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Affengriffon Breed Card
Affengriffon Breed Overview
Group
Mixed Breed Dogs
Height
9-12 inches tall
Breed Recognition
No
Weight
7-10 pounds
Country of Origin
Germany
Personality
Friendly, intelligent, confident
Lifespan
12-15 years
Shedding
Low
Affengriffon History
The Affengriffon dog is a mixed-breed dog. It is a cross between an Affengriffon and a Brussels Griffon. It originated in Germany, but it is unclear when the breed was first introduced.
However, the parent breeds have been around as farm dogs and rat hunters since at least the 18th century. Although made for ratting, the breed was eventually brought into the house to keep mice out. Over time, it also became a warm cuddle buddy for owners.
Today, the Affengriffon is known for being a fantastic and somewhat mischievous companion dog that brings comedy and energy to any home.
Cost ✅
COST LEVEL
Low End: $600
High End: $1200
Affengriffon Physical Traits
General Appearance💡
The Affengriffon is not officially recognized by the AKC and does not have a breed standard. Therefore the breed can appear as many variations of the Affenpinscher and Brussel’s Griffon.
Generally, though, the Affengriffon is a tiny dog that typically weighs no more than 10 pounds. It has a sturdy, compact build that is perfect for ratting.
The Affengriffon has a small, round head, half-domed ears, and large brown eyes embedded above a short, sometimes almost flat nose.
The body is boxy with a straight, somewhat rigid appearing tail that often extends directly upward. The back legs are often noticeably longer than the shorter, stockier, and more muscular front legs. A broad chest and muscular shoulders round out the physique of these tiny dogs.
The fur is coarse, moderately thick, and best looking when brushed daily. Coat colors include white, silver, red, gray, and black, with a wiry texture and just above-normal density.
Size & Weight ❤️
Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Height: 9-12 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Coat & Color
Eye Color
Brown
Coat Color
White, silver, gray, black, red
Coat Length
Medium
Coat Texture
Wiry
Affengriffon Temperament and Personality
The Affengriffon is an intelligent and somewhat mischievous little pup. They have big, bold, confident personalities that are perfectly complimented by their stern expressions and small size.
This boldness, paired with their severe mannerisms, gives them their famously comical personalities. The Affengriffon is trainable, but basic obedience training is best, and short training sessions will garner optimal results.
The Affengriffon has a small, round head, half-domed ears, and large brown eyes embedded above a short, sometimes almost flat nose.
The body is boxy with a straight, somewhat rigid appearing tail that often extends directly upward. The back legs are often noticeably longer than the shorter, stockier, and more muscular front legs. A broad chest and muscular shoulders round out the physique of these tiny dogs.
The fur is coarse, moderately thick, and best looking when brushed daily. Coat colors include white, silver, red, gray, and black, with a wiry texture and just above-normal density.
Responsible dog owners should have no problem making the Affengriffon a perfect apartment dog. The breed is an excellent option for new dog owners thanks to its relatively low barking level, sensitivity, and size.
Kid Friendly?
GOOD WITH KIDS
Bad Idea
Excellent Nanny
Yes, the Affengriffon is kid-friendly. Not only is it great around young children, but it is also one of the most human-oriented small breeds as they do not tend to take to one particular human the same way the other small dogs do, like Chihuahuas.
They are largely considered to be the type of breed that sees strangers as their new best friend, and they have the energy to play with children, although they can get quite vocal when excited.
As with any dog, supervision is strongly recommended when a child is playing with a dog, but with the Affengriffon, the chances of a mishap are generally low.
Good with Other Pets?
GOOD WITH PETS
Bad Idea
Friendly Socialite
Yes, the Affengriffon is good with other pets. It is a small dog that is not known for its aggressive nature. Instead, it is an affectionate and playful dog, although it may not be interested in playing as often as other dogs.
It is often rated as having medium energy, so high-energy dogs might require more supervision when allowed around an Affengriffon. Affengriffons are dog friendly and can become fast friends with almost any kind of pet you may own.
Keep in mind the reason the dog was bred, though. Remember that there may be better options than t rodents or small pets for interspecies friendship with this crossbreed.
Barks a Lot?
BARKING LEVEL
When Neccessary
Noise Maker
The Affengriffon has an average barking level. This means it does not bark any more than a normal dog and does not bark any louder. In other terms, its barking is always for a reason and can be managed.
Can Be Left Alone?
LEFT ALONE
Likes Being Alone
Sepration Anxiety
Yes, the Affengriffon can be left alone, but it may take some preparation.
When determining the behavior traits of a crossbreed, it is vital to consider the traits of the parent breeds. The Brussels Griffon, one of the original breeds of the Affengriffon, is known for being emotionally attached to its humans.
This lends them to bouts of separation anxiety that the Affengriffon may inherit. It is essential to teach the dog when they are puppies that being alone is okay to avoid adverse reactions or destructive behavior while you are out.
Affengriffon Training
The Affengriffon is an outgoing and strong-willed little dog. This means training will take some time and patience. However, the hard work will pay off in the end because this intelligent canine enjoys working and pleasing its owners.
Basic obedience training is imperative to keep its intense prey drive and mouthiness under control as this dog was bred to chase and kill rats. A staple training tactic is redirecting the dog’s energy.
As a small working dog, the Affengriffon will have the ability to cause trouble even at a young age. The instinct to chase rodents can lead to them getting into places they should not be in or that you can’t reach, like under the bed or in a cluttered closet. Teaching your dog where it is and where it is not allowed can be a potentially life-saving step.
