If you watched this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, you saw a wonderful representation of a large variety of dog breeds. These are the best of the best of each breed.
This year's Best in Show winner was the Affenpinscher!
The Affenpinscher was recognized by the AKC in 1936 and placed in the Toy Group. German for Monkey-Terrier, this mischievous little dog truly has a monkey-like face and the impish nature of a monkey.
Affenpinschers were originally bred in 17th century central Europe to be ratters and mouse hunters in homes, stables, and shops. Today their primary role is that of companion. Affenpinschers are excellant apartment dogs due to their small size, although they are still very active dogs. Inside play and a daily walk outside will help keep this dog in shape.
Affenpinschers stand 9-11.5 inches tall and weigh in at 7-13 pounds. Their wire-hair coat requires twice weekly brushing and twice yearly trimming.
Affenpinschers typically live 11-14 years. Common health issues for this toy breed include luxating patellas (moving knee caps), cataracts, hip dysplasia, and collapsed trachea. They may also have an open fontanel, a soft spot in the front of their skull that didn't close.
You can see traces of the Affenpinscher in the lineage of breeds such as the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer.
For more information on this "monkey dog," visit www.akc.org. Congrats to Banana Joe, the first Affenpinscher to win Best in Show at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
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