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Affenshire Breed Card
Affenshire Breed Overview
Group
Mixed Breed Dogs
Height
8-11 inches tall
Breed Recognition
No
Weight
4-9 pounds
Country of Origin
United States
Personality
Affectionate, stubborn, energetic
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Shedding
Low
Affenshire History
The Affenshire is a designer dog breed that originated in the USA by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier to an Affenpinscher. Also known as the Affen Yorkie, it is considered a designer breed because two registered pure breeds were intentionally bred to create this hybrid.
There’s no clear information on the period when this breed had its start.
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the 1800s in Yorkshire, England, to hunt small vermin. The Yorkshire Terrier was then brought to North America in 1872 and registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Affenpinscher, on the other hand, was originally bred to work like a Terrier. Their main job was to exterminate rats and other pests in German stables of the 1600s and is a retriever breed. (The name Affenpinscher is German for “monkey dog” or “ape terrier.”) This pinscher mix was later brought indoors to rid the house of mice. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Affenpinschers were bred to be companion dogs and smaller in size. The Affenpinscher was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.
Even though the parents of the Affenshire are both purebred dogs in good standing with major canine clubs, such as the American Kennel Club, their crossbreed puppies don’t have the same recognition. The American Kennel Club and other major organizations don’t recognize designer dog breeds, so Affenshire puppies can’t have pedigree papers. However, the Designer Breed Registry recognizes the Affenshire as a breed in its own right.
Cost ✅
COST LEVEL
Low End: $600
High End: $1000
Affenshire Physical Traits
General Appearance💡
The Affenshire may have varying physical characteristics from both sides of its lineage. Considering these are crossbreeds, there may be differences in color and marking even among the same litter. They may have drop-down ears or pointy ones, a dark nose, and eye colors ranging from brown to amber.
Due to their Affenpinscher side, your puppy may have an underbite with a protruding lower jaw and lip. An Affenshire who takes after the Yorkie parent may have a long coat with a more silky texture; the Affenpinscher parent may influence with a rougher coat and a mustached face. Your Affenshire’s coat will be a unique blend of the two parent breeds.
The Affenshire is a toy breed and the body size and stature of the Affenshire do not vary too much, even with different mixes. The Affenshire has a very expressive and unique facial expression. Some Affenshires can look more like their “monkey dog” Affenshire parent, with the cute flat face, and on the other hand, some might resemble the Yorkie more, with perky erect ears.
The Affenshire’s coat can be either rough and wiry or silky and long. The coat colors can vary between a wide range of colors and shades; from all black, grey, red, or tan. In most cases, though, puppies have their unique appearance with characteristics from both parents. While the smallest of the Affenshires may stand around 8 inches, the tallest would be at 11 inches. Irrespective of the size of your Affenpinscher there is uniformity in proportions, appearance, and general temperament.
Size & Weight ❤️
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Coat & Color
Eye Color
Amber, Brown
Coat Color
Fawn, Blue, Red, Gray, Black
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Coat Texture
Straight
Affenshire Temperament and Personality
The temperament of the Affenshire is a combination of the Affenpinscher and the Yorkshire Terrier personalities. Affenshires tend to be more sensitive than other dog breeds, and they get affected emotionally even with soft punishment. They make wonderful companion dogs as they are inherently very aware and conscious of their owner’s emotional state. They are known to be playful and curious dogs and can be comfortable in many different settings, from being family pets to office companions.
The Affenshire can also be food aggressive and territorial. Early socialization with different people and other pets, especially dogs, is very important for the Affenshire. Affenshires thrive when provided a daily routine and do not tolerate noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.
Kid Friendly?
GOOD WITH KIDS
Bad Idea
Excellent Nanny
Yes, the Affenshire is a good-natured Yorkie mix that gets along with all age groups of people, the only exception being very young children. For singles, couples, or active retirees that want a fun, loving canine companion, the Affenshire will be a good pet. However, there should be some considerations before adding them to your family, if you have very young kids.
The Affenshire tends to get nippy with small children that like to tease or bother them and can also be easily injured in play with a child. They are also extremely possessive of their food, which can lead to some dangerous situations if your child interferes while the dog is eating.
However, they are perfectly comfortable being around older children who are better informed about handling a dog like the Affenshire.
Good with Other Pets?
GOOD WITH PETS
Bad Idea
Friendly Socialite
Yes, Affenshires can happily be part of a household with other pets, as long as they’re introduced to them gradually and with care. They usually get along fine with other dogs, although the Affenshire can be possessive of both people and their food. To make feeding less stressful for all your pets, practice feeding each dog in a separate part of the house.
