Affengriffon -- Affenpinscher X Brussels Griffon

		Affengriffon
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Belgium -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Brussels Affron

A brief presentation of the Affengriffon

The Affengriffon was created by combining the Affenpinscher and the Griffon Bruxellois. These are small dogs that are considered toy breeds. Because of the hybrid breed's small size, they can adapt to virtually any domestic environment, from a large country house to a small city apartment. Because of their small size, these dogs are not necessarily suited to living with young children. However, children who know how to be careful with pets can get on well with this breed. Other pets can also be friends of the Affengriffon, although it's always advisable to introduce them at a young age. This hybrid has a low shedding rate and is also considered a hypoallergenic dog.

History of the Affengriffon

The Affengriffon is a new breed of dog created by crossing the Affenpinscher and the Griffon Bruxellois. There is no documentation on when the first dogs of this breed were born.

	A little of the Affenpinscher
	The Affenpinscher, one of the two breeds used to create the Affengriffon, originated in Germany. We don't know when these dogs first appeared, but we do know that they were used as farm dogs and also as ratter dogs. It was in the 18th and 19th centuries that the Affenpinscher began to be regarded as a pet. Today, Affenpinschers are still wonderful pets, but they are still in touch with their hunting side and can be good at rat hunting, as well as being modern guard dogs.

	Standard of the Affenpinscher
	A little of the Brussels Griffon
	Originally from Belgium, the Griffon Bruxellois is a dog discovered in the 17th century that was also used to hunt vermin in cab drivers' stables, but eventually became a pet for the working class and nobility. The breed was introduced to England in the late 1800s, and also found its way to North America, where it was registered in the USA by the American Kennel Club in 1889. This is a relatively rare breed, whose popularity has waxed and waned over the years.

	Standard of the Brussels Griffon

Appearance of the Affengriffon

These cute little dogs are a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Griffon Bruxellois, and can have characteristics of both breeds. They have large eyes on round heads, with slightly square bodies. Their straight legs are short, like those of their two parent breeds. They can be found in a variety of colors, including black, silver, white, brown, tan and red. Their dense coat is rough and hard, with a wire-like texture. As both parents are small and feisty, getting dogs used to their grooming sessions from an early age will benefit both owner and pet. Considered high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, the Affengriffon will look its best when brushed and trimmed with care, making the most of its rough coat and allowing its eyes to shine and be seen.

Temperament of the Affengriffon

These hybrid dogs are friendly, intelligent pets who enjoy spending time with their owners and showing off for them. They are not known for being shy dogs, and on the contrary, they are quite confident, despite their small size. They can get excited easily and will need entertaining, or they can be moody and territorial. If bored, these dogs can pick up bad habits like barking, biting or becoming possessive of their toys and food. They get on well with other dogs, but if they don't know them, they need to be supervised. As they are stubborn, these dogs may sometimes try to fight with dogs bigger than themselves. Because of this trait, this breed can be difficult to train, but with a little effort, they can be excellent dogs and can also be good at learning tricks. They do well with children, but as they are very excitable, they may not be suitable for a home with very young children. What's more, they won't make very good watchdogs.

Needs and activities of the Affengriffon

Although this dog is a mix of two small toy dogs, it needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Make sure you spend at least 30 minutes a day walking with him or playing a game that gets him moving, such as ball play. When you visit a dog park, keep a close eye on this tenacious little dog, as he'll think he's high and ball-proof. Both breeds involved in the creation of this hybrid are known for their agility skills, which is a great way to get exercise for you and him, but also to create a closer bond between you.

Maintenance of the Affengriffon

These dogs need daily walks that shouldn't be too short, but not too long either. They need to spend time socializing with their owners. Because they are small, these dogs are well suited to apartment living. The Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon both have high grooming needs, and the Affengriffon is expected to have the same. He'll need weekly brushing to prevent his shaggy coat from matting and to catch the few hairs he sheds. In addition to regular grooming, this hybrid breed, like all other dogs, needs its nails trimmed as often as necessary. If they don't wear naturally, they should be trimmed once or twice a month. Dental hygiene must also be maintained. To this end, dogs should have their teeth brushed at least once or twice a week, although daily brushing is preferable.