Small pointed ears that are set wide apart, round black eyes that are separated by a protruding nose that ends in a black tip, a tiny face, small mouth and a dog body covered with thick silky hair – here comes the lovely Silky Terrier.

How long do Silky Terriers live? Well, that depends on so many things. The health, food, exercise and many other factors determine the Silky Terrier life expectancy. No one would want to lose their cute, silky canine to absurd causes for this dog is too cute to lose.

This article deals with all the questions such as how long does a Silky Terrier live and Silky Terrier life expectancy.

How Long Does the Silky Terrier Live?

The Silky Terrier life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years.  This dog breed can live to its fullest given the right conditions, adequate exercise, required nutrition and beneficial environment.  The Silky Terrier is a healthy dog of small size.

Australian Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is also known as the Australian Silky Terrier but only in Australia. Its original name was Australian Silky Terrier there and still is its official name. When the dog was brought to America, the name was adopted as the Silky Terrier, dropping the manifest reference to Australia. The Australian Silky Terrier lifespan is 13 to 15 years.

Silky Terrier Breed Characteristics

AKC Size Specification

Silky Terrier is a relatively small dog. AKC specifies that the height of both the male and the female ranges approximately from 9 to 10 inches. The weight of the breed is also quite less. On an average, an adult dog can weigh up to 10 pounds

Silky Terrier Color Chart

If one thing draws everyone’s attention to this dog, it’s the coat of the Silky Terrier. Nature has blessed this dog with a beautiful coat. The coat can reach a length of 5 to 6 inches down. Long, sleek and silky, the coat is parted at the back of the dog.

The coat of the Silky Terrier comes in many colors. AKC recognizes six colors of the coat of Silky Terriers. These are listed below in the table along with the registration code.

Coat Color	Registration Code
Black and Tan	18
Blue and Tan	44
Blue Silver and Tan	55
Grey and Tan	103
Silver and Tan	181
Silver Black and Tan	184

AKC Breed Specification

The AKC recognized the breed specification of Silky Terrier on 30 November 1989. An overview of the breed specifications as recognized by AKC is described below in detail.

●       General Appearance:

It is referred to as the ‘toy terrier’ because of its small appearance. The dog is of moderate size and structure. The bones and body have significant strength that allow it the courage to hunt and kill domestic rodents.

The coat is silky, smooth and sleek. Parted sideways at the back, the coat runs from the neck to the tail. The body of the Silky Terrier is about one-fifth longer than its height at the withers. The build is light and the structure of the bones is fine.

●       Head:

The head of the Silky Terrier is strong and wedge shaped. It is moderately long and gives piercely keen expressions. The eyes are dark and shaped like an almond. The rims of the eyes are also darker. Light eyes in Silky Terrier is a fault.

The ears are set apart and come in the shape of an inverted V. They stand erect all the time and do not fall off. The teeth are strong and perfectly aligned. They are as sharp as scissors.

●       Neck:

The shoulders are sloppy. However, the neck sits beautifully between the shoulders and looks perfect. The neck is medium long and fine. It is somewhat crested. Chest is wide enough and it extends to the elbows.

●       Body:

The body is low set. It is one-fifth longer than the height of the dog at the withers. Too long a body as well as a too short body is considered a serious fault in the Silky Terrier. The tail is set high and carried at twelve to two o’clock position.

●       Forequarters:

The shoulders are laid back. There is a proper angulation at the upper arm which sets the forelegs perfectly under the body. Forelegs are strong, muscular, straight and fine boned. The front feet are small and catlike. The shape of the paws is round and compact and allows them to carry the weight of the body.

●       Hindquarters:

The thigh muscles are well developed. They are strong but not heavy. The feet are small, compact and round.

●       Gait:

The gait is free. The dog should walk straight, lively and light footed. The power comes from the hindquarters that propel the dog forward when running. Toeing in or out is considered a fault.

Silky Terrier Barking

Silky Terriers may be small but they are very loud when it comes to barking. They bark a lot. Also, they bark in a high pitched sound that resonates indoors. In an apartment, it is very difficult to keep a Silky Terrier because of their excessive barking. Your neighbors might get offended because of the Silky Terrier barking.

