Affenpinscher

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Affenpinschers are adorable furballs with overall great health, but they can develop a few minor or serious health conditions as they get older. As puppies, there is very little to worry about health-wise, unless your Affenpinscher is born with an inherited birth defect. Even then, most birth defects that cause health issues can be corrected with surgical intervention. While some conditions are breed-specific, Affenpinschers can also develop the usual health problems that any dog of any breed can suffer from, such as heart disease, heartworms, and certain types of cancer.

Two of the biggest health concerns that your Affenpinscher could encounter include:

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This condition occurs when the thigh and hip bones begin to degenerate, spontaneously. It results in disintegration of cartilage, and eventual arthritis and painful, awkward walks. Symptoms are subtle, but they might include a limp and obvious dislocation of the joints when degeneration is advanced. Surgery is commonly required to correct this condition permanently.

Patellar Luxation

This condition is caused by the dislocation of the kneecap from the thigh bone groove. Symptoms are visible dislocation and a painful limp. Surgery is definitely required to correct this condition permanently.

Other health issues that an Affenpinscher may develop are skin allergies, vaccine sensitivities, and hip dysplasia. The average Affenpinscher has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. But there have been several cases where a super-healthy Affenpinscher has lived to 16 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Affenpinscher is an overall good, peaceful pup with a fairly even-tempered nature. But he can be arrogant, strong-willed, and independent. You have to be consistent and firm in your training sessions. And early socialization is absolutely required to instill acceptance and tolerance in your pup from a young age. Be positive and gentle in your training sessions, but keep a clear, concise voice that establishes your dominance before you begin each and every training session. It might take repetition and a few weeks, or even months, but keep a cool head and be patient and determined.

Affenpinschers, while energetic, would be happy playing and romping around in a fenced-in backyard. Or, even playing and running in your home with a few toys. Get down on the floor and truly bond with your pup by playing a game of fetch or tug-of-war. On cold, rainy days, bundle up and take your Affenpinscher for 2-3 short walks to relieve their pent-up energy and allow them to do their business.

Grooming

Affenpinschers have lengthy, stringy hair that can be dense, especially around the faces and ears. Trimming his coat is necessary every 6-8 weeks, as is a bath to cleanse him of dirt and grime. Brush your Affenpinscher 4-5 times a week to detangle his hair. You can run a comb through it first to unkink any knots, then use a brush to go back and grab excess hair. These pups are low shedders overall.

Clean your Affenpinscher’s face regularly, because dog food and slobber can make their hair sticky. You can keep his hair cleaned and trimmed on your own. Or, if you prefer, you can take him to a professional groomer once a month and give your pup the equivalent of a full spa treatment.

Diet

Affenpinschers are all-in eaters who love to munch on tasty foods. They have also been known to have a touch of food aggression, but that is easily managed with proper training and early socialization. Keep a meal schedule for these pups, as it helps them to feel full and satisfied throughout the day. Separate 1 to 2 cups of dry, high-quality kibble into two meals per day. But make sure each cupful is packed with the best, protein-rich dog food that you can find. Nutrition is highly important, especially for small dogs.
 

Find An Affenpinscher Breeder

Affenpinscher Puppies For Sale

Adopt An Affenpinscher

Cost

Affenpinschers are popular dogs because they resemble Ewoks from Star Wars. In other words, expect to shell out pretty pennies for these pups. If you go the breeder route, make sure you find a breeder who is reputable, well-documented, and reliable. Ask others for their testimonials and learn all you can through research and questions, before you make the commitment to buy. Ask the breeder if you can see the parents of your Affenpinscher pup beforehand, as well as the AKC purebred guarantee and any health history documentation.

On average, from a reputable breeder, Affenpinscher puppies go for between $800 to $1,000. If your Affenpinscher pup has his bloodline traced back through generations, then he will likely cost a bit more. This overall price excludes additional factors, such as vaccinations, routine vet check-ups, a fund for medical emergencies, toys, nutrient-dense dog food, and a microchip.

If you want to forgo the search for a trustworthy breeder, opt for an animal shelter instead. There are plenty of Affenpinschers who need a safe, happy, loving home, and you can offer them that second chance to be loved and appreciated. The average adoption fees are between $75 to $250, but these fees vary greatly depending on where you live and shelter regulations. If you add on services, such as in-house vaccinations, health checks, and a spay or neuter, the adoption fees could be around $400 to $500.

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. Affenpinschers are independent, but affectionate pups, so they earned a 2 on the integration scale. These pups would make excellent pets for singles or couples, but they need lots of socialization to be in families with children or other dogs. Their size makes them a challenge because they long to be dominant, but training sessions should begin with your establishing yourself as the alpha, every single time. Be patient, consistent, and firm, but kind and gentle, always. These pups need training and socialization through love and friendliness. Never, ever hit or yell at your Affenpinscher.

 

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