Affenpinscher
OVERVIEW OF THE AFFENPINSCHER
Also known as the Monkey Dog, the Affenpinscher is a small breed that thinks it’s a big hound. They’re full of spunk, inquisitive and serious about protecting their human family.
These dogs originated in Germany and were kept for their superior rat-catching abilities in homes, stables, farms and shops. This makes them unsuitable for homes with pet hamsters or similar small pets. They can get along well with the cats they have grown up with.
Despite their dexterity and excitability, they are very affectionate, intelligent, and loyal pups. With a height of only 9.5 to 12 inches and an adult weight between seven and nine pounds, their big personalities make up for what they lack in size. Their shaggy coats can be black, ruddy brown, silver or a combination.
Affenpinschers need early socialization and plenty of play. They do, however, not enjoy being squeezed or chased and are not the best choice for families with small kids.
They are full-time house dogs and should be kept in fully fenced yards. They are overly brave and won’t hesitate to confront animals much bigger than they are. As long as they get out for brisk walks and playtime, they can adapt well to apartment living.
Affens are entertaining and will make their family laugh. They are good therapy dogs and are great companions for people who enjoy exploring. If you are planning on welcoming an Affenpinscher to your family, here are some important things to know.
AFFENPINSCHER FOOD AND HEALTH
When buying a puppy (of any breed), make sure to get one from a reputable breeder to ensure you get a healthy dog. This will minimize the likelihood of genetic diseases. Look for a breeder that tests breeding dogs to make sure they are free of genetic complications that can be passed on to puppies and that they have pleasant temperaments.
An Affen breeder should be able to show you clearances for hip and elbow dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, thrombopenia, and eye health. Health clearances can be checked on the offa.org website.
Affens have short faces which means they can struggle to breathe in hot weather. Whether you live in an excessively hot climate or do a lot of activity with your pup in warm weather, it is important to prevent overheating.
Common conditions to be aware of in Affens are patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes Disease, and hip dysplasia.
Patellar luxation is common in most breeds and is caused when the leg joints or bones are not properly aligned. Although present at birth, the luxation may only appear much later as lameness in the affected leg or an uneven gait. The dog may limp or hop-skip as a result. This can lead to arthritis and degeneration of the joint. In severe cases, your pup may need to undergo surgery to correct this. Some dogs can wear a specially designed leg brace, however, it is best to consult your vet for the best solution.
Legg-Perthes Disease also affects their hind leg joints and already appears at six to nine months old. Your pup can undergo surgery early on to correct this and live a happy pain-free life with the right rehabilitation.
Similar to the above conditions, hip dysplasia will result in lameness in one of the rear legs. The condition is hereditary and happens when the hip joint and bone don’t fit snuggly. It can also be triggered by hard impact jumping or falling as well as rapid growth from excessive calorie consumption. Although you may not notice discomfort early on, it can lead to arthritis as your dog ages.
Although Affens are suitable for apartment living, they are prone to weight gain. It is vital that your pup not only gets enough exercise but also that you monitor their diet very carefully. Do not feed your dog table scraps since one lick of a piece of fatty meat will most likely add up to their full day’s calorie allowance.
The average Affen only needs around a quarter cup to half a cup of good quality dog food daily. Divide this into two meals and adjust their calorie consumption according to their activity levels.
It is best to feed your pup dog food that is specifically formulated for small dog breeds. If you have a puppy, only feed them puppy-specific food and never adult formulas. The packaging will give you an indication of how much to feed your pup according to its age and weight.
Be very careful when feeding your pup human foods and always check to ensure they are safe for dogs to consume. Certain types of nuts, onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, grapes, and raisins are all toxic to dogs.
LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR AFFENPINSCHER
Your little Affen needs early training and socialization since they can be stubborn and ready to guard against any strangers if they aren’t used to having other people around. Despite their stubborn streak, they are eager to learn and please you. If you train your pup with lots of positive reinforcement, praise, play, and rewards, they can be very well-trained pets and also compete in obedience and agility events.
Always make training a positive experience and never use harsh techniques. If you keep it fun and engaging, you will be a lot more successful.
Keep your pup on a leash in public places and when going for walks. They get excited easily and since they tend to forget their small size, they’ll get into trouble quickly.
The pressure from collar-tugging and even some front-clip harnesses can be very damaging to your pup’s neck and trachea. It can also cause protruding eyes and limited blood flow. We recommend a back-clip, V-neck harness as the best option for your pet. These allow you to guide with control without exerting any pressure on your pup’s sensitive and small structure.
When choosing a collar for a name or identity tag, avoid hard and heavy materials. Opt for a lined or rolled material that won’t cause their hair to matt. When fitting the collar, make sure you can fit two fingers between your puppy’s neck and the collar to prevent it from being too tight. If they’re still growing, check this daily and upsize as needed.
BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR AFFENPINSCHER
Since your pup considers themselves part of your family, they want to be inside with you. Giving them a warm, comfortable spot to sleep or relax is important.
Soft crates are the most comfortable, but they are harder to clean and not quite as durable as plastic or metal crates. Regardless of the crate that you decide on, there are a few important aspects to take into consideration. Ensure that there is plenty of airflows and that the size is comfortable for your pup. If your dog is still a puppy, you will either need to upsize the crate as they grow to adult size or purchase a large enough crate from the beginning. You can always section it off initially and open it up entirely as they grow.
To determine the right size for an adult dog, you’ll need the length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add four inches to this measurement. For the height, measure from the ground to the very tallest part of your pup’s head and add four inches. Small dogs generally do well in 24-inch crates. Make sure your pet can turn around and move comfortably when there is a mattress inside as well.
The crate should be a small sanctuary for your pup. If you go for an open crate, get a crate cover with a flap or roll-up door. Alternatively, you can also cover it partially with a cozy blanket. A comfy mattress, soft blanket and plush toy will make this the ultimate puppy den. Never use the crate as punishment, but always let your pup perceive it as a positive and happy haven.
Whether the crate ends up being their sleeping spot or mostly for training and travel, it’s important that your dog has a good, warm and comfortable bed. If they suffer from any joint issues, an orthopedic bed or memory foam mattress is a good option.
Some dogs will instinctively curl up when they sleep as a natural way to retain body heat and protect their organs. Donut-shaped beds are inexpensive and cozy and come in a range of funky fabrics and colors to match your puppy’s personality. They are also easy to move around the house.
Keep in mind that Affens do shed, so consider how easy the bed is to clean and if it has a removable cover for washing.
BEST TOYS FOR AFFENPINSCHERS
Affens love to play and that means that there’s a wide range of toys to entertain them and keep them intellectually engaged.
While your Affen is still a puppy, get some teething toys to help ease itchy gums and discomfort. Certain teething toys come in flavored varieties with raised nodules to massage their gums. Others can be enjoyed as frozen chews and ease swelling. Chew toys are a handy distraction and can be very effective at saving your furniture and clothing from puppy biting.
Your Affen will enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, and jumping around. An erratic ball or snowman-shaped Kong will bounce unpredictably making your game of fetch that much more fun. Some toys allow you to place a treat inside so that when your pup retrieves the ball, they’ll get a reward. When choosing balls or other fetch toys, ensure that they are size-appropriate for your small dog.
For mental stimulation, get your pet a puzzle toy. These treat-dispensing toys require your pet to solve the puzzle to get to the treat.
Giving your pup a companion toy can also help ease any anxiety while they are home alone. A companion toy can be a pillow, teddy, or other soft toys. They warm up and some even simulate the sound of a heartbeat to offer a realistic snuggling companion.
GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR AFFENPINSCHER OWNERS
An Affen has a thick and fairly coarse hair texture. Although it is considered hypoallergenic, they do still shed, but not excessively. Their coats are shaggy, around one inch long on their body and a little longer on their head, contributing to their monkey-like expression. Your groomer will know how to keep your pup trimmed to achieve their characteristic look and eyes clear of hair.
Since their hair doesn’t grow exceptionally fast you only have to trim them every few months.
Your pet does, however, need to be brushed twice weekly. Start with a slicker brush to remove any dead hair. Use your fingers to gently detangle knots and mats and then brush your pup with a metal comb. You may want to spray some detangler to make dematting easier.
Depending on your pup’s lifestyle they may need a bath every two to four weeks. If you brush and maintain their coats regularly, they don’t need to be bathed that often, especially if they are mainly indoor dogs. While brushing, check for any rashes.
Like many other small breeds, Affens can be prone to developing periodontal disease. Brushing your puppy’s teeth daily is best to remove bacteria, prevent tartar build-up and avoid bad breath.
Start checking your dog’s nails, paws, ears, mouth, and eyes, from an early age so that they get used to being groomed. Make it a positive experience for them with praise and rewards. This way your pup will handle grooming and veterinary exams well when they’re older
Their nails need to be trimmed once or twice monthly. If you can hear their nails click on the floor as they walk, they need a trim. This can be tricky to do due to the blood vessels present in your puppy’s nails. Get advice from your vet or professional groomer before doing it yourself.
BEST AFFENPINSCHER ACCESSORIES
If you and your pet pal love going on adventures outdoors or doing road trips, a portable dog water bottle is a wonderful accessory to have. The water bottle has a foldable lid that can open up into a water bowl for your Affen to stay hydrated on the move. This way you don’t have to carry an additional water bowl around.
A set of dog stairs or a vehicle ramp are great for older dogs or those with joint issues. If your pup struggles to get on and off the couch, dog stairs will prevent them from taking the plunge and hurting themselves further.
To learn more about small breeds like the Affenpinscher, check out our breed hub page.