Affenhuahua Dog
iStock.com/Nico Thomsen

Affenhuahua Dog Breed

Other names:
Affen Chi

The Affenhuahua is a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Chihuahua, therefore they are not considered purebred. Although both ancient parent breeds are recognized by the AKC, the Affenhuahua itself is not. It is important to familiarize yourself with both parent breeds, as your pet will inherit traits from both. Members of this breed do best as a single pet for an owner with no small children. They will closely bond with their special person and will be affectionate, charming and funny. These little dogs will be low maintenance in respect to exercise and grooming but will likely require a moderate amount of firmness and patience to train. Affenhuhuas come from two generally healthy parent breeds and, as a hybrid, will likely surpass that health and live around 12-15 years.

Affenhuahua Breed Details

Below are details and specs for the Affenhuahua dog breed.

Type
Hybrid
Lifespan
12 - 16 yrs.
Height
8 - 12 in.
Weight
1 - 9 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Affenhuahua Breed Description

The Affenhuahua is considered a small dog. In fact, you could call it a tiny, weighing between 1 and 5 pounds and standing 8-12 inches. Some information suggests these dogs may sometimes reach up to 9 pounds.

These dogs will be affectionate and charming with their closely bonded owner and pretty friendly towards strangers; or at least they are unlikely to be aggressive or bark. Although this breed can do ok with children that are old enough to gently handle a small dog, their Affenpinscher traits will likely be better for households without kids. Affenhuhuas are ok for multiple pet situations (except, perhaps, for rodent-like pets). Due to their small size playtime with larger, more energetic dogs should be supervised.

Despite the toy dog appearance, this breed is quite low maintenance. Due to its small size it can get much of the necessary exercise indoors and the rest can be met with short daily walks or outdoor playtime. Grooming of the medium length coat requires little more than weekly brushing. These dogs are not known for being readily obedient but they are considered moderately trainable by a firm, patient owner. Both parent breeds are known as funny little entertainers so they should excel at learning tricks once a training method is figured out.

Affenhuahua Breed History

Although the parent breeds of the Affenhuahua have extensive histories, the Affenhuahua itself likely came about over the last 20 years as the desire for designer mixes increased. Affenpinschers are considered one of the most ancient toy breeds and Chihuahua ancestors date back to the ancient Mayans.

Affenhuahua Appearance

As a crossbreed, the Affenhuahua will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Not all will inherit the same traits which means some individuals may appear more Affenpinscher while others will look closer to the Chihuahua. Typically, the Affenhuahua will have medium length, wavy to curly fur with thick eyebrows, beard and moustache. The round eyes will be dark and full of spunk. Overall, breeders claim they retain many more of the Affenpinscher characteristics.

Affenhuahua Colors

The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Affenhuahuas.

Black
Black and Silver
Brown
Red

Affenhuahua Temperament

Affenhuahuas are affectionate companion dogs that will form a close bond with their owner. These dogs, although confident, are not the independent type that will want to spend hours alone doing their own thing. They will likely be well appreciated by their owner for being charming and funny.

They are considered moderately trainable and many owners enjoy teaching them tricks; the Affenpinscher breed is notably clownish and entertaining. They are not known for being overly obedient, however, so a firm and patient owner is required; this is especially important as many people tend to baby their toy dogs leading to small dog syndrome.

Members of this breed are not aggressive and do not bark frequently making them ideal for indoor living but poor watchdogs and guard dogs.

Affenhuahua Maintenance

Despite the toy dog appearance, this breed is quite low maintenance. Due to its small size it can get much of the necessary exercise indoors and the rest can be met with short daily walks or outdoor playtime. Grooming of the medium length coat requires little more than weekly brushing. These dogs are not known for being readily obedient but they are considered moderately trainable by a firm, patient owner. Both parent breeds are known as funny little entertainers so they should excel at learning tricks once a training method is figured out.

Grooming Requirements

Members of this breed have fur and not hair. This means they are not hypoallergenic and will likely shed a bit. The coats are typically medium length and wavy to somewhat curly. They will need regular brushing, weekly should suffice, to keep the coat free of mats and tangles. Little other grooming is required other than the typical doggy regimen of cleaning teeth, ears, and trimming nails.

Exercise Requirements

This is considered a medium energy breed, however, due to their small size, these needs can easily be met. They will be active indoors but will still enjoy a daily walk or outdoor playtime in an enclosed area (with you of course!).

Living Requirements

The small size of this breed makes it ideal for apartment or house living. Affenhuahuas will be happiest indoors and will get plenty of exercise here. Both parent breeds quickly and thoroughly make a bond with their owners and, although they can tolerate being left alone for a reasonable amount of time, do best when they can be a constant companion to the person.

Affenhuahua Health

As a hybrid, the Affenhuahua will be healthier than its purebred parents. Owners should still familiarize themselves with the most common health concerns for both breeds. Affenpinschers and Chihuhuas are generally healthy but the most common issues include: hip dysplasia, luxating patella, heart and eye diseases.

Affenhuahua Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Affenhuahuas.

Hip dysplasia
Luxating patella
Heart problems
Eye diseases

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 22, 2016
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