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Why not consider adoption first?
Disregarding the Hype- With the hype surrounding many small breeds and the demand for them increasing, puppy mills are big business and dogs are suffering in the most horrendous conditions imaginable. We owe it to them to do what we can.
You can be a part of helping to put an end to the torture. Please read our FAQ page to learn how.
High Energy- Affens have a propensity for climbing and digging and are very terrier like (despite being part of the pinscher/schnauzer family of breeds) in spirit and personality. This is a quality that many Affie owners find endearing, but if your prefer a laid back breed, this is probably not the dog for you.
Separation anxiety is common- He will often show frustration by destructive chewing and barking or by having "accidents" on your furniture.
Behavioral Issues- This breed is well-known to be stubborn. Whether you're trying to housebreak him or discourage undesirable behaviors, like excessive barking or digging, you could very well have your hands full with training, etc.
Maintenance Needs-Regular grooming or brushing is necessary to keep this dog's coat from becoming matted. Regular attention should also be given to nails, teeth, ears and pads.
Housebreaking difficulties- Toy breeds are among the hardest dogs to housebreak. You'll need to be very patient with your Affenpinscher. Small dogs come with small bladders. We highly recommend these positive training techniques.
Fragility- Toy breeds are fragile. They are prone to broken bones caused by falling, mishandling, etc. A larger dog can quickly kill a small dog like an Affen with one quick shake. It's never a good idea to walk this high spirited dog without a leash.
-Potential Health Issues-
Patellar Luxation is a joint condition in which kneecaps pop in and out of place. This is a common complication among many small breed dogs.
Hip Dysplasia is a developmental subluxation of the hip joints which can eventually lead to arthritis and/or lameness. It's causes are genetic as well as environmental. A secondary concern of this affliction is osteoarthritis. According the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, nearly 14% of Affenpinschers are currently affected.
The use of pet steps has been shown to significantly reduce the wear and tear on joints.
Eye Conditions- Affens are prone to early the onset of cataracts as well as corneal ulcers. Eye infections are not uncommon.
Short Muzzled- This breed is short muzzled. Breathing difficulties due to very hot or humid conditions could result in death.
Here are some Affenpinscher Pictures to help brighten up your day!
We hope you've found this page helpful in your search for your next best friend. If you haven't done so yet, we urge you to read our FAQ page to learn how to find a reputable breeder... and why should NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store.