Behavior with Family

Some dogs are aloof and want to stay laying in their bed all day long. However, the Silky Terrier is just the opposite. They love the attention of their owners. They want to be loved, cuddled and included in the home activity.

If you want a dog to keep around all day and help you around the house, Silky Terrier is the ideal one for this job. However, don’t expect them to be at home alone all day.

With children, their behavior is relatively good. However, they might hurt your child if left alone with them. Hence, it is necessary that the time with children is supervised by an adult.

Grooming Requirements of Silky Terriers

With a thick and long coat, it appears as if the coat grooming requirements for Silky Terriers would be immense. However, it is exactly the opposite. It only needs coat brushing twice or thrice in a week. Because of the silky texture of its coat, brushing is easy and actually fun.

It is important to brush the coat of your Silky Terrier twice or thrice a week. Their coat is approximately five to six inches long. Due to which, dirt and tartar can build up. You also need to clean the coat from ticks, fleas and burrs that might cause disease.

Other than a weekly brushing, there is apparently no additional grooming requirement. The drooling level is low which means it is not one of those dogs you have to carry a towel around for cleaning.

Behavior with Strangers and Other Dogs

Silky Terrier is a loving dog. With family, it’s always lovey dovey. However, it is moderately playful and receptive towards strangers. It makes human friends very easily and enjoys a good time in their company.

With other dogs, it is vigilant. It protects its space and minds the presence of other dogs. However, it would not attack another dog. It is not aggressive. It does register a light offence to the presence of other dogs.

Physical Requirements of Silky Terriers

The Silky Terrier is a small dog with a big, bold dog personality. It is playful and enjoys outdoor time. Although it has a small body yet it’s never lacking in courage. Silky Terrier would scare any intruder with its shrill barking.

The Silky Terrier also displays the general characteristics of a Terrier dog. Like other Terriers, it is often scrappy, energetic and lively. It loves to dig, bark and chase. These are the traits that are common to all the Terrier dogs. If you love the playful attitude of the dog, you would love to pet a Silky Terrier.

Since it is full of energy, it can never be left alone at home. It can easily get into accidents inside a home if left alone. Also, it is in their temperament to be together with the members of the human family. It is a loyal dog that needs attention, love and company.

The Silky Terrier needs to have its daily dose of exercise. Although it does not require a hike or a stroll on the mountain. However, it can never go with its daily dose of light exercise. A neighborhood walk is sufficient for your dog.

Silky Terrier Health

Silky Terriers are healthy. They are generally free from all diseases. However, they might be susceptible to some of them. The diseases that are commonly related to Silky Terriers are listed below:

●       Legg Calve Perthes Disease:

A dog infected with legg perthes has a decreased blood flow to the head of the femur. The head of the femur is connected to the hip joint. Because of the incidence of this disease and the decreased blood flow, the femur head starts to disintegrate.

The disease occurs early when the puppy is four to six months old. The disease can be corrected with surgery.

●       Patellar Luxation:

Patellar Luxation is the dislocation of the knee cap. This dislocation is quite common in small dogs. The dislocation causes a lot of pain. In extreme conditions, Patellar Luxation leads to crippling. However, many dogs lead normal lives with this health condition.

●       Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is mostly inherited. In epilepsy, dogs might experience fits of unusual behavior. At times, they might start running fanatically as it is being chased. At other times, they get unconscious with rigid limbs and fall down.

The seizures are painful for the dog. Contact a vet if your dog experiences any such symptoms. Get your dog thoroughly examined because other diseases might also lead to seizures.

●       Tracheal Collapse:

It is a common problem in smaller dogs. In tracheal collapse, the cartilaginous pipe that transports oxygen to the lungs gets collapsed. The result is that the oxygen supply is cut off. The disease is quite common in smaller dogs and Silky Terriers are not immune.

The disease is curable. Contact your vet if your dog has a cough or develops intolerance to exercise because of exasperation. These are the common symptoms of tracheal collapse. Medication can help cure this disease.

●       Diabetes Mellitus:

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to regulate the sugar levels. Excessive weight loss, frequent urination, thirst and increased appetite are the common symptoms related to Diabetes.

