We don't know a lot about Alfie's beginnings, except he probably started his life with a commercial dog breeder and he's no more than 3 years old (just a youngster in Affenpinscher years). He weighs about 20 lbs. and is 15" at the shoulder, which is larger than the breed standard, but he looks and acts just like the Affens we have all come to know and love!

 Alfie is very very sweet and submissive towards both humans and other dogs. He has 3 other canine roommates and has also interacted with 5 additional dogs with absolutely no problems. He has been with children as young as 8, and allowed all of them to pet him at once. He quickly became attached to his foster mom and follows her everywhere. He always come when called, and wiggles his entire body in response to "Good Boy, Alfie!" Coming from a commercial breeder, Alphie is sometimes a little afraid of being picked up, but readily responds to petting, gentle voices of approval, and treats for being a good boy! From our experience with mill dogs, it should be no time at all, before this little boy will be jumping up on laps with lots of love and affection! All this is an excellent sign that he will easily adapt to his new forever home! 

Alphie is a very quick learner! He definitely wants to please! He has already learned to walk well on a leash. At this point he prefers a halter, but walking on a leash is all new to him, so we are sure he will learn to handle walking with a collar. He has adapted to house training from observing and learning from the other dogs. He even knows to wait for his food at meal time instead of rushing in to eat out of the first bowl that is sat on the kitchen floor! He's learning about stairs too! He can manage going up a full flight of stairs, but has trouble coming back down, although in a very short time he has learned to navigate the 4-5 steps from the deck to the backyard with no problem at all! 

From his past life at a commercial breeding facility, Alfie is afraid of wire crates. So if we must leave him alone, he is kept in a tiled area of the house with his favorite dog bed and a few toys/treats. He does very well during these times and does not bark. At bedtime Alphie sleeps on his favorite sheepskin pillow next to his foster mom's bed, and is able to "hold it" all night with no problems. He's starting to show interest in toys (these are a new concept for him), and playing with the other dogs, but his very favorite preference is staying near his foster mom. Alphie is definitely enchanted with the ladies! He's learning about stairs, and can go up a full flight of stairs slowly, but has trouble coming back down, although he manages the 4-5 steps from the deck to the backyard very well now! 

If you're looking for a loving companion who comes when you call his name, gazes adoringly in your eyes and wiggles his whole body in excitement when you come home or simply walk back into a room, then Alphie might just be the perfect little guy for you!