The Affenshire is a designer breed that combines the Yorkshire Terrier and the Affenpinscher. Both of these pure breeds were intentionally crossed to create this small and lively dog. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Affenpinscher are known for being hypoallergenic, so regular brushing and grooming of their smooth or shaggy coats is necessary. Affenshires are intelligent, inquisitive, and somewhat stubborn. They are easily trainable, enthusiastic to join in activities, and quick learners.
However, due to their small size and delicate build, the Affenshire may not be suitable for households with young children. If you are patient and successful in socializing this adorable hybrid, it will easily fit in well with your family.
Ahead, we look at Affenshire dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Affenshire, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Affenshires!
| Dog Breed | Affenshire |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 4-9 lbs (average) |
| Height | 8-11″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Affenpinscher, Yorkshire Terrier |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
| Price | $600 – $1000 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred in Yorkshire, England in the 1800’s for the purpose of hunting small vermin. In 1872, they were introduced to North America and the first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885. During World War II, a 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became a hero and gained popularity in the United States. Smoky was found by an American soldier in a foxhole in New Guinea and was later sold to Corporal William A. Wynne for around $6. 44. Smoky would accompany the Corporal in his backpack or helmet and even traveled through an underground pipe with a telephone wire attached to her collar for communication between outposts. Smoky is considered the first recorded therapy dog and her heroic actions contributed to the breed’s popularity in the United States.
The Affenpinscher originated in Germany during the 1600’s as a medium-sized farm or store dog used for hunting mice and rats. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed was selectively bred to be smaller and became companion dogs. The Affenpinscher’s smaller size was achieved by crossing with other breeds such as the Pug, the Smooth Haired German Pinscher, and the Silky Pinscher. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Affenpinscher in 1936, and it is believed that the breed played a role in the development of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon. During World War II, the Affenpinscher population almost went extinct, but after the war, breeders crossed the remaining Affenpinschers with the Griffon Bruxellois, resulting in the unique facial structure of the breed.
🐕 Affenshire Appearance
An Affenpinscher and a Yorkshire Terrier were crossed to create the Affenshire. Both of your parents may have left some traits in your Affenshire. Their coloring and markings may differ, even within the same litter. They might have pointed ears or ones that dip down. The nose and eyes of an Affenshire will be dark. Your puppy can have an underbite as a result of his Affenpinscher heritage. He’ll be a little dog with a distinctive and very expressive face expression. Affenshires that are more like their Yorkie parent may have a lengthy, silkier-textured coat, while those who are more like their Affenpinscher parent may have a coarser coat and mustaches on their faces. Your Affenshire will be distinctive since its coat may be a special combination of the two.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Fawn, Blue, Red, Gray, Black |
⚡ Fun Fact: Affenshire dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Affenshire
The Affenshire will have a lovely demeanor that is a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Affenpinscher and Yorkshire Terrier are sometimes referred to as large dogs with little frames. The Affenpinscher is a breed similar to the Terrier, which makes them vivacious, alert, and good watchdogs. The Yorkie is a Terrier breed. The breed doesn’t need a lot of physical activity. The Affenpinscher may be aggressive around food and is much more mischievous than the Yorkshire Terrier. For the Affenshire, early interaction with people and other dogs is crucial. The Affenshire may bark, so if excessive barking becomes a problem, an animal behaviorist might be able to offer some advice on how to reduce the barking. Anxiety related to separation is a problem for Yorkshire terriers. The Affenshire might not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time as a result. This hybrid adores all the attention he can get, is clever, eager to please, and easy to teach.
🤝 Are Affenshires Friendly or Aggressive?
Affenshire dogs are generally amiable with other pets and show a moderate level of friendliness towards strangers. They are also quite comfortable around cats and display an average level of amicability towards other dogs.
However, Affenshires are not particularly suitable for families with children as they are not known for being kid-friendly. Additionally, it’s not advisable for elderly people to keep Affenshires, suggesting that they may not be the best companions for the older population.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Curious
- Playful
- Adventurous
- Funny
- Loving
- Stubborn
- Independent
- Energetic
- Alert
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Loyal
🐩 Affenshire Care & Maintenance
The Affenshire might have a long, silky coat or one that is harsh and wiry. In either case, you should brush and comb your Affenshire multiple times every week. The grooming procedure will go more smoothly for you and your tiny dog if you are patient and consistent. Before beginning to comb out the hair, remove matted fur with care and use your hands to untangle any tangles. To avoid tartar formation, teeth should be cleaned several times each week, and small breed dogs need regular dental exams because they are more likely to experience dental problems. To avoid breaks or rips, their nails will need to be cut every month. Dropdown ears will need to be cleaned once a month with an ear wash that the vet recommends. Some Affenshire owners choose to have their dog’s hair cut, anal glands expressed, claws trimmed, ears cleaned, and shampooed by a professional groomer once a month.
Affenshire dogs are known for their low to non-existent shedding. If you choose to have a puppy from this breed, you can feel relieved knowing that your furniture and car won’t be constantly covered in dog hair. This makes Affenshire dogs the ideal choice for those who have a low tolerance for shedding. Additionally, these dogs require a bath every 3-4 weeks to keep them clean and well-groomed.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or roughly $20.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Affenshire dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Affenshire dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Affenshire Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Affenshire Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
- Bronchitis
While minor concerns include:
- Cataracts
- Allergies
🤧 Important: Is Affenshire hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Affenshire.
⚡ Affenshire Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Affenshire a great choice for families with young children?
The Affenshire is not a great choice for families with young children due to their small size and tiny frame. They may be easily injured if not handled with care.
Is the Affenshire breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Affenshire breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They do not require a lot of exercise and can adapt well to smaller living spaces.
How much exercise does a Affenshire require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Affenshire requires less exercise. They are not highly active dogs and do well with moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.
Is the Affenshire breed known for being good with other pets?
The Affenshire breed can be good with other pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other animals.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Affenshire?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Affenshire include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shih Tzu. These breeds also have hypoallergenic coats.
What are the common health issues that Affenshires are prone to?
Affenshires are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, patellar luxation, and eye conditions like cataracts. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor their health.
Are Affenshires known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Affenshires are known to be intelligent, eager to please, and trainable. They are quick learners and enjoy being part of training sessions, making them relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds.
Are Affenshires more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Affenshires can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if left alone for extended periods of time. They thrive on attention and companionship, so it’s important to provide them with enough mental stimulation and company.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Affenshire that are suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, there are other dog breeds similar to the Affenshire that are suitable for people with allergies. Some examples include the Poodle, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dog, all of which have hypoallergenic coats.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Affenshire are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Due to their small size, Affenshires are suitable for individuals or families with limited space. They can comfortably fit into smaller living spaces and do not require a large yard for exercise.
Is the Affenshire breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Affenshire breed may not be specifically known for being good with children with special needs. However, with proper socialization and training, they can be gentle and adaptable to different situations.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Affenshire?
The Affenshire has moderate grooming needs. Their coat can be either smooth or shaggy, and they should be brushed and combed several times a week. They are low to moderate shedders compared to some other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Affenshire dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
