Affenshire

Yorkshire Terriers were developed in Yorkshire, England in the 1800’s. Their original function was to hunt small vermin. The Yorkshire Terrier came to North America in 1872. The first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. During World War II a 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became a hero and a sensation in the United States. Smoky was found in a foxhole in New Guinea by an American soldier, who then sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne for approximately $6.44. The Corporal would carry her in his backpack or inside his helmet. She would visit injured soldiers and bravely traveled inside an underground 70’ pipe with a phone wire attached to her collar. This wire allowed the outposts to be able to have communication with each other. According to an Animal Planet Investigation, Smoky was the first recorded therapy dog. She performed this function during and after the war. Smoky’s heroic actions made the Yorkshire Terrier breed very popular in the United States. There is a statue of Smoky in Cleveland, Ohio. The Affenpinscher originated in Germany during the 1600’s. The Affenpinscher was originally a medium size farm or store dog, which was used to hunt mice and rats. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Affenpinschers were bred to be much smaller and became companion dogs. The breeds believed to have been used to develop the smaller Affenpinscher were the Pug, the Smooth Haired German Pinscher and a Silky Pinscher. The Affenpinscher was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. It is believed that the Affenpinscher was a contributor to the development of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon. Affenpinschers almost became extinct during World War II. After the war ended, breeders crossed the remaining Affenpinschers with the Griffon Bruxellois, which created the unique face structure of the breed.