Diabetes needs to be controlled if the dog is diagnosed with it. Insulin administration and diet control are the two ways that help control diabetes in dogs.

Silky Terrier Training

Training the Silky Terriers requires patience, kindness and perseverance. It is a very sensitive dog breed and requires love and passion for training. Training yields best results if the Silky Terrier is treated with respect and patience. Rewards work best to encourage the dog to obey commands.

However, scolding, yelling and punishment would never achieve the desirable results. With yelling and punishments, the dogs not only get scared but also become stubborn. Training needs to be a refreshing and sought after activity for your dog.

History of Silky Terrier Dogs

The Silky Terrier also known as the Australian Silky Terrier originated in Australia in the late 1800s when some Yorkshire Terriers came from England and were bred with different female Australian Terriers to improve the colour of the blue and tan Australian Terrier.

Silky Terriers are native to the land of Kangaroos – Australia. A cross was orchestrated in the 1890s between the imported Yorkshire Terrier and the native Australian Terrier. One of the many dogs produced as a result of this cross yielded the Silky Terriers of today.

The Silky Terriers were interbred until the breed characteristics were crystalized. The breed characteristics were documented in the Australian city of Sydney, New South Wales in 1906. Interestingly, another city did the honors to document the traits of this breed in 1909. The latter ones were recorded in Victoria.

However, the two documents marked deviation on the account of many traits especially the ear types and approximate weight. It led a compromise to draft the new breed standards in the year 1926 that were widely recognized in the country.

Being its recognized origin in Sydney, the dog was earlier known as Sydney Silky Terrier. In 1955, it came to be known as Australian Silky Terrier – a name that still retains the official status in Australia.

When the dog was introduced in the US, the name was changed to the Silky Terrier. The Silky Terrier was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.

Although he’s a Toy in size, he’s bigger and resembles the Australian Terrier if compared to the Yorkshire Terrier. He’s playful, friendly and energetic but is still tough enough to hunt and kill rodents. He hates being ignored so if he belongs to you, you must play with him a lot.

He loves playing fetch and walks. He needs to be brushed and bathed regularly. He’s 9 – 10 inches tall.

Conclusion

How long do Silky Terriers live depends on many factors. However, the Silky Terrier life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years on an average.

Silky Terrier is a loyal family companion. The breed was developed in Australia and later introduced to the rest of the world. The Silky Terrier is famous for its long shiny, smooth and silky coat. The coat can reach a length of 5 to 6 inches.

Although it might appear that the grooming requirements of this dog would be time taking, brushing this dog is fun because of the smooth coat that it has. Silky Terrier is a loyal companion, great partner as well as a protector.

If you want to own a playful and loving dog, Silky Terrier is the best choice for you.

Copyright CaninePals.Com. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Silky Terrier Information.

Medium in size, covered in a thick woolly coat, curled tail, small and pointed ears, spectacled eyes and an expressive face – Keeshond is known to be the best family oriented dog. Unusual barking, however, is a downside of Keeshond’s temperament.

Affectionate and family oriented, kids friendly, kind to other dogs as well as strangers, playful, bright, agile, obedient, quick and sturdy are some of the salient traits when it comes to Keeshond temperament.

This article is all about the outstanding traits of this loving family dog Keeshond and Keeshond temperament. So, brace yourself for all that is yet to come.

History of the Keeshond Dog

Keeshond is originally a Dutch breed. Genetically, Keeshond is a close cousin to Samoyed, Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz and Pomeranian. Loved by riverboat captains, farmers and working people, Keeshond was generally a country dog back in the 17th and 18th century Holland.

But Keeshond became famous for its role as a companion and the vigilant watchdog on small vessels and barges that sailed through the man-made waterways.

The dog became the center of ire and anger in the historical power struggle between the supporters of the Prince of Orange and their opposers who were  known as the patriots. The patriot leader owned a Keeshond and kept it along as his constant companion. Keeshond thus became a symbol of rebellion against the Prince of Orange.

The power struggle was won by the Prince of Orange and the dog bore the brunt of unhappiness of his followers and fell into infamy.