Barks a Lot?
BARKING LEVEL
When Neccessary
Noise Maker
Yes, the Affenshire can be a barker as it is territorial and protective by nature. Being understimulated due to lack of exercise or play can also lead to frustration and pent-up energy in these dogs.
Vocalizations are one way that Affenshire can express how they are feeling and what they may need. Dogs may bark for several reasons: to get attention, as a guarding response, out of boredom, anxiety, or frustration. With early socialization, regular physical activity, and training, this behavior can be addressed successfully.
Can Be Left Alone?
LEFT ALONE
Likes Being Alone
Sepration Anxiety
No, just like the Yorkshire Terrier, the Affenshire may suffer from separation anxiety and cannot be left alone for extended periods. Ensuring they are provided an environment with a steady company is important. If training is provided to your dog from the time he is a puppy, then they may be able to handle separation for limited periods, more effectively.
Affenshire Training
Like most terrier breeds, Affenshires are brilliant little dogs that take to training incredibly well. While they pick up on tasks quickly, they can also show a tendency to be stubborn.
Positive reinforcement dog training methods are highly recommended because dogs are much more likely to respond positively to rewards rather than punishment. You will get the best and most long-lasting results using positive reinforcement with your Affenshire and this should always be your default method of training. The Affenshire enjoys training sessions provided you keep the sessions fun and engaging. The breed is ideal for dog sports, agility, flyball, and similar activities. This could be something you and your pet bond over.
The Affenshire also benefits from early socialization and puppy training classes. Housebreaking and potty training should be done at an early stage itself. As Affenshires tend to be very possessive and also bark a lot, training and socialization at an early age will help your puppy get used to new people, children, dogs, places, and experiences. Early socialization will also help shape them into friendly, easy-going little dogs.
Affenshire Needs
Like most terrier breeds, Affenshires are brilliant little dogs that take to training incredibly well. While they pick up on tasks quickly, they can also show a tendency to be stubborn.
Positive reinforcement dog training methods are highly recommended because dogs are much more likely to respond positively to rewards rather than punishment. You will get the best and most long-lasting results using positive reinforcement with your Affenshire and this should always be your default method of training. The Affenshire enjoys training sessions provided you keep the sessions fun and engaging. The breed is ideal for dog sports, agility, flyball, and similar activities. This could be something you and your pet bond over.
The Affenshire also benefits from early socialization and puppy training classes. Housebreaking and potty training should be done at an early stage itself. As Affenshires tend to be very possessive and also bark a lot, training and socialization at an early age will help your puppy get used to new people, children, dogs, places, and experiences. Early socialization will also help shape them into friendly, easy-going little dogs.
Nutritional Requirements
FOOD MOTIVATED
Picky Eater
Voracious Eater
Choosing food specifically designed for toy breeds is a good idea to make sure your Affenshire gets high-quality dog food that is complete and balanced, as per his age.
The Affenshire is a small dog that does not have a big food requirement, so be careful not to overfeed them. A cup to cup and a half of premium quality kibble is enough for these toy-sized dogs. Affenshires are prone to obesity and diabetes.
If you are adding extra wet or cooked food as a topper for the kibble, this can lead to rapid weight gain and other complications. When in doubt, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations about the serving sizes. You may split the serving into two daily meals, for better digestion.
Exercise & Activity Levels
ENERGY LEVEL
Couch Potato
Go-All-Day Stamina
Affenshires have moderate exercise needs and they love spending time outdoors as well as playing indoors with toys. To keep your dog fit, it is essential to take them for a walk or jog for 30 to 40 minutes daily. Provide enough toys for your dog as part of enrichment, including food puzzles. Playing fetch in the backyard or participating in dog sports are other great ways to involve your dog in exercising.
Grooming Needs
SHEDDING LEVEL
No Shedding
Shedding Machine
The Affenshire breed needs regular grooming to keep its hair in good condition and to keep shedding minimal. Its fur is hypoallergenic and as with all dogs, the amount that their hair is brushed will influence how healthy their coat is, but especially with long-haired dogs home grooming is essential and a visit to the groomers once every 6-8 weeks is recommended.
Depending on the exact combination of genes your puppy has inherited, the Affenshire’s coat can be rough and wiry or straight and silky. Either way, you will need to groom your Affenshire several times a week.
Patience and commitment on your part without unnecessarily prolonging the actual process will ensure your dog associates grooming with a positive experience. Trimming of the hair by a professional groomer is advised.
