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Notes oN breediNg It is very important for judges to have the option to continue to breed and exhibit at AKC shows while pursuing a judging career. What better way to be able to pri- oritize attributes in selection of breeding stock? You watch a brood bitch and select the appropriate stud to complement her. Then continuous evaluation and grading of their get over time helps you to prioritize attributes of each individual, just like when judging a class or breed. As a breeder, judge and breed mentor, I approach evaluation of individual dogs/ bitches exactly the same way: compare them to the AKC Standard and prioritize any deviations. It is a continuous process when breeding but must be accomplished in a very short period of time when judg- ing. Utilizing the experience learned as a breeder helps to make me a better judge and helps me to teach other judges how to evaluate this adorable breed in a more effi- cient, but correct manner. about the author mation and obedience. Under the Pramada prefix we produced multiple champions, BIS and group winners and BISS dogs. In addition we had Pomeranians and Whip- pets while our daughters were participat- ing in Junior Showmanship, obedience and conformation. After moving to Arizo- na in the late 1990s we decided to down- size and wanted a small but sturdy, quiet, entertaining and affectionate dog as a com- panion. After much research, we decided an Affenpinscher fit that description and thus began the next chapter for Pramada. After some success showing Trevor we decided to breed Affens (or at least I did) and added the “Naughty” to our Pramada prefix. As this breed is a bit of an imp and likes to entertain in a devilish manner it seemed an appropriate way to distinguish from the Dachshunds. Our daughter, Maggie moved to San Francisco and took over the Dachs- hund part of Pramada in the 1990s and is very successful worldwide with them. I cur- rently judge the entire Toy, Hound and Ter- rier groups and enjoy the diversity. I started in dogs in the 1970s in Minne- sota breeding and showing Standard Longhaired Dachs- hunds with my hus- band, David. We were very active in multiple clubs and activities in confor-
pharmically controlled, but in extreme cases surgical removal of the head of the femur is needed to prolong a pet’s useful life. The most commonly diagnosed car- diovascular problem is “heart murmur,” usually in the mitral valve, called mitral regurgitation. A murmur may be detect- ed in the first visit to the vet due to slow maturation, usually disappearing by 14-16 months in the healthy pup. Failure to lose the murmur should eliminate the pup from a breeding program. Mitral regurgi- tation is the failure of the mitral valve to
Bindi at 8 weeks.
close properly after a left ventricle contraction, which allows un-oxigenated blood to “regurgitate” back into the left atrium without having circulated to the lungs to disperse carbon dioxide and be infused with oxygen. This results in lack of energy and shortness of breath and causes the heart to pump harder and wear out faster. While not immediately fatal, it shortens the life span of the dog and can lead to other health complications. Dental disease appears in the breed as well, especially as Affens age, stress- ing the importance of regular at home dental care. Breeders who would nor- mally proceed to clean tartar from the teeth of a medium to large breed seem hesitant to tackle the small mouth/teeth of an Affen. This housekeeping task should not be neglected, nor should the use of dentifrices designed to main- tain healthy enzymes in the canine oral cavity. Supplying the Affen with raw bone joints or other canine treats specifically designed to encourage chewing can help keep tartar at bay. Temperament plays an important role in the overall health of any dog. A nervous, anxious demeanor can lead to the development of health problems due to the stress placed on the body by chemical changes cause by anxiety. The normal Affenpinscher gets along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and is also very protective of them. This self-confidence is reflected the overall physical health of the body, as many Affens live well into their fourteenth year. The Affenpinscher Club of America promotes the breeding of healthy dogs and recommends that all prospective purchasers inquire as to the health test results for sire and dam. To achieve a CHIC number, the ACA requires the testing of eyes (registered with CERF/OFA) and patellas (evaluated by OFA). In addition, to protect future generations from inheriting potentially breed- wide genetic problems, the club strongly recommends that breeders add x-ray evaluations for hip dysplasia, elbows, Legg-Calve-Perthes and heart evalu- ations on their breeding stock, choosing matings carefully based on these test results. The bottom line is that Affenpinschers, to date, have no known inherited deformities or genetic malfunctions other than the occasional genetic aberra- tion that can occur in any breed. about the author
Sheila has been owned by Affens for over 25 years, but turned seriously to breeding and showing them about 14 years ago. After two hip replacements and lower back surgery, she was no longer able to exhib- it her original breed, the Dalmatian, at the pace needed to show off their flowing movement. Not willing to turn her back on over 25 years of breed- ing/showing experience, she turned to her second love, Affenpinschers, to continue her adventures in the breed ring and the brood box. She has 13 cham- pions from 10 litters, with 3 more still to be shown.
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