History Affenpinscher





The wirehaired Pinscher was known already in 1400's Germany. It appeared in various works of art, from woodcut by the German artist Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), the paintings by Flemish artist Jan van Eyck (ca. 1390-1441), see picture The Arnolfini Marriage from 1434 th
The famous impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), probably admired the breed, when several of his paintings depict these small black hairy dog - see in particular Luncheon at the Boating Party of the 1881st

These dogs similar to today's Affenpinscher was then in two sizes. They were in different colors, like gray, black and various shades of red and black with brown signs. It was common with white on chest and paws. Their primary task was to catch rats and guard the farm.

It was not until the 1600s and 1700s, when the miniature dog breeds came into fashion in the German aristocracy, as the smaller type of rough-haired pinscher was a huge success. At the time when mice and rats were common in homes, was a small dog that could be indoors sought-after. However, it was not until late 1800s, which one began breed the kind of rough-haired pinscher as we now know as the Affenpinscher.

In 1895, the German Pinscher Club (later the Pinscher and Schnauzer Club) was founded. The first breedstandard for the Affenpinscher was established in 1897. Which showed that the breed would have an underbite and was of the small format. It could also be in different colors; Black, gray, bluish gray, dirty yellow, red and their various shades. Dogs with light shade often have a black mask.
The interest in dog shows were great during this time and Affenpinscher was shown sitting on the owner's arm. It was basically only the breedspecific head which was judged.

In the early 1900s the breed also become a favorite among high society. Mrs Evalyn Walsh McLean, who owned the famous Hope Diamond, was photographed with a couple affenpinschers under her arms and with the magnificent diamond around her neck (see the picture).

Dogs of all nations (1915) av Walter Esplin Mason, USA.

The Swedish Schnauzer-Pinscherclub was formed in 1947 and is the official special club for Affenpinscher and the closely related breeds Miniature Pinscher, Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer and Schnauzer. In September 1992 the Swedish Affenpinscherclub was founded.


When the breed was imported to Sweden for the first time is not entirely clear, but a couple of attempts to establish the breed in the 1920s and 1960s are documented.
During the 1920's a dog called Pirette av Hårknäs was bred by Mrs Desiree Örn, (av Hårknäs Kennels) Pirette became a champion in 1928. Some years later Mrs Ragna Lind showed a couple of imported Affenpinschers in Sweden. After this it became fairly quiet about the breed in Sweden.

Early 60th the breed once again was imported into Sweden, 12 Affenpinschers were registered in Sweden between 1963-1968:
1963 the females Cindi v Reburg and Cinderella v Reburg from Austria was imported by Betty Olsson, kennel Allön's. Cinderella was never registrarted in the Swedish Kennel Club.

1964 for the first time in many years, a Swedish Affenpinscherlitter was born, breeder: Betty Olsson. e: Intuch Nück v Reburg u: Cindi v Reburg. The puppies name was Casper - Chips - Cri-Cri.
1965 Jessica and her two brothers Jesper and Jeppe was born, breeder: Betty Olsson. The father was Bimbo v Burgkartz and the mother was Cindi v Reburg. Jessica gain her titel Such (Swedish Show Champion). Later on Jessica also got the Danish titel.

1967 Mrs Gertrud Ekman, Lidingö imported another female from Austria, Vinmy v Kiupenheim, the breeder was Margareta Pace.
1968 the second generation of Swedish Affenpinscher was born, it was Jessica who became a mother to two malepuppys and two femalepuppys: Flipper - Freddy - Fiffi - Fleur, breeder: Betty Olsson. The father to the puppys was Viktor vd Alten Veste.


After this it was not until 1986 when the breed again was registrated in Sweden.
The first out of six (five was registrated in the SKK) imports from the breeds country of origin Germany then came to Sweden, it was the male Happy vd Rheinpfalz and the females Indira vd Rheinpfalz and Katinka vd Rheinpfalz . Katinka was my first Affenpinscher. 1987 was the two first Affenpinscherlitters in 19 years born in Sweden. One of these amazing puppies was my Power (La Rocca's I've got the Power).

1988 came the first Affenpinscher from USA to Sweden, it was Ch Hilane's Corey Hart and Osgood Farm's Arbitrageur (see the picture). Also the first imports from UK came to Sweden during 1988: Tonsarne Columbine and Furstin Fine Flower.

Now around 50-60 puppies registered each year. For without doubt there are many people's lives that are richer and more fun with this dog world sparkling black-eyed little clown!