As the fur is prone to matting and tangles, carefully softening and detangling matted hair, with the help of grooming oils would significantly reduce the potential to hurt your dog during the process. This should be followed by the use of slicker brushes and combs to comb out any matted or tangled hair. Regular baths using a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for long-haired dogs should be used.
Teeth should be brushed regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent tartar buildup and yearly dental examinations are essential as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Their nails will need to be trimmed monthly and their dropdown ears will require to be cleaned monthly to prevent infections.
Affenshire Average Lifespan
The Affenshire is relatively new among the toy breeds, which means there’s not enough information about their life span. However, based on the lifespan of the parental breeds, it’s easy to guess the life expectancy of this crossbreed. With good care, your new mixed breed pet should live between 12 to 15 years.
Commom Health Problems
- Patellar Luxation. Patellar luxation is a hereditary disorder in dogs, which is associated with multiple deformities of the hindlimb, which may involve the hip joint, femur, and tibia.
- Portosystemic Shunt. A liver shunt occurs when an abnormal connection forms or persists between the portal vein or one of its branches, and another vein. This then allows blood to bypass the liver. A liver shunt is usually caused by a congenital birth defect.
- Keratoconjunctivitis. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a common canine eye disease. It is a chronic ophthalmic disease which is also called dry eye syndrome. It results from a deficiency of elements in the precorneal tear film.
- Bronchitis. Bronchitis is a disease of the lungs that is characterized by inflammation in the bronchi and bronchioles. Inflammation leads to mucus production, coughing, and irritation in these airways. This leads to even more production of mucus and creates a constant cycle between inflammation and excessive mucus production.
- Diabetes. Diabetes in dogs occurs when their bodies no longer produce or process insulin at a normal rate, much like in humans. Insulin is responsible for the regulation of glucose absorption and blood sugar levels and is a hormone produced in the pancreas.
Recommended Health Tests
- X-Rays
- Eye examination
- Respiratory tests
- Allergy testing
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Patella evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
Tips for New Affenshire Owners
This section lists some of the best tips for taking care of a new Affenshire puppy. Discipline and commitment are important qualities for a pet owner to ensure you have a well-trained and healthy dog. Keep reading the list below for more details:
Tip 1
Find a reputable breeder. Ask your veterinarian, visit local breed clubs or visit professional dog shows to get a referral for a reputable breeder in your area. A reputable dog breeder will have the right knowledge and documentation to ensure your puppy is healthy and from a trustworthy source. Here is more information on the AKC Breeders of Merit and AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders standards that are put in place to raise healthy, well-adjusted puppies.
Tip 2
Get puppy/dog Products in advance. Some basic items will be needed to make sure your Affenshire puppy feels comfortable in his new environment. Food and water bowls, puppy food for toy breeds, bedding, a crate, toys, and pee pads should be included in your list of products to buy in advance.
Tip 3
Get backup support. As a first-time dog owner, you will need a support system, especially for a breed such as the Affenshire. These dogs are especially prone to separation anxiety, and if you’re regularly away from home for hours on end, you may consider doggy daycare—or at least a dog walker to ensure your dog has company in your absence. When you travel and your pup can’t go with you, you’ll need a boarding solution or a pet sitter.
Affenshire Similar Breeds
– Biewer Terrier
– Paperanian
– Yorwich
– Biro
– Toxirn
– Biewer Terrier
– Paperanian
Affenshire Supplies You Need
The Affenshire’s, long-haired coat can range in thickness and texture, with some having a fine silky feel and others having a thicker more coarse feel. Investing in good-quality grooming supplies for your dog is a must. It is recommended you buy good quality shampoo, conditioner, and anti-static spray along with a good pair of clippers for trimming, a pin brush, a slicker brush, and a comb to effectively and effortlessly remove tangles, mats, debris, shed fur, and loose hair.
Consider supplementing the diet with foods that can help coat health, such as salmon oil.
In addition, you will need nail clippers along with an ear-cleaning solution to remove any excess wax and dirt and to help maintain the proper PH levels in your dog’s ear canal.
Best Dog Beds for Affenshires
Best Dog Food for Affenshires
Best Dog Supplements for Affenshires
Affenshire Fun Facts
Given below are some fun facts about the Affenshire breed:
Fun Fact 1
Affenshires make great farm dogs as they can be put to work chasing rats.
Fun Fact 2
As with any designer breed, Affenpinscher Yorkshire Terrier hybrid puppies can inherit a combination of traits from both their parents. Some puppies may have the temperament of a Yorkshire Terrier but look like their Affenpinscher parent and vice versa.
Fun Fact 3
Affenshires make perfect pets for novice owners, due to their easy-going personalities.
Fun Fact 4
This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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