Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, regular activity and appropriate veterinary care, this small dog generally lives between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its compact build and double coat make it a rather sturdy dog. Its small size nevertheless requires preventing trauma and monitoring its joints, especially during growth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Careful monitoring of gait, bone development and cardiac function makes it possible to detect early the conditions to which the breed may be predisposed.
Patent ductus arteriosus: This congenital heart defect requires early screening and veterinary management.
Patellar luxation: Displacement of the kneecap can cause intermittent lameness and, depending on its severity, require surgical treatment.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: This necrosis of the head and neck of the femur mainly affects young small dogs and causes pain and lameness.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its undercoat and dense topcoat allow it to withstand moderate cold and humidity fairly well. However, it must be protected from high heat, intense cold and prolonged exposure to bad weather.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The tendency to gain weight is moderate, but portions must remain adapted to its small size and its actual activity. Treats must be included in the daily ration and regular weighing helps preserve its joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have any persistent or intermittent lameness examined.
- Maintain annual veterinary follow-up and keep vaccinations up to date.
- Brush teeth regularly to limit tartar.
- Check the ears, eyes, nails and the condition of the coat.
- Adjust outings during extreme temperatures.
Vaccination
Affenpinscher vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Affenpinscher need? Like all dogs, Affenpinschers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Affenpinscher vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Affenpinscher booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Affenpinscher need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Affenpinscher
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the kneecaps, hips and cardiac system checked by a veterinarian. In puppies as in adults, any lameness, persistent discomfort or exercise intolerance warrants a prompt consultation.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