The Keeshond is descended from various dogs including the Samoyed, Pomeranian, Norwegian Elkhound, Chow Chow and the Finnish Spitz. He was popular in Holland during the late 1700s and became a symbol of Kees de Gyselaer, the leader of the Dutch Patriot political party who had a dog named Kees. Once defeated, they became very rare but resurfaced in America and England 100 years later.

The Keeshond was a watchdog on farms, barges and riverboats. This dog has a fox-like expression and his coat is coloured black, cream and gray with various shaded colouring and “spectacles” around the eyes.

Keeshond Traits and Characteristics

The Keeshond is an old dog breed and is exclusively known for its companionship and love of humans. This dog is a total people lover. If you want to own a lively and agile dog that should participate in all the family activities then you must own a Keeshond.

He’s a good-natured, affectionate dog and relates well to people and other dogs. He’s a fast learner and is full of energy, needing regular exercise. His coat should be brushed twice each week.

This section is all about the Keeshond temperament and personality traits.

AKC Size Specifications

Keeshond is a medium sized dog. He’s 17 – 18 inches high. According to American Kennel Club, the average height of a male Keeshond reaches up to 18 inches whereas a female dog can reach as high as 17 inches.

The average weight of a Keeshond is somewhere between 35-45 pounds.  The life expectancy of this dog is between 12-15 years.

 

AKC Size Specifications
Height	18 inches for Male dog 17 inches for Female dog
Weight	35-45 pounds
Life Expectancy	12-15 years

Physical Traits

Dog owners do have an ample idea what it is like if your dog sheds its fur. If the shedding is massive, it becomes a pain to clean around. Keeshond shedding level is somewhat average. It certainly isn’t one of those dogs that shed massively. You can expect minimum shedding of its fur, however.

Keeshond coat grooming requirements are also not very frequent. It can be groomed as frequently as after every fortnight. As compared to dogs who drool so heavily that you always need to have a towel to attend to them, Keeshond drooling is less likely to occur. In that regard, it is quite a cleaner and drool free dog.

Also, with its double coat and long coat length, it is soft to touch and it is an amazing experience whenever you cuddle or hug this dog.

Personality Traits

Keeshond is a kind dog in all respects when it comes to its personality. It is highly adaptable to different situations. When it comes to training a Keeshond, it is not surprising to see that it is highly trainable. It learns quickly and obediently.

Filled with energy, it is highly agile and playful. But it certainly isn’t one of those breeds who are so full of energy that they tend to break stuff. It is filled only with positive and playful energy.

However, it is quite stern when it comes to barking. These dogs bark more often than other dogs and it can be a nuisance at times. Your neighbours are going to be annoyed because of its usual and high pitched barking.

The Keeshond loves to be engaged in play and it would get upset if left alone. It is necessary for Keeshond to have regular outdoor sessions. It is not the kind of dog who would recline all day long in the lounge.

Keeshond Temperament

Family Affection

Family affection of dogs ranges from extreme affectionate to extreme aloof. Some dogs like to spend all the time with the members of their family while other dogs would want to stay all day in their beds sleeping.

When it comes to Keeshond, it is well-known that it is a family oriented dog. It treats members of its human family as its best friend. It loves to play with them all the time and never wants to be left alone.

Kees Dog Behavior with Children

Keeshond is known for its love for the family. It is patient and loving towards younger members of the family especially the children enjoy its company. However, it is usually advised that dogs should be supervised by an adult whenever they are near children.

Behavior with Other Dogs

This characteristic deals with how a dog behaves in the presence of other dogs. Some dogs are hostile towards other dogs. Others are generally more friendly towards the members of their own species.

When it comes to Keeshond, it is kind to other dogs and behaves well.

Keeshond Behavior with Strangers

Keeshond is a loving and affectionate dog. It is kind not only to the members of its human family, children and other dogs but also to the strangers that visit its owner’s household. He is open to strangers and treats them as his best friend.

Playful Nature

Keeshond is agile, enthusiastic and playful. A Kees loves to be around and participate in the family chores, games and other activities. It is not one of those dogs who love to be in their bed all the time. It loves excitement and enjoys fun and work.

