need to be worked to fatigue every day.  However, most enjoy several walks per day with a long walk thrown in every other day or so.  These breeds also require a moderate to high amount of mental stimulation while both in and out of doors.

Ideal Activities: Jogging, fetching, agility, long walks, tracking, advance dog tricks

3. Moderate Activity Level

Although active, these dogs exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks daily, with some interesting games and tricks both indoor and outdoor.

Ideal Activities: Long walks, basic to slightly advance dog tricks, romp around the yard, hide and seek, short distant tracking, treadmill exercise.

4. Low to Moderate Activity Level

These breeds have a minimal need for exercise, but the short daily walk will still be enjoyed and appreciated.   Regardless, they do also prefer and appreciate freedom of movement indoors between walks, as well as toys or activities to keep them mentally agile.

Ideal Activities: Short walks, basic dog tricks, romp around the apartment or yard, hide and seek, treadmill exercise.

5. Low Activity Level

These dogs are the most laid-back and relaxed dog breeds that you will be able to find. They have almost zero interest in any rigorous exercise of any amount.  A slow, short daily walk to burn off some calories will keep these pooches perfectly content, of course with the addition of a few simple indoor activities, too.

Ideal Activities: brisk walks, very basic obedience trainings, romping indoor, hide and sniff.

We may be biased, but we think the Affen is the clear winner!

The question that is the attitude of the Affen.

Now you can express your own Affen Attitude with our line of “Got Affen?” products.  Our Affenpinscher Shop has a wide selection of “Got Affen?” items, such as shirts, caps, tote bags, mugs, and even items for the pooch himself!

Click on the products below for more information, or cruise over to our Affenpinsher Shop to browse a more complete selection of “Got Affen?” gear.

Got Affen? Black T-Shirt

Got Affen? Dark T-Shirt