Affen Tzu

by Mary Simpson

Published: February 9th, 2018

About Affen Tzu

Weight

10-14 lb

Height

8-12 inches

Lifespan

11-15 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

singles, seniors, families with or without kids and pets, those living in apartments

Temperament

friendly, affectionate, fearless, devoted

Comparable Breeds

Affenpinscher, Shih Tzu

Affen Tzu Basics

The fearless little Affen Tzu brings the sweet-natured personality of the Shih Tzu together with the spunky spirit of the Affenpinscher for a feisty companion dog that bonds closely with his human pack and loves to be involved in all family activities. This small pooch with the big personality is the perfect choice for singles or families that have the time to devote to him.

The fearless Affen Tzu brings together the sweet nature of the Shih Tzu and the spunky spirit of the Affenpinscher.

Origin

While both the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu are ancient breeds that date back to Germany and China respectively, the Affen Tzu is a relatively new dog that likely goes back just 30 years to when Designer Dogs first became popular. Breeders crossed different pure-breds to produce pups that carried desirable traits such as gentler personalities, smaller sizes and hypo-allergenic qualities – without the health issues of their parents.

Pedigree

The Affen Tzu’s Designer Dog status means he doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) roster of pure-breeds however both parent breeds are long-time members; the Affenpinscher joined the “toy” group back in 1936 while the Shih Tzu became a member of the same group in 1969.

Food/Diet

The Affen Tzu is a small or toy-sized dog who is fairly active and needs a top-quality kibble specifically designed for his size, age and activity level. Because this breed can experience joint issues later in life its important he not become obese so plan to feed him 2 to 3 meals each day versus free-feeding and select a blend that is low in fillers that may cause him to over-eat to feel full. Flat-faced dogs can also have challenges with regular shaped food dishes so check out some of the specially angled bowls designed for this type of breed – they’ll allow him easier access to his food and a cleaner meal period.

Training

The Affen Tzu can be a stubborn little dog and patience will be required when training him. Take a firm, consistent approach that establishes pack leadership but in a manner that will keep him motivated and engaged in the process. Lots of praise and rewards will go a long way in getting the results you are seeking.

Weight

The little Affen Tzu will weigh in at just 10 to 14 pounds once he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

The Affen Tzu is a fun, spirited little dog that thrives on human companionship and just hanging out with his people. This pooch has a stubborn streak and can become territorial with his “stuff” to the extent he may be prepared to do battle with larger dogs. Early socialization will help break him of this trait and ensure he learns to play nice with kids and other animals. He is affectionate, energetic and tremendously loyal to his family. Be aware that he can adapt “small dog syndrome” and decide that he rules the household if not taught differently. While he is super alert, he won’t always react to strangers so not the best watchdog.

Common Health Problems

While designer dogs are typically healthier than their pure-bred parents, it’s important to know what your new pup could inherit. With the Affen Tzu a lot depends on which body structure they inherit. If more like the Shih Tzu, health issues can include eye and respiratory issues due to the flatter face and bulging eyes. If the Affenpinscher, health concerns could include the same respiratory problems due to facial structure as well as joint issues including patella luxation and hip dysplasia.

Life Expectancy

The Affen Tzu has a lifespan of between 11 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Affen Tzu’s size dictates his exercise needs – which is not marathon walks or runs. A good daily walk and tossed ball in the yard or dog park will be sufficient to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated. This pooch is a great candidate for puzzle toys and indoor activities that will help keep him engaged and “busy”.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Affie Tzu, the Affen Tzu is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because he is a cross of two different pure-breds. He is however, a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

The fearless Affen Tzu thrives on human companionship and loves just hanging out with his family.

Coat

While the Affen Tzu’s soft, thick coat is considered low-to-non-shedding, he will still need brushing once or twice a week to keep it shiny and tangle-free. Professional grooming may be down to personal preference versus necessity and bathing should only be done as needed. This dog may inherit the floppy ears of the Shih Tzu so be sure to inspect and clean weekly to avoid potential infection.

Puppies

Small dogs produce tiny pups and extra care should be taken when handling Affen Tzu puppies or allowing children to play with them as any joint injury can become a serious problem when this dog gets older. This is a stubborn little pooch, so ensure socialization starts at a young age and that pack leadership is established from the onset.

Photo credit: M. Matthieu/Shutterstock; NcikName/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

Are Candles Safe for Pets?

Final Thoughts: Candles and PetsWhether you want to include a candle in your holiday décor while keeping your pet safe or simply burn a candle to mask those pesky “pet smells,” there ARE options available to enjoy the gentle glow of a candle without creating unnecessary risks for your companion.Choose a pet-safe candle that is made from plant-based wax, avoiding those scented with potentially toxic essential oils like peppermint and pine oils. Set your candle up on a secure surface out of their reach and supervise your pet the entire time it burns. When you’re done, ensure your candle is stored safely where your pet can’t reach it.These simple precautions may be the difference between a festive holiday scene and a trip to your local emergency vet!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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