THE AFFENPINSCHER
WITH PAMELA PEAT
2. What are your "must have" traits in this breed? Correct monkey-like expression, square outline, harsh coat and comical mischievous attitude with jaunty movement. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? Affens have become over-groomed with too much sculpt- ed coat and excessive added product. Movement is to be “jaunty” not moved fast with “excessive reach and drive”. These are dogs that pounce on their prey—not chase it down! 4. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not? We have worked very hard to improve the soundness both in mind and body. Affens have much more sound- ness in legs, better outlines and our temperaments are more fun-loving and less timid. This has come about due to the concerted efforts of many breeders. We must continue to work to not become the “generic show dogs” that are over-groomed and run very fast around thus los- ing our unique mischievous attitude. 5. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? It is a Terrier-like Toy dog. They then miss coat texture, size and mischievous attitude. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate. As Affenpinschers become more popular we need to pro- tect them from the “generic show dog” trap! Keep them happy, healthy and true to their standard. 7. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? I needed one point on a lovely Affenpinscher bitch and, under Gloria Geringer, Eleanor decided to be a puppy and refused to walk! I stood in the middle of the ring with a statue of an Affenpinscher on a leash!
I live in Scottsdale Arizona with my husband, David, and multiple Affenpinschers. I really don’t do much of anything “outside of dogs”. They keep me busy with their antics, grooming and puppies. We also spend a lot of time traveling and judging in the USA and other parts of the world. I have been in show dogs since 1972. We bred Standard Longhaired Dachshunds until 1997. In 2000, we got our first Affen, Trevor, and have been hooked ever since. I started judging in 1991 and now do four groups: Hound, Terrier, Toy and Non-Sporting. I became actively involved in the show dog world in the 70’s as a breeder of Dachshunds and am currently breeding and exhibiting Affenpinschers. While raising a family and becoming a Reproductive Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner, I also was active in all breed and specialty dog clubs in mul- tiple capacities. My judging career began in the early 1990’s. I am active in the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association and Arizona Toy Dog Fanciers. I serve as Judges’ Education chair for the Affenpinscher Club of America. As a member of the Dachshund Club of America, I am a Parent Club Approved Mentor.I have had the opportunity to travel and judge in Tai- wan, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Italy as well as the US and Canada.
1. Describe the breed in three words. Comical, Monkey-like Toy.
“AS AFFENPINSCHERS BECOME MORE POPULAR WE NEED TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE “GENERIC SHOW DOG” TRAP! KEEP THEM HAPPY, HEALTHY AND TRUE TO THEIR STANDARD.”
236 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , O CTOBER 2018
Powered by FlippingBook