The Chihuahua has to be one of the most popular and recognizable small breeds in the world. Many dog lovers adore them for their size and devotion. However, they can be a bit of a handful without the right training and discipline. This, along with their fragile build, is why many breeders create “designer” Chihuahua crossbreeds. The Affenhuahua is an exciting example, but what is this dog actually like?
What is an Affenhuahua? The Affenhuahua is a mixture of the Affenpinscher and Chihuahua. This is a pretty small dog since both parents are small breeds themselves. However, height and weight can vary. You are looking at a height of around 8 to 12 inches. Some will have the stockier weight of the Affenpinscher at close to 10 or 12 pounds. Others will be much lighter at 4 pounds.
These dogs can look pretty cute, especially when they get the face of the Affenpinscher. Theses dogs can have big round eyes, smaller muzzles, and little flopped-over ears.
What about the Affenhuahua coat? Is it hypoallergenic?
There are a few different coat types that may appear in these pups. It all depends on the most dominant genes and their parentage. Many will take after their Affenpinscher parent, which means a more scruffy coat. This look is very endearing, but it may require a little more grooming and maintenance to get some of the tangles out. Others will take on the coat of their Chihuahua parent. This could be a shorter coat or a longer one.
When it comes to the colors of these coats, this can again vary depending on the parents. You can see some dogs that take on the tan or browner tones of the Chihuahua. Others will be much darker because Affenpinschers tend to be black or very dark brown. However, it isn’t unheard of to see white or blue tones in the fur.
Whatever the length and color, you should find that these dogs are low-shedding animals, which means that we class them as a hypoallergenic dog. They aren’t going to leave dander all over your upholstery and don’t lose that much hair either.
Do they have a good temperament or any behavioral issues?
One of the biggest challenges with this dog is their temperament with other people. Chihuahua’s mainly are sensitive and possessive animals. This means that they can be a bit wary of strangers, irritable around children, and possessive when other people get too close to their owners. There is a good chance that your new Affenhuhua pup will inherit this. It is possible to train these dogs not to act this way, but you need to do so with consistent socialization from an early age.
Another consideration here is that these animals have a pretty strong prey drive. The Affenpinscher has a ratting heritage, and there is still that instinct to go after small rodents. They are pretty good at it too if you happen to live somewhere with a vermin problem. But, this does mean that there should be no small animals in the home. They won’t tell the difference between a rat and a hamster if it runs past them.
Are these Chihuahua Affen crosses easy to train?
Training can be difficult with this dog because they tend to be stubborn and aggressive. This means two things. First of all, it can take a while to get the message across if they don’t feel like taking part in their training that day. Secondly, you may end up with a dog that learns the commands and responds to them only when they want to. So, a little pup with a tantrum could be a handful. With that said, it is worth the effort to turn this independent dog into a more obedient, calmer pet. Dedicated owners that work with a consistent method of positive reinforcement can do quite well.
Are Affenhuahuas good family pets?
These potential issues with the dog’s temperament and training mean that they aren’t always the best family pets. You can get animals that work will in families with the right socialization and training. But, some end up snapping at kids or experiencing rough play. Remember that they are still delicate little dogs, and some small children could hurt them.
They are probably better off with an experienced older family that can train them well, or a single occupant of an apartment looking for a loyal and protective little dog. Of course, that small stature means that apartment living is ideal for this little dog as they can get the exercise they need in the home and on regular walks in a local park.
Is this Affenpinscher Chihuahua cross an active crossbreed?
For a small dog, these pups often require more physical activity than you expect. Chihuahuas are high energy animals that need a good walk and plenty of playtime to calm them down. The Affenpinscher side of this crossbreed may calm these hybrid dogs down a bit. But, you should still expect to be able to keep up with their needs. Remember that a hyper, bored and agitated little dog can do plenty of damage around the home.
Are there any health concerns to worry about with this Affenhuahua?
On the whole, this seems to be a pretty healthy breed. There are some concerns that this animal will end up with breathing issues because of the shorter muzzles. However, this is a healthier shape than brachycephalic dogs like pugs and bulldogs. They should be entirely active with no wheezing or trouble getting their breath.
Instead, the major concerns for this breed’s health include Patellar Luxation, Tracheal Collapse, and eye disease. Therefore, your new pet must get regular eye check-ups in addition to the rest of their examinations.
It is also important to note that this is a long-lived animal. Smaller breeds can often live between 13 to 15 years old. That’s a lot of time to dedicate to this animal. Of course, illness and other medical issues can shorten their lifespan, so 15 years is no guarantee.
How much do Affenhauhuas cost?
It is hard to predict the price of these dogs because of their scarcity. Some say to expect to pay anything between $400 and $800 for one of these animals. That’s a pretty big difference. The cost will depend on availability in your area, the dog’s linage, and any other bonuses that you get from the breeder.
Some may try and charge a lot more because they know local dog lovers can’t go anywhere else nearby. Consider heading out of town if it means finding a better breeder.
It would help if you took the time to visit these animals in their home and see the parents. The Affenpinscher is a rare dog. There is the risk that some disreputable breeders will use the name to bring in buyers but offer something else. You will also get an idea of the pups’ size, their build, and their coat type.
Also, there are a few different names for this dog. So you might see listings from breeders or other guides that refer to this hybrid as an Affenchi or a Chipinscher. The latter could be misleading as there are other pinscher breeds out there.
The pros and cons of the Affenhuahua.
Pros:
1) The small stature is excellent for apartments
2) The Affenpinscher genes do soften the Chihuahua temperament a little
3) They are adorable, especially with the scruffy cute and round faces
4) The coat is hypoallergenic and manageable
5) They are long-lived without too many health issues
6) They are an excellent fit for singletons
Cons:
1) Not so great around small children unless socialized well
2) The ratter instinct does come through
3) Low availability can affect cost and validity.
Is this Affenpinscher Chihuahua cross the right choice for you?
Suitability mostly depends on two factors: who you live with and how committed you are to training. Inexperienced dog owners with young families are a bad fit. Instead, you need to handle the training, socialization, and disobedience of this dog. That is why they are better suited to older couples or singletons. A single person household also means no risks of jealousy, mixed signals, or rough play.
If you think that you have what it takes to commit to raising and caring for this little hybrid for the next 15 years, choose your puppy wisely. Take your time to find the best fit or try and adopt one that wasn’t a good fit in another home.
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