Affengriffon Needs
The Affengriffon is a medium-maintenance dog. They can live in nearly any climate as they are capable of tolerating hot or cold, wet or dry, and city and rural life well. This also means they do not often require special accommodations to be happy, and this is greatly aided by their small stature.
They do, however, require grooming that can be done at home but it is often best done by a trained dog groomer. The fur of the Affengriffon is wiry and coarse and grows continuously, which makes regular haircuts and brushing mandatory.
Since Affengriffons are tiny, they do not require much room to run around and play. In fact, they are great apartment dogs for this reason. They can be content with being indoors, but they require dedicated playtime to be the happiest.
Although they are small and can live in an urban apartment, being working dogs, they require regular socialization and walks to burn off the energy they would have used to chase rats on the farm. This dedicated exercise will also reduce their propensity for separation anxiety that leads to destructive behavior, like barking, that can disturb the neighbors.
Nutritional Requirements
FOOD MOTIVATED
Picky Eater
Voracious Eater
The Affengriffon should be fed a diet consistent with small dogs of medium energy. This means a higher protein, lower carbohydrate dog food should be offered to them.
Since both the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon are prone to hip dysplasia and luxating patellas, joint supplements are a good idea, as well as eye supplements to prevent retinal atrophy and blindness.
Additionally, healthy treats should be at the ready as these dogs do best with consistent reinforcement of good behavior.
Exercise & Activity Levels
ENERGY LEVEL
Couch Potato
Go-All-Day Stamina
Since the Affengriffon is a toy-sized dog, its energy levels and exercise requirements are well within reach for most would-be dog owners. Generally speaking, a one-mile walk daily will be enough to keep their destructive behavior under control.
They are considered medium-energy dogs, so they require exercise to live a fulfilling life, but a little goes a long way. To provide them with indoor activities, a puzzle toy or snuffle mat can help to ease them into remaining indoors for an extended period of time as well, but this should not be the most exercise or stimulation they receive regularly.
Grooming Needs
SHEDDING LEVEL
No Shedding
Shedding Machine
Thanks to its parent breeds, the Affengriffon is low-shedding and considered a hypoallergenic dog. They produce little to no excess fur and will shed seasonally at most.
Affengriffon Average Lifespan
An Affengriffon will typically live 12-15 years.
The Affengriffon is generally known for being a healthy dog breed. The breeds that make up this breed, however, have some common health issues to be on the lookout for. Many of them can be avoided with regular visits to the vet.
Commom Health Problems
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia, according to PetMD, is when “the cartilage and bone of the hip begin to wear down. Over time, this causes arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.” This can happen to dogs of any size, and treatment can range from physical therapy to CBD oils and pain medications.
- Luxating Patella: Patellar luxation is when the dog’s kneecap moves from its normal location and “pops out” of place. It is treatable but is most prevalent in small dogs and can be caused by poor nutrition or injury, or it may be present at birth.
Recommended Health Tests
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- Hip evaluation
- Patella evaluation
Tips for New Affengriffon Owners
Here are some tips for first-time Affengriffon owners:
Tip 1
Find a Reputable Breeder: This is the most important tip for anyone looking to buy a dog rather than adopt it from a shelter. This is because good breeders have their dogs genetically tested for health risks in the bloodline and receive paperwork confirming the health of the dog.
Tip 2
Buy Puppy/Dog Products in Advance: Being prepared is paramount to the initial success of owning a dog. If getting your dog from a breeder, use the same food the breeder used. This will help ease your new puppy into your home but also will make potty training easier. A food and water bowl, crate, leash, collar, and other relevant supplies should be ready to use the moment your new dog walks into the house.
Tip 3
Stock Up on Supplements: Although the breed is generally healthy, it is still prone to joint issues. Giving joint supplements can aid in helping your doggy live a long and healthy life.
Affengriffon Similar Breeds
– Chihuahua
– Affenpinscher
– Brussels Griffon
– English Toy Spaniel
Affengriffon Supplies You Need
When preparing to bring home your new Affengriffon, you should stock up on essential supplies like dog toys, grooming tools, and high-quality dog food formulated specifically for small dogs.
Toys and training tools can be one and the same in many cases, but both are equally important to the enrichment of your new dog. These will teach them what they are and are not allowed to chew on, giving them an outlet for unburned energy.
Grooming tools are essential with the Affengriffon. Their coat requires regular cutting to avoid matting and daily brushing to keep it looking good. This is not just an aesthetic choice, however, as daily brushing reduces tangles in the dog’s fur and helps to make them more comfortable.
High-quality dog food formulated for small dogs is crucial to small dog ownership. Small dogs are prone to hypoglycemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar, and this can be fatal. Dog food made specifically for small dogs will help avoid this and many other health risks associated with inadequate nutrition.
Best Dog Beds for Affengriffons
Best Dog Food for Affengriffons
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Clusters for Small Breeds
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Best Dog Supplements for Affengriffons
Affengriffon Fun Facts
Fun Fact 1
The Affengriffon has been known as the “ape terrier’ and “monkey dog” over the years.
Fun Fact 2
The Affengriffon was bred to hunt rats and was brought indoors to hunt mice, where it morphed into a lap dog to keep its owner’s hands and feet warm at night.
Fun Fact 3
Thanks to its thick, coarse, wiry fur that does not shed, the Affengriffon is considered to be hypoallergenic.
Fun Fact 4
Despite its tiny frame, the Affengriffon is an avid swimmer.
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