Affenhuahua Dog Breed

  • Other names:
  • Affen Chi
Overview

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

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Hybrid12-16 yrs.8-12 in.1-9 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are details and specs for the Affenhuahua dog breed.

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 Coloring

Many of this breed will be black or brown, however, the Chihuahua lineage provides such a variety of color that there are almost endless possibilities with the Affenhuahua. The Affenpinscher can occur in black, beige, red and mixtures of black with silver or tan. The Chihuahua, for lack of a better phrase, occurs in every color imaginable. A full list of colors for the breeds can be found on the AKC website.

Affenhuahua Size

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.

Average Adult Height

8-12 in
*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.

Average Adult Weight

1-9 lbs

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 and Children

Members of this breed are quite small and fragile. They can do ok with children if the kids are of age to understand how to appropriately and gently handle a pet. This is likely a better choice for an owner without young ones. The Affenpinscher is not a recommended breed for children so since this is half the genetic makeup of your Affenhuahua owners should be aware each individual puppy will be different; some may do ok with kids while others will not.

Affenhuahua and Other Pets

Although many breeders contend these dogs are friendly towards other pets, precautions must always be taken. The Chihuahua is more often friendly towards other pets but the Affenpinscher does better in a single pet household. The very small size of this breed also makes supervision necessary during playtime with other larger, energetic breeds. Both parent breeds have terrier lineage which makes them unideal for homes with rodent like pets.

Affenhuahua and Strangers

Although these guys much prefer their owners, they will be pretty friendly towards strangers. They are not aggressive and not likely to bark, which makes them poor alert or guard dogs but good choices for owners with frequent visitors.

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.

Temperature Range

Members of this breed will likely do best in seasonal to warm climates. Most likely the owner will keep the dog indoors so exceptions may be made in these cases, especially if the dog can still obtain proper exercise.

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.

  • Eye Diseases
  • Heart Disease
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Luxating Patella
  • View all 4...

Affenhuahua Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Affenhuahua as a dog breed:

  • American Canine Hybrid Club
  • Designer Breed Registry
  • Designer Dogs Kennel Club
  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • International Designer Canine Registry