Keeshond as a Watchdog

Because of its agile, active and playful nature, it keeps an eye around. Nothing skips its attention. Because of these peculiar characteristics, Keeshond is ideal to serve as a watchdog. Even in its ancestral country, Keeshond served the purpose of a watchdog on small vessels and barges.

Adaptability Level

Keeshond is a highly adaptable dog. It is not like those dogs who always like routine and would never adapt to changed circumstances. It is quite adaptable when it is keenly asked to by the owner.

Owning a Keeshond Dog

Keeshond is a sensible, intelligent and loving dog. It is cheerful, bright and lively. These characteristics make owning a Keeshond to be a fun experience. It needs constant companionship. That can be a good thing as well a bad thing.

It can be a good thing in the sense that if you are alone and isolated, this dog would provide a loving company. It would obey you, bring stuff for you and be happy around you. But if you have a job that requires you to stay in the office for long hours, it would be hard for Keeshond to tolerate that.

On a positive side, it is family oriented. It can earn the love, attraction and care of all the members of the family. Polite to strangers, decent with children and kind with other dogs. Keeshond is the darling of novice dog owners as it is easy to train.

Keeshond does have a barking problem. This dog barks a lot. In an apartment or a high rise, your neighbors are going to suffer because of the unwanted and unnecessary barking of your dog.

Overall, owning a Keeshond is a complete package. Medium-sized, playful, loving and kind. If you can tolerate the unwanted barks, owning a Keeshond can be a wonderful experience.

Understanding Keeshond Barking 

Keeshonds bark loudly and persistently in comparison to other dog breeds. If they are not trained early in life to control their barking, it becomes highly unpleasant for their owners later. Barking is the most interactive way of communication for a dog. Keeshond may bark for a number of reasons. These may include

 Being Territorially Protective

When Keeshond senses any other dog trying to break into their sphere, they bark. The intensification of the risk leads to intensified barking. This type of bark is not gentle at all. It is louder and more aggressive.

From Fear or Boredom

Keeshonds have a tendency to bark if they feel frightened because of anything. If they are bored, you might expect a bark as well. Barking is Keeshond’s way of communicating.

From Happiness

Keeshonds bark extensively whenever they are ecstatic.

Separation Anxiety and Attention Seeking

Yet another cause of Keeshond barking includes separation anxiety. If you have left your dog alone at home, don’t expect it to stay quiet all day.

If it is a Keeshond, it might start barking the moment you set your foot out of the house. Similarly, dogs bark in order to seek attention from their owner.

If you are annoyed because of the barking of your Keeshond, you should employ a few techniques. Whenever your dog starts barking, you need to figure out first what is the trigger. If you can identify the trigger, you can simply remove it to pacify your dog.

If you fear that the dog is barking just to seek your attention then you need to train your dog not to bark for seeking attention. You can start ignoring your dog when it starts barking rather than giving all the attention.

If boredom is the cause of excessive barking, you should keep your dog entertained and tired. Physical exertion and regular exercise would keep your dog tired.

These are some of the techniques you can use to demotivate your dogs from barking.

Keeshond Colors

According to American Kennel Club, there are six colors a Keeshond can appear in. The Keeshond colors are listed below.

• Black and Silver
• Gray and Black
• Gray Silver and Black
• Silver and Black
• Wolf Grey and Black
• Gray Cream and Black

Keeshond Puppy Training

Training a puppy is not about getting him to obey your command. It is all about how you want to live with your puppy. A well trained puppy is one that understands how you want him to be in the house. It takes a little effort, patience and struggle and you can enjoy a really happy life with a well-trained puppy.

It is normal for puppies to display every kind of behavior. They would do things that you like and other things that you don’t like. It is your reaction to a puppy’s behavior that trains it.

If you want your puppy not to eat from the table or ever touch your food at the table, then you must stop serving his food at the table. If you serve his food at the table, it becomes normal for it to touch every food that is there on the table.

Following are the three important techniques that you can use for proper training of a Keeshond puppy

1. First of all, you need to understand that during the training you should confine your puppy to a crate when you are not interacting with him. That way, he wouldn’t learn or do anything that you don’t like.
2. Be calm when you are training. Puppies are sensitive to human emotions. You should stay composed and kind all the time while training your puppy.
3. Use reward and punishment methods. Reward your puppy whenever it obeys your command during training.

