Affenpoo

Affenpoo is a small-sized designer breed developed by crossing the Affenpinscher and Poodle. These cute looking dogs have a distinctive appearance with tufts of hair springing around the top of their head, face nose, and ears. Other features include a small, round skull, short black muzzle, round eyes, and floppy hanging ears. Their sociable, playful nature and pleasing appearance increase their popularity as pets.

Affenpoo Pictures

History

Like most designer breeds, the Affenpoo gained popularity in the 90s, being developed from a rodent catcher (Affenpinscher) and a water spaniel (the Poodle) both of which have their origination dated back to the 17^th century in Europe. The Affenpoo may bred by crossing

• Affenpinscher and Miniature Poodle
• Affenpinscher and Toy Poodle
• One Affenpoo with another Affenpoo

Temperament

Affenpoos are friendly, sociable dogs enjoying the company of his family, thus detesting to be left alone.

These clever dogs love being busy all the time resulting in displaying destructive behavior or excessive barking when bored.

Inheriting the protective nature of the Poodle, these dogs are extremely conscious of their family’s safety, barking at the very sight of an unfamiliar face or any unusual happenings. They are also extremely alert and curious in nature, which can help these miniature canines emerge as great guard dogs.

Their protective or possessive attitude also holds good for their personal belongings like food bowl or toy. In fact, they would not like anyone else in the family fidgeting with them.

Though they emerge as good family dogs, the Affenpinscher Poodle mix may not get along too well with younger kids, especially if the little ones manhandle them or mess up with their personal belongings. Thus, if your family has young children, consider supervising their interactions with the Affenpoo to avoid any unpleasant occurrence. However, they would do considerably well with older ones who would be able to handle these breeds in a more sensible way.

They may have taken to the Poodle regarding their good sense of humor resulting in amusing and silly antics.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

Having moderate exercise needs, this breed would be apt for living in apartments. It would do well with a brisk walk on a daily basis along with some game time indoors. To prevent it from getting bored give your pet some interesting playthings that may keep it hooked throughout the day.

Since its coat is similar to the Poodle, this breed does not need too much of grooming. Brushing their coat using a rubber-bristled stiff brush once a week would prevent their coat from getting tangled or matted. Bathe and shampoo your dog when needed. Make it a point to clean his ears, eyes and teeth to ward off infections of any kind.

Since it is a relatively new breed no known breed-related health concerns have been reported as such, though it can be afflicted with ailments common to its parents like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, cataracts, and bloating.

Training

The Affenpoos are smart, hardworking dogs, attaining their intelligence from their Poodle parent, also willing to please their masters. These traits make this breed easy to train. However, they might be stubborn at times showing an inclination towards doing things in their own way, which might make training a challenge. Therefore, a patient and tactful master is needed who would train them in a proper way with positive reinforcements.

• Channelize their love amusing nature and the love for doing ticks in a positive way by teaching them something interesting like “how to dance”. Once your pet Affenpoo is obedient enough to follow various commands, raise his favorite treat over his head when he is in a sitting posture. Repeat the command “up” or “stand,” until he gets on his hind legs. Keep moving the treat around his nose and over his head so that he is bound to go in a circular motion to attain it. Repeat this many times and after a while, your dog would start doing it the moment you utter “Dance.”
• Since they detest staying alone, it is essential to crate train your Affenpoo puppies so that they do not suffer from pangs of separation anxiety.
• As they are intelligent, you can sharpen their brains further by providing them with some interactive dog puzzles or play rings and rewarding them each time they manage solving it.
• To help it overcome its highly protective nature make it socialize more by taking it to a dog park or even arranging for puppy parties at home. Rather than leaving it all by itself to feed on a bowl, be by its side during meal time, and while it is busy eating its kibble, hand feed it with tasty treats. Once he is accustomed to your presence, gradually touch his bowl and try feeding him from it. After you have attained a comfort level with your pet, get other members of the family to do so but with complete protection and safety.

Feeding

The diet of the dog depends on whether it is an outcome of crossing the toy or miniature poodle. However, your pet would need three-fourth to one and a half cup dry dog food on a regular basis.

Interesting Facts

• The state of Pennsylvania has the most number of Affenpoo breeders.