Affen Terrier

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
One of the smallest crossbreeds, even when fully grown, the Affen Terrier is a rare mix of a Border Terrier and an Affenpinscher. These pups are also among the healthiest crossbreeds, as most of the health conditions are bred out of them. Despite their naturally great health, these pups, like any dogs, can develop major illnesses, like heart disease, heartworms, and cancer. Be sure to take your pup to the vet at least twice a year for vaccine updates and routine check-ups.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

This condition is a birth defect that affects the formation of the hip and elbow joints. When the joints are malformed, they slip in and out of the socket, causing pinched nerves, deteriorated cartilage, and painful arthritis. Surgery is a must to correct this condition.

Kennel Cough

This condition could really affect any dog, but smaller pups are more prone to it. It is highly contagious and resembles bronchitis in humans. Symptoms include runny eyes, a runny nose, gagging, and a persistent cough that turns violent. Sometimes, hospitalization is required. But, in normal cases, antibiotics are enough to knock out the infection.

These pups are also prone to skin allergies. Affen Terriers are hypoallergenic, making them perfect for people with allergies. However, this doesn’t protect the pups themselves from allergies to grass, mites, dust, and fleas. The average lifespan for an Affen Terrier is between 10 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Small, shaggy, and cute, the Affen Terrier is a boisterous, bouncy pup who loves playing and interacting with his humans. He is very attentive and affectionate, making him an ideal family pup. However, children should be taught how to be careful when playing with or handling him. These pups are tiny, so rough-housing or grabbing could easily harm an Affen Terrier. Teach kids how to be gentle, respectful, and loving to your little pup. They, and you, have to be mindful of his small stature at all times.

Affen Terriers, while friendly and social with everyone, will commonly bond closer with a single person. He will want to be around this person constantly, and may even exhibit signs of mild separation anxiety when that person is away. The Affen Terrier is boundlessly loyal, but they are sensitive, which means their feelings are hurt easily through harshness and negativity. Never strike or shout at your Affen Terrier. He needs kindness and positive vibes all of the time to remain his happy, spunky self.

Both parent breeds of the Affen Terrier are known for being a bit willful, but the Affenpinscher is the most notoriously stubborn of the dog breeds. Most Affen Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, but he could inherit a tinge of stubbornness, thanks to his parents. If he displays signs of deliberate disobedience, establish your dominance with clear, concise orders in a firm, strong voice. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward him for obedience. Instead of punishing him with scolding or hurtful comments, be consistent, kind, and patient in his training. He may simply need some extra time to catch on to your commands.

Affen Terriers are excitable, high-energy pups, but their small bodies use up excess energy quickly. Two short walks, around 20 minutes each, would be just fine for an Affen Terrier on a daily basis. Plus, you could have a few toys indoors for him to gnaw on and drag around. If you have a fenced-in backyard, that is even better for his romping needs. But be sure you have a fence that goes deep into the ground. These pups are excellent diggers, and they might think that running from you is a sort of game.

Socialization of your Affen Terrier can be tricky. These pups are a little territorial because of their size. They want to be bigger than they are, so they may challenge larger dogs. Not a good idea in most cases. Socialize your pup from an early age to avoid problems with aggression and shows of dominance towards other, much bigger dogs.

Grooming

Most Affen Terriers boast lengthy, shaggy hair that needs brushing daily. Use a stiff-bristled brush to detangle and unkink his coat. He sheds occasionally, but it gets worse in the summer time. When the winter months arrive, he will happily fluff back up again. Bathe him once a month, but use a gentle dog shampoo every single time. Other shampoos strip his coat of important oils and expose his skin to harmful bacteria.

Other grooming needs include trimming his nails, cleaning his ears, brushing his teeth, and cutting his hair. Do these things at your discretion, but be on the lookout for infections or unhealthy tissue. If you are uncomfortable with grooming your Affen Terrier, take him to a professional groomer. She will bathe, brush, trim, and take care of your Affen Terrier in a matter of hours.

Diet

Your Affen Terrier’s diet should consist of whole grains, vegetables, and lean meats in a reputable, nutritious dry kibble. Feed him breakfast and dinner with a ½ cup of dry dog food per meal. This meal schedule cuts down on begging between feedings. You should also invest in hearty, bite-sized dog treats to reward his good behavior.
 

Find An Affen Terrier Breeder

Affen Terrier Puppies For Sale

Adopt An Affen Terrier

Cost

Affen Terriers, because of the compact size, are fairly popular, but it may be difficult to find one. Many pet owners snatch up Affen Terriers as quick as they’re bred, so ask around or research the Paws ‘N’ Pups breeder section to find a reputable breeder who is expecting a litter. The average Affen Terrier puppy costs around $750, but there are additional costs to consider, such as food, toys, and medical expenses.

You could also check your local animal shelters for a slightly older Affen Terrier. Adoption fees run the gamut of $100 to $300, but it would be super-sweet of you to give a pup a second chance at a happy, healthy home.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Affen Terrier ranks a 2. It could be difficult to integrate this pup because of their dominance issue with other dogs, but training works well towards fixing this bad habit. Another difficult issue would be size, but diligence and attentiveness go a long way. Otherwise, these pups are great family dogs because of their loyalty, affection, and overall love of people.

 

Affenpinscher

Border Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese