For those who are thinking of breeding Affenpinscher, there are a number of good books available that should be read before whelping a first litter. Be aware that, as with all toy dogs, the litters are generally quite small, ranging from one to six puppies. The average litter size is between two and three. A few days before the due date have an X-ray taken of the female by your veterinarian. This will tell you the number and size of the puppies. C-sections are not common but could be required. All of this is expensive; therefore, this is not a moneymaking activity.

Be prepared. At birth the puppies usually weigh from 2 to 6 ounces. The puppies need to be whelped in a quiet, warm and clean environment and be carefully supervised. The mother needs to be watched carefully during and after whelping. She needs quiet support. With a first litter she may not know how to free the puppy from the sac and clean it. Have towels, sharp scissors, dental floss, a hemostat, plastic bags, cotton balls and a good book on breeding ready next to the whelping box. If this is the breeder's first litter, an experienced friend is a good thing to have.

The observers need to be aware of how and when problems can occur. Because of their size, a female may have difficulty delivering the first or the last puppy. Have a veterinarian "on call" to assist. Don't wait too long. Whelping a litter of toy puppies is highly stressful activity. Experience is a great teacher. Make sure the puppies nurse and that the mother has milk. She also must clean each puppy's vents to promote peristalsis. If the tails are going to be docked, this usually occurs when the healthy nursing puppies are two or three days old.

Special care should be given to the litter of puppies from four through seven weeks of age to make sure each puppy is socialized. This means that each puppy should be handle and exposed to new sights and sounds. This can include carrying them or allowing them to explore safely around the house, near the television or radio. Take them into the kitchen to familiarize them with those smells and sights, as well as the sounds of pots and pans. When friends come over, be sure they are allowed to play with each puppy. Early socialization is very important to minimize stranger and environmental fears.

No Affenpinscher puppy should leave is original home before 10 to 12 weeks of age. If the puppies are to have their ears cropped, this usually happens when they reach 3 pounds or 12 weeks. The reason for this older age is because the trauma of the surgery and the effects of the anesthesia are less dangerous. There have been reports of the too-small or too-young puppy dying during or after the ear cropping.