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The Affen Spaniel is a relatively new breed created by mixing the Affenpinscher with the Cocker Spaniel. It’s quite rare, and we don’t know much about it at this time. It usually stands 10 – 20 inches tall and weighs between 15 and 20 pounds.
Breed Overview
Height:
10 – 20 inches
Weight:
15 – 20 pounds
Lifespan:
10 – 15 years
Colors:
Black, brown, gold, chocolate, pepper, grey
Suitable for:
Families, watchdog, companion
Temperament:
Loyal and protective
It comes in an assortment of colors that you can choose from, and it has a sturdy, muscular body. The hair can be curly, and the ears often flop down. The Dog Registry of America recognizes the Affen Spaniel, but it is still waiting for acceptance into the American Kennel Club to accept it.
Affen Spaniel Characteristics
Affen Spaniel Puppies
If you’re looking for an Affen Spaniel through a breeder, they can remove many health problems through selective breeding, so it’s worth the extra research and money it will cost. Since the Affenpinscher and Cocker Spaniel are both popular breeds, it’s usually not hard to find a breeder willing to create an Affen Spaniel, so you shouldn’t need to wait long. You will also need to consider other costs, including vet costs, food, treats, toys, and other hidden expenses that will add significantly to the cost of owning your Affen Spaniel.
After bringing home an Affen Spaniel puppy, you’ll have a friendly and energetic canine companion that will be very friendly with others. They get along well with other pets but might have a hunting instinct for rodents and small animals.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Affen Spaniel
Though it’s too early to tell, these dogs will likely be playful yet protective of their other family members. It can be clownish and entertaining to children, but it doesn’t like getting chased or squeezed. It’s also social and will come running to meet strangers, so it might not be the best guard dog. However, it does tend to bark when strangers come near the yard. It’s eager to please, so training it is not that difficult, and it’s smart enough to learn several tricks.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑🧑🧒
Yes, as we mentioned earlier, the Affen Spaniel breed will make a great family pet. It’s very social and likes to hang out with family members, including children. It often engages in goofy behavior that is fun to watch and always makes your day a little better. It has a lot of energy but will burn most of it off running after you as you do your daily chores, so you don’t need to worry about them tearing up the furniture. However, the Affen Spaniel doesn’t like rough handling and may not be the best choice for families with small children.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Breeders created the Affenpinscher parent breed to help reduce the rat population, so it stands to reason that your Affen Spaniel might tend to chase rodent pets like mice, gerbils, hamsters, and rabbits, but it tends to get along with other pet breeds very well, including those that are much larger. Early socialization will help get your dog used to your other pets, and there will be less risk of aggression, but Affen Spaniels should be able to adjust to new additions without trouble.
Things to Know When Owning an Affen Spaniel:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Your Affen Spaniel will need a well-balanced diet of high-quality dog food. We recommend dry kibble because it will help keep your dog’s teeth clean by scraping away the tarter as your pet chews. You should pick a food that has chicken, beef, turkey, or other meat listed as its first ingredient for the best possible nutrition. Foods that have meat byproduct listed as the first ingredient will not be as fresh, and some of this meat can be stored for years before your pet eats it. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and produce a shiny coat and healthy skin. Probiotics are another helpful ingredient in some foods that can help create good gut bacteria, which will aid in digestion and improve the immune system.
Exercise 🎾
Affen Spaniels are lively dogs that will get much of the exercise they need running around your home, so you will only need to spend 15 – 20 minutes per day playing with them, and if you have children, they will easily use up that time. This breed has a natural love of water and is always up for a swim. It also likes to run and play fetch and will easily tire itself out chasing a ball. It also enjoys walking and loves taking a quick stroll around the block.
Training 🐕
These dogs are easy to please and enjoy learning new things, so they will be happy to attend training sessions. We recommend setting aside 5 – 10 minutes at the same time each day for training. Consistent sessions will help get your dog into a routine that they come to expect and enjoy, while inconsistency is the biggest barrier to success. During your sessions, repeat your commands as you motion to the dog what you want it to do. If it follows your command, give it a treat and start again. Repeat until your dog follows your order on the first or second try before moving on to the next trick.
Grooming ✂️
The medium-length hair of the Affen Spaniel will require plenty of brushing to keep it from becoming tangled. You will need to use a stiff-bristled brush to comb through the hair at least once a day. Most experts recommend taking your dog to a professional groomer every five to six weeks to keep the hair trimmed around the feet and ears. Its floppy ears can also allow bacteria and moisture to build, resulting in an infection, so it’s important to keep the ears clean and dry. You will also need to perform regular toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste and occasional nail trimming.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Seborrhea
Seborrhea is a condition that causes dry skin. Pets affected with this condition will have dry, itchy skin that will lead to dandruff and scratching. Pets that scratch a lot will produce more allergy-causing dander to enter into the air and settle on your furniture, increasing the risk someone in your home will have an allergic reaction. Bathing can be helpful, but it can also dry the skin out more, worsening the condition. Foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids can also help soothe and moisturize the skin, easing the symptoms.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent Ductus Arteriosus is a heart defect that results in a congenital heart defect. It occurs when the Ductus Arteriosus doesn’t close as it should shortly after birth, causing extra blood to pass through the lungs. Patent Ductus Arteriosus is the second most common heart condition in dogs and is only serious if fluid begins to build up in the lungs. Symptoms of this condition include difficulty breathing, coughing, and lethargy.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is another common condition in many dog breeds, including the Affen Spaniel. It is the result of the hip bone not forming correctly, causing the bones to wear down faster, leading to difficulty walking and even lameness. It is common in larger breeds and progresses more quickly in dogs that are overweight or engage in a lot of jumping activity. Symptoms include difficulty getting up, opposition to using stairs, and a strange bunny hop gait.
Male vs Female
The male Affen Spaniel is often several inches taller than the female and a few pounds heavier. It also has slightly more masculine features on the face. However, there is little difference in temperament between the sexes.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Affen Spaniel
1. The Cocker Spaniel parent was one of the first ten breeds that the American Kennel Club recognized.
2. The Cocker Spaniel parent is the smallest member of the sporting dog community.
3. The Affenpinscher fur is wiry, and many consider it hypoallergenic.
Final Thoughts
The Affen Spaniel is a great all-around dog that makes a great family pet. It requires a bit of grooming but not much exercise, so it’s about the same work as most other breeds. It is well suited for smaller apartments and large homes and gets along well with children. The only thing you’ll need to watch out for is small children that might handle this dog too roughly and rodent pets like mice and hamsters that this breed will naturally chase.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and learned something new about this modern breed. If we have convinced you to purchase one for your home, please share this guide of the Affen Spaniel on Facebook and Twitter.