Conclusion

Playful, agile, kind and protective are some of the salient characteristics of Keeshond. This Dutch breed is known for kindness and love. Keeshond’s temperament is mild, friendly and welcoming. It is one of those dogs that would enjoy work all day. It keeps company and is a family oriented dog.

The only disadvantage of owning a Keeshond is the unusual and loud barking that creates hell of a nuisance especially at night. If the dog gets proper attention and training, it can overcome the barking as well.

Because of its many loving traits, Keeshond is the darling of novice and experienced dog owners alike.

Copyright CaninePals.Com. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:

[1] American Kennel Club, Keeshond Information.

Do you want a small dog but you live in an area full of rodents and you are scared that they may harm your compact fur-baby? Worry No More!! And get an Affenpinscher as soon as possible.

The small and stout toy Affenpinscher dog breed will not only keep you on your toes due to its high energy level but will also be your crime partner in hunting rodents. The cherry on top is their desire to please their owner so they may kill your kitchen mice and surprise you often. Their cute appearance has earned them the name of monkey dogs.

If you are wondering how Affenpinscher dogs can wipe out rodents with their cramped bodies and teensy paws? Well, keep scrolling and you will know everything about the origin, characteristics, traits, and full profile of these monkey terriers aka the Affenpinscher dogs.

The Affenpinscher History

The Affenpinscher dog breed history and origin date back to the 17^th century. They are said to have originated in Germany where they were named after German Affe (ape, monkeys) due to their monkey-like facial expressions and features to some extent.  They are often called monkey dogs. Their body is also covered with a rough and thick coat similar to that of monkeys.

The Affenpinscher is among the oldest toy dogs, first appearing in France, Germany, and Munich where they gained the nickname “little dog with a mustache or the mustached little devil.” In the 17th century, these dogs were often kept on farms, in stables, or in shops where they were trained to seek out rats and mice. They were also great companions in people’s homes.

Affenpinscher dogs were bred mainly to kill rodents from houses, stables, and shops but their hunting and chasing ability made them great partners for warriors during World War I, and they were then named Monkey-terriers.

Over time people also bred them because of their companionship and affectionate personality. They are super protective around their owners which is why they make a very good pets for older people. In 2013, an Affenpinscher dog named Joe bagged the title of Best in the Show at Westminster Kennel Club in New York City after which the Affenpinscher breed got popular worldwide.

Most Affenpinschers tend to be super jumpy, active, and high-spirited, they do not really appreciate rough play and small children. Affenpinscher dogs are believed to like adult company and make very loyal partners.

Let’s Have a Look At Some Vital Stats of the Affenpinscher Dog Breed:

Affenpinscher Dog Breed Information Profile

The Affenpinscher has a cheeky, fun-loving personality and is quite intelligent. They’re great as pets as long as children know how to best handle them. Because they’re small, they can be kept in a flat or small house just as easily as a big one.

They can get most of their exercise from playing indoors but they also do enjoy going for an outside walk. You must comb and brush their wiry coat twice a week and give them a trim twice each year. This dog will vary between 9 and 11.5 inches high from the shoulder point.

You may love to get an Affenpinscher if you want a fur-ball who would roam around you without hurting your privacy because Affenpinscher dogs are known for their ability to understand their owner’s personality and reflect in the best possible way, provided you also respect their personal space.

Affenpinscher Temperament:

These dogs are a little bit reserved and require freedom when it comes to snuggling and playing. Once the trust establishes, Affenpinscher dogs become the most friendly, compassionate, and bouncy partners. So if you plan to buy an Affenpinscher, the trick for great rapport building is to let it be the boss and decide when to play or cuddle initially.

Their overall energy level is slightly on the higher extreme but their attention span is relatively shorter and they easily get bored therefore Affenpinscher dogs need a consistent change in stimulus and you may have to arrange an array of indoor activities as well as outdoor strolls.

