Affen Tzu

The Affen Tzu’s history is an amalgam of the Shih Tzu and Affenpinscher. The latter component dates back several hundred years to the 17th century – at the very latest. The origin of the Chinese Lion Dog component (the Shih Tzu) is lost to history, making the accepted most distant date of the Affen Tzu breed in the 17th century; although popular mixed-breeding really took off in the 19th century. The most distant times listed for the origin of the Shih Tzu was somewhere in modern-day Tibet as far back as 800 B.C; but of course the Affen Tzu didn’t exist then without the Affenpinscher’s genetic code.

Breed Characteristics

Affen Tzu Build Information

The Affen Tzu isn’t going to get bigger than a foot tall, and a healthy dog weighs slightly less than ten pounds. Because it won’t hesitate to stand up to much larger dogs, despite its diminutive stature, it should be separated from them when the owner isn’t present.

Behaviour and Personality

The Affen Tzu incorporates the personality traits of its forebears. It is an affectionate dog with boundless curiosity; fearless in the face of danger. As a result, it’s even more important to make sure your Affen Tzu puppy undergoes socialization as soon as possible, to become acquainted with different kinds of people and settings. Although alert, your dog won’t always bark at the approach of strangers, which does not make it a particularly good guard dog. Despite this, they can be territorial – but that’s usually over personal items like food and toys – so keep an eye out for small children, because Affen Tzu’s don’t have as much boundless patience for them as, say, a Boxer dog.

Appearance

Although thick, the Affen Tzu’s coat is short and sturdy and doesn’t shed a whole lot. Despite this lack of shedding, consistent grooming is necessary to keep the coat looking smooth. A good brush-through once per week should see the dog’s coat through very nicely. Don’t forget to brush their teeth to limit periodontal disease.

Affen Tzu Common Health Conditions

As with most mix-breeds, the health issues for the Affen Tzu are a mish-mash of those for the Shih Tzu and the Affenspinscher. Since you can’t expect to have a 50/50 breed, the health issues in any particular Affen Tzu can vary widely. Hip dysplasia, respiratory issues in elevated weather, bone fractures and trachea failures are inherited from the Affenpinscher side. The Shih Tzu side is prone to hypothyroidism, ear infections, and respiratory problems as a result of the inherited facial structure.

Affen Tzu Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

It’s easy to tell by the name that the Affen Tzu is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Affenpinscher. It shares nicknames with the Affenpinscher and is also called the Monkey Dog, presumably because of its very small size. The Affen Tzu is also sometimes called an Affen for short, or Affie as a term of endearment.