Affen Tzu

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7-16 lbs
7-11"
Unknown

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Affenpinscher
Shih Tzu
The Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu were bred in order to create the adorable Affen Tzu hybrid dog. This dog is small, just like its parents, and makes a great companion pet and watchdog. Because it is a modern breed, there is not much information available on this type of dog. However, we know that the Affen Tzu will take on some traits from both the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu, a combination of intelligence, friendliness and affection. They will likely require a high amount of maintenance and may take some time to train. However, with proper socialization, perseverance and dedication, these dogs can make wonderful family pets.
purpose Purpose
Watchdog, Companion
history Date of Origin
After 17th Century
ancestry Ancestry
Affenpinscher, Shih Tzu

Affen Tzu Health

Average Size
Male Affen Tzu size stats
Height: 7-11 inches Weight: 7-16 lbs
Female Affen Tzu size stats
Height: 7-11 inches Weight: 7-16 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Hyperthyroidism
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Collapsed Trachea
  • Breathing Difficulties
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Ear Examination
  • Respiratory Tests
  • Thyroid Testing
  • Complete Physical Examination
Wellness

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Wellness

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Affen Tzu Breed History

The Affen Tzu is a new breed, created from the combination of the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu. Since this is a new hybrid breed, much of how it came to existence is undocumented. The Affenpinscher dog is an ancient breed that originated from Germany in an unknown year. At first they were used as ratters and farm dogs, but eventually in the 18th and 19th centuries, a miniaturized version of these dogs could commonly be seen as companion pets. Today the Affenpinscher is used as a companion dog but is still skilled at hunting rats and being a faithful watchdog. The other breed used to create the Affen Tzu, which is the Shih Tzu, was descended from dogs that were present in the 17th century in China, and were in fact so prized by the Chinese royalty that they were not sold or imported to any other country until the 1930s. The Shih Tzu is believed to be one of 14 oldest dog breeds. First introduced to England in 1928 by the wife of the quartermaster general of the north China command, a male and female pair were brought from Peking. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the AKC in 1969, while the Affenpinscher had been established earlier, in 1936.

Affen Tzu Breed Appearance

These dogs are not purebred, but instead are the result of the crossbreeding between the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu. They have square, short and small bodies that can be delicate and with chests that are deep and broad. The round heads will have muzzles with a pronounced stop and will often be short like the Shih Tzu, but in some cases the nose can be long like the Affenpinscher. The lower jaw will usually appear broad and undershot, with straight and even lower teeth that line up under the nose. They will usually have black lips, and noses of the same color. This hybrid breed will have dark and round eyes that will also be a black color. They will be well proportioned to the face and set forward. The silky ears will be either held upright, such as the Affenpinscher, or floppy, like the Shih Tzu. This breed has soft and silky fur that is medium to long in length but will be longer around the face.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Affen Tzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Affen Tzu nose
Black
brown Affen Tzu nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Affen Tzu coat
Black
gray Affen Tzu coat
Gray
brown Affen Tzu coat
Brown
red Affen Tzu coat
Red
brindle Affen Tzu coat
Brindle
white Affen Tzu coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Affen Tzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Affen Tzu Breed Maintenance

To keep their soft coat looking silky and tangle free, these dogs will need to be brushed every week using a rubber bristled paddle brush. Depending on the dog, you may or may not choose to clip them in order to make grooming easier. With this hybrid breed, you should pay special attention to their ears, as they can be prone to infections. Examine them often and take action if you notice any signs of abnormality. All dogs should have their teeth brushed once or twice a week minimum, and their nails trimmed as necessary. This can be once or twice a month. The hybrid Affen Tzu will have a relatively high grooming maintenance routine, like that of the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu.
Brushes for Affen Tzu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Affen Tzu requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Affen Tzu Temperament

These hybrid dogs take on the temperament of the breeds that parented them. They are known to be curious, affectionate and fearless. They will sometimes even try to stand up to dogs who are much bigger than them, so they should be watched around new, larger dogs. They can also be territorial and protective of their food and toys, and should be monitored around children, as they do not have much patience and may snap if someone comes near their possessions. However, if socialized properly, this breed can do quite well with children and other pets. They are smart but will become stubborn if you let them. Because of this, they can be difficult to train, but with some persistence they can be skilled at not only obedience but trick training as well. Potty training can take some time, but using crates and potty pads might help. You will need to show them that you are the pack leader, and not the other way around, in order to earn their respect. The owner should be firm but still offer rewards when the Affen Tzu performs well. They are affectionate and form great bonds with their family.

Affen Tzu Activity Requirements

This is a dog that will adjust his activity needs to that of his family.  He is devoted to his owner and will follow wherever they lead. Most toy breed dogs are able to get enough exercise simply by playing a game in the backyard. He does not need large, wide-open spaces to run and play since he is such a small dog. However, he is a social dog and will enjoy spending time on doggy play dates or visits to the local dog park. Expect to spend time playing fetch or simply watching him run laps around the yard for at least 30 minutes a day to ensure he maintains a healthy body weight and gets plenty of mental stimulation to keep him sharp and happy.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Affen Tzu

Similarly Sized Breeds to Affen Tzu

Affen Tzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Affen Tzu Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Affen Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
Female Affen Tzu size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Affen Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Affen Tzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Affen Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs
Female Affen Tzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 11.5 lbs

Affen Tzu Owner Experiences

Ermir
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hunt
Playing in the snow
Off-leash
Hide & Seek
Walk
Fetch
We bought him from a mix breeder.he's very playful but can become aggresive at times around strangers
3 years, 6 months ago
Axel
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Lovable, playful, loves people,, chases squirrels!
7 years, 4 months ago
Midnight
1 Year
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He was homeless at first but I took him in. His tale was yanked out of place but he is a sweet dog. He isn't to fond of being around other people he doesn't know. He is also very protective.
7 years, 4 months ago
Bentley
2 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Running
He loves playing fetch and running!Small but super brave. Coat needs the most attention!!!
6 years, 12 months ago
Brooklyn
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Walks
I got my girl from the spca. She was 3. At first she was really timid but within a few weeks she was active. She is the sweetest dog in the world & ridiculously adorable. 3 years ago I was going through chemo & she was in bed with me for days on end. She had to be drug outside to go potty, did her business really quickly the ran back to me. . I don't know what I'd do without her
6 years, 11 months ago
Koko
9 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Cuddling
Fetch
Koko is amazing, full of energy and far to friendly than he probably should be. We don't get out very much but we like checking the mail, I have him trained to walk there and back off leash. I'm often tired after work and he will lay either on me or on my really nice blanket he's claimed. He sits on you on the couch, he grabs his toy Harold or Micah and start playing, he was so excited when he learned how to (almost) always find the squeaker. We have each other trained but it works. He LOVES to be held. He is the sweetest dog. He was a puppy mill rescue and he's not exactly the brightest and sometimes it's just that he can't see through the hair in his face. He hates baths, and brushes and scissors and getting his nails done. It's become a real problem recently, we had to take him to the vet when we realized the groomer hadn't gotten all of his nails and he got an infection from one. We have to bathe/brush/nail clip sometime this week and i'm looking up the best tools for it. He's a sweetheart, gets along perfect with my mom's German shepard service dog, Heidi. They will eat out of the same bowl happily without problems. He even loved my late Chihuahua even though she wasn't the easiest to get along with, she did love them to though. Koko is technically my sisters dog but there isnt a person who doesn't love him and a person he doesn't love.
4 years, 4 months ago
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