Health and Genetic Diseases in Affenpinschers
By Patricia Bouldin and Kathy Smith

The discriminating Affenpinscher breeder is concerned not only with breeding to the breed standard but also with the overall health and the genetic background of his dogs. Happily, the Affenpinscher is a relatively sturdy little breed with fewer serious genetic disorders than many other breeds. While most toy breeds were developed specifically as companions, the Affenpinscher shares with the Yorkshire Terrier a unique distinction among toy breeds; both were developed to perform a working function for their owners. Their charm as canine companions was a plus, but not the original reason for their development.

As miniature "working dogs," certain physical characteristics were essential for the Affen to do his job: catching and dispatching vermin in stables, granaries, and homes. He needed strong legs, agility and the ability to move quickly. Equally important were in-bred essential temperament qualities; sharp intelligence, tenacity, and a kind of watchful patience. He needed to hold still for long periods of time while he waited for his prey to appear, and then have the strength and stamina to "dispatch" his quarry. Rats are smart; the Affen had to be smarter. All of these necessary physical and mental attributes resulted in a relatively sturdy little dog capable of protecting his home from the enemy-rats and other vermin, with the strength of mind and body to do his job.

As with all breeds, Affens do have undesirable genetic based problems. Unfortunately we do not have as much information about the scope of these problems as we would like. The small number of breeders, not only in the U.S. but worldwide, and the distances between them, has impeded the frequent sharing of information about genetic linked illnesses. While the discriminating breeders in this country are aware of particular problems, the actual prevalence each disorder has within the overall population is not known.

Some "known" inherited problems include; luxation of the patella, and heart murmurs. The nature of these heart murmurs has not been categorized yet.
Some murmurs are caused by PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosis), but other murmurs may be due to a variety of other cardiac anomalies, both inherited and acquired. PDA, while of serious concern, is correctable if diagnosed early enough. A young puppy provided with corrective surgery is likely to live as long and healthy a life, as if this birth abnormality had not occurred. The established figures published by the canine cardiology profession indicate that one in every ten dogs has heart problems, inclusive of all breeds and non-purebred dogs alike.

Patellar luxation is also surgically correctible. A possibility exists that even with correction, arthritic complications may occur as the dog ages. Left uncorrected, the likelihood of arthritis increases dramatically. Affected dogs will live with varying degrees of discomfort, particularly in their senior years. In recent years a number of cases of CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) have been diagnosed in Affenpinschers. Again, the prevalence of the problem is undetermined due to lack of data. It is simply known to have occurred in some Affens. This disorder, like patellar luxation, can cause varying degrees of discomfort to an affected dog, from mild to severe. Legg-Perthes, another canine orthopedic condition, has been recorded in Affens as well. Again, due to lack of statistical data, the prevalence is unknown.

Thyroid abnormalities have been observed by several breeders, and diagnosed by serum analysis, mostly in mature dogs. Symptoms usually resolve with ongoing medication and supportive treatment.

We are on the threshold of discovering more about various genetic problems, a first step toward reducing their occurrence. The availability of tests for early detection and the use of registries listing "clear" dogs, encourage more responsible selection of breeding stock. We all look forward to eventual DNA identification of genes causing inheritable diseases. The dogs carrying recessives can then be recognized, and breeding programs will benefit. Unfortunately this day is far in the future. There are hundreds of undesirable genetic-linked disorders. The contributing gene for each disorder can vary in mode of inheritance from breed to breed.

There is a great deal being done now by most responsible breeders. More frequent use is being made of the available tests to screen for undesirable genetic traits, OFA certification is increasingly being sought, and cardiac screening is also on the rise. And most importantly, today's rapid electronic communication encourages the sharing of information.

AKC and the parent breed clubs are playing a more active role in the search for answers. Adding OFA certification on a dog's AKC registration is a great stride forward, as is the AKC Health Foundation in which parent breed clubs participate.

It is somewhat disheartening to look at health problems in our dogs, but it is encouraging to know there are ways we can make improvements while we wait for the magic of DNA testing to become available. Many of the things we can do now are discussed in a common sense and interesting way, in a recent book by Dr. George A. Padgett, an internationally known and respected geneticist, whose particular interest and area of expertise is the subject of canine genetic disease. This is a book written for dog breeders, owners, and clubs rather than for other geneticists. It will make a welcome addition to anyone's personal dog library.

Genetic The Control of Canine Diseases, by George A. Padgett, D.V.M.
1998, Howell Book House, (ISBN-0-87605-004-6) is available at many larger bookstores or can be ordered online from Amazon or Barnes and Nobel, list price is $27.95

Patricia Bouldin, Tajar Affenpinschers, is a breeder/exhibitor and former longtime member of the A.C.A.

Kathy M. Smith, Affenhaus Affenpinschers, is a breeder/exhibitor and A.C.A. Board member, and the present Chair of the A.C.A. Health and Genetics Committee