As a result of crossbreeding the Affenpinscher and the Bichon Frise, the Affenchon dog breed is a small-sized dog breed that has a very low shedding level.
They retain the tendency to bark from their parent breed. They are a breed that needs constant grooming and regular coat clipping so that they look trimmed and stylish.
Though they tend to grow a bit timid and suspicious around strangers, the Affenchon dog breed is known as a friendly dog in general.
They adapt well to almost all environments but are more comfortable in colder climates than extremely hot ones.
They are ideal as house pets who do not require vigorous exercise. They do need a lot of love and affection from their dog parents.
About The Breed
An affectionate dog breed, the Affenchon develops a close companionship with their humans.
They do not like to be overworked and would rather do well with walks and visits to dog parks.
They have none to minimal shedding and are semi-hypoallergenic dog breeds, which is one of the many reasons they are popular among dog parents.
They adapt well to almost all lifestyles but need careful grooming.
They can come off as a bit clingy by nature, but it’s just how they are, and if you aren’t a constant presence, they might develop separation anxiety.
Affenchon Dog Breed History
A fairly new entry into the world, the Affenschon is thought to have originated in the 1990s.
They are a hybrid dog breed bred from crossbreeding the Affenpinscher and Bichon Frise dog breeds.
The Affenpinschers, originally from Germany, were historically used as ratting dogs. They are also one of the oldest dog breeds, and proof of their existence dates back to the 1500s.
The Bichon Frise, on the other hand, is an even older breed that has been known since the early 1200s when they were first discovered by Spanish invaders.
Both dog breeds were used for different tasks, and the Affenchon retains many of these inherent talents.
The Affenchen, as mentioned earlier, was historically used to catch vermin like rats on farms, and the Bichon Frise was a companion dog.
Affenchon Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Affenchon |
| Other Name | Affenchon |
| Dog Breed Type | Mixed/Crossbreed/Hybrid |
| Origin | Germany; France |
| Parent Breeds | Affenpinscher and Bichon Frise |
| Height | 9 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 7 – 12 lbs |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Type | wiry or curly; long |
| Common Colors | Gray; black; white and red |
| Grooming Needs | Lots of grooming |
| Shedding | None to minimal shedding |
| Temperament | Active; playful; friendly |
| Apartment Living | Adapts well to apartment living |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Patellar Luxation; Hip Dysplasia; Cataracts; Legg-Calves Perthes disease; Retinal Atrophy |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Intelligent |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Activity | 30 – 45 minutes of daily walks |
| Litter Size | 5 – 10 puppies |
What To Know
• They are a hybrid dog breed bred from crossbreeding the Affenpinscher and Bichon Frise dog breeds.
• They retain the tendency to bark from their parent breed. They are a breed that needs constant grooming and regular coat clipping so that they look trimmed and stylish.
• They adapt well to almost all environments but are more comfortable in colder climates than extremely hot ones.
• The Affenchon are small and cute dog breeds that require daily walks and lots of indoor playtimes.
Characteristics
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
All About Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Affenchon are small and cute dog breeds that require daily walks and lots of indoor playtimes.
They are also known to be fairly intelligent and therefore need to be mentally simulated as well.
They tend to get very noisy and naughty if the proper outlet of energy is not provided.
They do adapt well to their living circumstances and have the right temperament to be a great companion.
They tend to bark, so it will be better if they are exposed to other people at an earlier age. Training is a must for the Affenchon to grow up unproblematic.
They are generally happy, healthy, and obedient dogs who will be a perfect addition to your family.
Pros And Cons Of The Affenchon Dog Breed
Pros
- Lively and playful temperament.
- Compact size for apartment living.
- Low grooming needs.
- Excellent watchdog instincts.
- Good for allergy sufferers.
Cons
- Stubborn and independent at times.
- Can be aggressive with strangers.
- Prone to dental issues.
- May not get along with other pets.
- Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
There is no noteworthy difference between the Affenchon male and female dogs.
While the male dogs can go up to a height of 11 inches, the female Affenchon is slightly smaller in stature.
As for their weight, there is not much difference; sometimes, the female dog may be slightly lighter than the male dog.
They are equally playful mischievous and very intelligent irrespective of their gender.
Appearance
Coat Color
The Affenchon are high-maintenance dogs that need lots of grooming. Their thick, wavy manes tend to grow long if not properly maintained.
They will need occasional visits with groomers to get regular haircuts. Regular brushing of hair is also advised.
