We health test all our Affenpinschers. HD and patella examinations. We also consider starting checking eyes. We think it is always best to know what is there and then make considerations balancing health and an already limited gene pool. A scoring is a tool in the complex decision of the breeder. It can make a difference and does have a role; it is just not a magic bullet. We would not use D-hips in our breeding program. Neither a dog with patella luxamination (we only accept 0-0). It is impossible to get rid of patella once you bred it into your line.
We always keep the pictures of the hips regarding HD examinations to use in correspondence with our cooperative breeders in U.K and USA. We look at the x-rays to see that there is a normally developed hip. If it for example is a HDC we would rather use a dog with two C: s than a dog with one A and one D. The similar hips give balance.
We have bred at least two affenpinschers with A-hips and so far none with patella. All had 0-0 so far. This is thanks to hard working breeders such as Dr Mhiari Brown at kennel Orlock. She has been working hard with this breed for 15 years and she also shared all her knowledge with us at kennel Velvet Dandy's. The communication between breeders sharing the knowledge and being honest about everything is very important.
HD is a complex disorder - polygenetic and environmental. The vertigal pedigree (whole family's results; sibs, parents and so on as well as the individuals) is far more important than any individual report or result. We can as breeders’ encourage the puppy buyers to have their dogs X-rayed. We can't force people as it is an anesthetic and takes time etc and it is very expensive for the breeder even with the best will in the world. One way is to raise the buyers’ price with a little sum the puppy buyer will be payed back after scoring.
We have high standards also in type and mentality. We arrange MH-descriptions where we invite all our puppy buyers with their dogs. About this I can get back another time sharing our thoughts and ideas. The type is for us very important. Affenpinscher is a square dog between 25-30 cm in size. The expression must be cute like a little monkey NOT like a gorilla! The coat is supposed to be harsh and black. The very type, special Affenpinscher-look must be there! They should not look like terriers or miniature schnauzers or with soft coats and long muzzles. That compact body should have a short neck and very moderate, strong angulations which in movement is parallel and healthy.
We LOVE this amazing breed that is so charming and irresistible. We are willing to put a lot of effort into breeding great Affenpinschers. To succeed in this we must be open and willing to health test and inform each other as much as we can. No regulations. We have to thrust that breeders do the best they can and encourage each other.
Veronica Lange
 kennel Velvet Dandy's
www.velvetdandys.com