Your Affenpinscher would want you to take it for daily walks religiously for they are very social and like to mingle around. Sitting at home is just not their thing so if you are an introvert, getting an Affenpinscher might be an ideal solution for you. Your Affey will force you to take walks which will increase your social circle as well. Win-win.

Affenpinscher Type:

Most Affenpinscher dogs are purebred therefore they are a rare breed and you will have to locate an American Kennel Club reputable breeder for a pup. Sometimes Affenpinscher is available at adoption centers as well so if you want this tiny but muscular monkey-terrier toy dog at a lesser price then you may check nearby adoption centers first.

Affenpinscher Size:

Affenpinscher dogs are popular one of toy breeds, smaller in size ranging from 9-12 inches in height, and weighing between 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg), similar to the size of a two or three months old baby. Out of all compact dogs, the Affenpinschers are the most stubborn and strong breed. They may look sturdy but they are not delicate at all, rather known to be well-built and powerful dogs.

Affenpinscher Color:

Their heavy coats usually have a rough look with a wiry texture and they can be found in different colors like black, beige, black & tan, grey, and red out of which a black & tan coat is the most popular, and red or beige is rare.

Average Affenpinscher Litter Size:

The average litter size of American Kennel Club Affenpinscher puppies ranges from 1 – 3 puppies. Very up to 5 puppies can be born because they are smaller dogs.

Affenpinscher Care:

Affenpinschers though have a very thick medium to short coat but they are not heavy shedders, provided you take good care of their coat. You may need to daily comb their hair with a metal comb in order to avoid lice, fleas, and ticks. Overall they are not very uptight when it comes to grooming and require minimal effort.

Their ears and nose tend to hair buildup so you may need to do some plucking here and there a couple of times a week and you are good to go.

These fun-loving witty creatures are hypoallergenic which is a plus, but you may need proper vet checkups at least twice a year for vaccination and medical profile maintenance.

Trainability:

The sweet little fur-balls are highly trainable and intelligent dogs. You may need to properly train them if you have children in the house or have other pets because Affenpinschers are very fearless and prone to attack cats or other dogs, even larger dogs. They do not attack children but may act snappy around them.

Affenpinscher Cost:

An average Affenpinscher puppy costs between 1800 to 2500 USD, depending upon the quality of the pup and the reputation of the breeder. It is recommended to always buy from authentic breeders to demolish the backyard breeding culture.

You may also add shipping charges to the total cost in case you buy the puppy from a breeder who does not live in the same city. You may think if the high cost is worth it at all. Well, it definitely is.

You will instantly fall in love with the cutest little monkey-faced rare breed, the Affenpinscher dog and later the personality and intelligence combination packed in its teeny tiny body will make you praise your decision to get one, forever.

Affenpinscher Health Issues

It is a popular belief that Affenpinscher’s health problems are very common and they may not be a good choice as a pet which is only a myth and not at all true. Affenpinschers are overall generally healthy dogs requiring minimal support and maintenance for optimal growth.

They do have a genetic predisposition towards certain ailments which does not mean that your dog will likely have health issues rather it is susceptible to those health problems and may develop them only due to lack of care.

You may want to know those Affenpinscher’s health issues beforehand so give these problems a thorough read to be watchful of the enemies.

Obesity:

Weight gain and obesity are serious problems in Affenpinscher dogs. If you decide to get one or already have one, you need to be very careful regarding their diet and what goes inside your Affenpinscher’s food bowl.

Like every other dog, Affenpinschers also love meaty feasts, be it chicken, lamb, or beef; however, you cannot always serve them meat bowls due to high calories and the kibble needs to be a mixture of meat with vegetables, fresh fruits, and fibers. Their metabolism rate tends to be slower which is why more fiber and fewer carbs are ideal for them. Otherwise, your dog may suffer from digestive ailments along with obesity.

Treats should also be given in moderation and you may look for organic substitutes or homemade baked goodies for making treats for your precious Affenpinscher baby.

Periodontal diseases:

The accumulation of tartar on teeth in Affenpinschers is another major problem that leads to multiple health issues such as kidney failure, tooth loss, pyorrhea, gingivitis, poor hygiene, and heart issues. Periodontal diseases decrease the lifespan of a dog and are a serious threat to the overall dog’s health.