The Affenchons generally come in Black, Gray, and White colors. They might have the puffy curls of their Brischon parent or the shaggy and unruly mane of the Affenpinscher.
Shedding
Both the Affenpinscher and the Bichon Frise are dog breeds that shed none to minimal. The Affenchon, too, is a minimal shedding dog.
They, however, require lots of grooming and regular brushing of their manes to prevent tangles from matting up.
With a proper diet and proper grooming, Affenchon’s minimal shedding can be kept as such.
Size
The Affenchon dog breed can be described as a small-sized dog. Being a hybrid crossbreed of two small-sized dogs – the Bichon Frise and the Affenpinscher, the Affenchon is usually found to be in between the height range of 9 to 11 inches.
They are light in terms of weight, too, around 7 to 11 lbs. They inherit most of their petite features from their parent breeds.
The Bichon Frise looks puffy and has a curly mane. The Affenpinschers are more of a shaggy and wiry dog.
It is not often easier to predict what the Affenchon might look like, but they are usually small dogs with wiry or curly coats, feisty personalities, and bright eyes.
Vital Statistics
| DOG BREED GROUP | MIXED BREED DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 9 – 12 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 7 – 12 lbs |
| LIFE SPAN | 10 – 15 YEARS |
Health
If cared for correctly, the Affenchon will live up to 15 years. They are prone to health issues common in other dogs, but that is something a regular checkup with the vet will prevent.
Patellar Luxation; Hip Dysplasia; Cataracts; Legg-Calves Perthes disease; and Retinal Atrophy are some of the diseases that are common in these breed types.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
One major aspect regarding the maintenance of the Affenchon is dental care. These dog breeds can get regular issues with their gums, and it is, therefore, necessary that brushing of teeth is an integral part of their daily schedules.
Their nails, too, can get worn down easily and need trimming at least twice a month.
The Affenchon are hypoallergenic dogs, a trait they have inherited from their parent breeds, but this does not mean daily brushing down of tangles and such can be ignored.
It is necessary to get their hair trimmed and shaped as well, and it doesn’t matter which of the parents they have retained their hair structure from.
Be gentle when you untangle matted hair because, like their delicate appearance, their skin is very sensitive. Make grooming sessions as pleasant as possible.
Food And Nutrition
Include proteins that help in the formation and strengthening of nails, bones, and hair in your Affenchons daily meal.
Fat is also essential to provide energy and for healthier skin and coat. Affenchons are prone to eye problems, and omega fats help prevent such issues.
When your dog is still a puppy, it is okay to feed them four meals a day, but as they grow older, cut this short to 3 meals.
Obesity is common in these breeds, therefore, do not overfeed your Affenchon.
If you are feeding them packeted dog food, check for the nutrition content and make sure they are safe for your dog.
Keep their water bowls filled, especially during the summertime and after they come back after a run.
Food Cost
For your dog, 2-3 cups of dog food is recommended daily. Just divide them into 2-3 meals.
Don’t make your dogs overeat. The average daily cost would be around $1.1-$1.5. The monthly costs come to be around $33-$50.
Exercise And Activity Level
The parent breeds of the Affenchon, the Affenpinscher and the Bichon Frise, are both highly active dogs, and the Affenchon is no different in this respect.
They can be small hyper balls, and it will be impossible to get through with them if they are not properly trained.
Forty-five minutes of physical exercise and 30 minutes of mentally stimulating games are necessary if you want to exhaust at least a little of their energy.
Hiding their toys and leaving them to find them is one of the easier activities that can entertain them.
They will bark and create chaos within your house as well as your neighborhood if they don’t get their daily amount of exercise.
Be wary of them getting into trouble with the larger dogs when you take them out to the dog park.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Affenchon have a habit of acting up if their daily exercise routines aren’t met. They are a very clingy dog breed who like to stick to their dog parents constantly.
They are also good with other canine companions, but they like it when they have all the love and care of their dog parents. These dog breeds are known to get into unnecessary miffs with larger dogs.
Explore More Dog Breeds…?
FAQ On Affenchon Dog Breed…
What dog breeds are the Affenchon a mix of?
Affenchon is a result of crossbreeding the Affenpinscher and the Bichon Frise.
Do Affenchon dogs develop separation anxiety?
Yes, the Affenchon is a dog breed that is prone to separation anxiety.
How many meals are adequate for an Affenchon dog?
A fully grown Affenchon’s meals can be cut off to 2 meals a day.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.