Best Breeds Of Dogs

 Affenpinscher Dog Breed

This gorgeous dog is believed to have originated in Germany. Its name, Affenpinscher, translates as ‘Monkey Terrier’ which describes this little dog very well. In the farmlands of Germany they survived by hunting rats and mice and so protected the farmers' supply of winter food. The two World Wars nearly wiped out the breed, but thanks to some dedicated people it is thriving again.
 

Average lifespan

Afghan Hounds will often live up to 13 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 15 years of age.

Average Size

A dog in good condition should be 60cm to 64cm for the female and 70cm to 74cm tall for the male. In peak condition the female should weigh up to 25kg and the male 30kg.

Breed personality, characteristics & temperament

The Affenpinscher is a quaint, comical dog that loves company, and loves to show off to their owners. They are eager to please, usually quiet and they will only bark if something unusual is happening within its territory. They are not really happy in a kennel, but will adapt.

Compatibility with other pets

These happy dogs will mix with almost any other pets in the household, especially when they are raised together from and early age.

Care requirements

The Affenpinscher needs little grooming, just a weekly comb or brush and a bath occasionally. You will need to trim the hair around its feet and keep its toe-nails trimmed, but they do prefer the scruffy look - this helps with the hair around the face hence the popular name ‘Monkey Dog’.

Ideal owners

Ideal owners are people who have small back yards and are willing to take them for walks. Once you have an Affenpinscher, it will finish up ‘owning you’ and not the other way around.

In conclusion

For those people who do not have a lot of room, but still want to have a dog of their own that they can love then this smart little animal is well worth considering. 

Best at working sheep, they are built for endurance and so make an efficient and effective drover and gatherer. The breed's unusually thick, corded coat, helps it withstand extremes of weather. It was not until early last century that dog fanciers and zoologists began to study and document the breed. The Puli has become popular and established in its native country where it is now regarded as a national symbol and very much a national treasure.

Average lifespan
This robust dog can live to 15 years of age.

Average size and weight
37cm to 44cm
10kg to 15kg
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The most striking and distinctive feature of this medium-sized, active dog is its shaggy, corded coat. The coat can reach the ground by about four years of age and, with its tail curled over the back, it is hard to know if they are ‘coming or going’. The Puli is a remarkably active, agile and light-footed breed, and it is highly regarded for their intelligence and trainability. It is a sensitive one-man or family dog, which makes an intensely devoted and loyal companion. Loving and affectionate, it is wary of strangers, but extreme timidity, or aggression, are serious faults with this breed. The Puli must be part of the household and does not take to isolation from its family, or being confined to a kennel.

Compatibility with other pets
The Puli is wary by nature and can be reserved with other dogs. They must learn early to be accepting of other dogs and pets. It has a dominant nature and likes to be the top dog. This could lead to some conflict with adult dogs of the same sex.

Care requirements
The Puli's coat will naturally develop cords and, although the dog does not need brushing, they must still be groomed. A Puli in a full, floor-length coat, requires considerable work to maintain a clean and neat appearance. The full-length coat easily collects dirt, twigs and leaves, and, these can be difficult to remove. To keep the Puli’s coat in glorious condition requires devotion on the part of its owner. Bathing is essential and a heavily corded dog may take an hour to wash and up to six hours to dry, with a blow dryer.

The most intensive grooming period is when the Puli is between 9 to 18 months of age. The coat must be worked regularly, using your fingers, to separate the developing cords. The assistance of the breeder is recommended at this time, so that the correct grooming technique can be explained.
Ideal owners
The Puli is best suited to an active, outdoor lifestyle. They are a ‘smarty’ and make a great companion and games dog. Their intelligence, trainability and overwhelming desire to please, make them an excellent dog to own

Click here for advice on adopting a rescue dog and finding a breeder. All information has been provided by the Kennel Club.