Proper care should be provided for your Affenpinscher’s oral health and you are supposed to brush its teeth regularly without skipping even a single day. It may sound exhausting but will save your pup from future ailments that can prove to be fatal.

Orthopedic complaints:

Bone and joint issues are one of the most common Affenpinscher health problems. They are inherently prone to develop hip dysplasia in which hip joints are formed improperly, further leading to arthritis and stiff bones.

Affenpinscher puppies are also susceptible to patellar luxation (kneecap slips out) and a degenerative disease called Legg-Calve-Perthes which causes issues with the hip joint. You need to immediately call your pup’s vet in case your pup has difficulty moving its hind legs. Their bones are also prone to fracture especially during six to nine months of age therefore be watchful of their activities.

Obesity adds to the bone ailments of Affenpinscher so never skip routine walks and take good care of your dog’s food intake for maximum health benefits.

Eye Problems:

Affenpinschers are also vulnerable to a degree of eye ailments. The genetic predisposition includes diseases like;

• Distichiasis (extra hair growth inside the eyelid)
• Persistent Pupillary Membrane disorder (extra tissue growth on iris)
• Corneal dystrophy (extra layer of crystal deposits on the cornea)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (genetical blindness)
• Cataract (abnormal opaqueness of eye lenses)
• Others (glaucoma, corneal ulcers, tear duct, dry eye)

Proper visits to vets and ophthalmologists are highly recommended to curb eye problems as soon as the symptoms may appear and for the prevention of inherent disorders.

Allergies and infections:

Skin allergy in dogs is called atopy and causes serious discomfort. Swimming in an unhygienic pool, exposure to the moldy environment, pollen, and dust particles in some cases make the Affenpinscher’s skin itch badly and they vigorously rub their skin.

Proper bathing and combing their hair may prevent skin allergies and infections. The earwax build-up also leads to serious infections and ear-drum damage so be careful and clean your dog’s ear often.

To further avoid diseases like rabies, parvo, and tick fever, keep your Affey’s vaccinations up to the mark.

Cryptorchidism:

Often in male Affenpinschers, the testicles do not descend into the scrotum which increases the risk of cancer. If you find any such problem in your pup, immediately contact a vet and get his testicles removed before it turns into a life-threatening disease.

How to Prevent Affenpinscher Health Problems

The importance of routine exercise, proper care, and regular veterinary checkups cannot be emphasized enough for the sake of a happier, healthier, and super-fit Affenpinscher dog.

Follow these guidelines and your Affey may not encounter health issues ever;

• Brush your dog’s coat every week. Use a metal comb and hand-pick the fleas. In the case of ticks, use a medicated spray as per the instruction of the vet.
• Regularly brush your dog’s teeth to avoid periodontal diseases. Oral health is very crucial for Affenpinscher’s optimal growth and development.
• Ear cleaning is also recommended on a weekly basis. You can hire professional help for this purpose.
• Affenpinscher is a highly energetic and fun-loving dog so you may need to incorporate lots of indoor activities. In case of boredom, they start exploring around which causes accidents like bone fractures or hip slips.
• Control your dog’s portion size and serve a balanced diet to avoid obesity
• Seek help from professional nutritionists and ask them to give you a customized diet plan for your dog according to its age, size, and daily activity
• Routine walks and indoor exercises are a must. You may also invest in a dog’s treadmill to combine play and workouts for maximum results.
• Save your dog from discomfort and invest in vaccinations.
• Immediately report to the vet if you notice abnormal discharges from eyes and ears, excessive scratching of the skin, bone stiffness, difficulty in lying down, behavioral changes, change in appetite, or aggression.

Final Verdict on Affenpinscher Dogs:

One of the cutest toy breeds, is a small dog with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Affenpinscher dogs are generally healthy dogs. Tiny but witty creatures filled with love and loyalty. They make great companions for adults and are full of personality which adds to their beauty. An Affenpinscher’s monkey-like face possesses a unique expression and comic-like seriousness that instantly catches everyone’s attention and it is hard to resist one, the mustached little devil.

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References and Further Reading:

[1] American Kennel Club, Affenpinscher Information.