THE AFFENPINSCHER A MARVELOUS MONKEY
PAM PEAT I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. I am currently retired and am only doing dogs, judging and relaxing. I was an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner specializing in fertility and Assisted repro- ductive medicine (IVF). KATHIE TIMKO I own Gizmo Affenpinschers and am an AKC Breeder of Merit. I live in Centennial, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. I enjoy living in “colorful” Colorado and all it has to offer— hiking, camping, skiing, Broncos football (but I’m a diehard Steelers fan), family activities and painting—as well as travel- ing to new places. 1. Your opinion of the current quality of purebred dogs in general and your breed in particular? PP: I think the quality of purebred dogs is very mixed. Some breeds are very strong in all areas, class animals, spe- cials and performance areas. Other breeds seem to be suffering and I find almost no class animals being shown and many are of lesser quality than in the past. However, Affenpinschers are stronger than ever. They are increas- ing slightly in numbers, especially in some parts of the US and the world. Their delightful personalities and abil- ity to adapt to many environments and living situations make them marvelous companions. Breeders are working very hard to improve health and socialize them. I find people have discovered the secret of this marvelous little Toy dog with a big attitude.
KT: I’ve been involved in showing dogs in AKC events since 1985. Over the past 32 years, I’ve seen tremendous improvement in most breeds, but am concerned about the overdoing of certain aspects of some breeds that, in my opinion, has really hurt them structurally. In my 14 years in Affenpinschers, I have seen tremendous improve- ment in the overall quality of type and temperament. 2. The biggest concern you have about your breed, be it medical, structural or temperament-wise? PP: With the Affenpinschers increasing popularity, I fear they will be over produced without working to maintain the progress we have made in attitude and structure. I would hate to see them increase in size, lose their correct coat that needs little care and become a bigger, handlers’ caricature of the little monkey-like Toy Terrier. KT: I would like to see continued emphasis on OFA certifi- cations, as coming from the Working Group (Akitas), I believe that a dog should be sound inside and out. Good hips and patellae are of importance, regardless of breed. Affenpinschers were bred to hunt rodents and they can’t pounce, twist and turn without good hips and knees. 3. The biggest problem facing you as a breeder? PP: I find it difficult to have the appropriate amount of time to devote to raising a litter; the constant attention for the early weeks and then the time needed for coat care, preparation and socialization. To properly raise a litter, you have to be home for at least the first four weeks. KT: I am very concerned about reproduction issues, as myself and other breeders are challenged by breedings
“I FIND PEOPLE HAVE DISCOVERED THE SECRET OF THIS MARVELOUS LITTLE TOY DOG WITH A BIG ATTITUDE.”
280 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2017
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