Affen Tzu -- Affenpinscher X Shih Tzu

		Affen Tzu
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Tibet -> Europe and U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Affen Tzu

The Affenpinscher and Shih Tzu have been crossed to create the adorable Affen Tzu hybrid dog. This dog is small, like its parents, and makes an excellent pet and watchdog. As this is a modern breed, there isn't much information available on this type of dog. We do know, however, that the Affen Tzu will take on certain traits of the Affenpinscher and Shih Tzu, a combination of intelligence, kindness and affection. It will probably require a great deal of maintenance, and training may take some time. However, with the right socialization, perseverance and dedication, these dogs can make wonderful pets.

History of the Affen Tzu

The Affen Tzu is a new breed, created from the combination of the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu. As it is a new hybrid breed, most of its origins are undocumented.

	A little of the Affenpinscher
	The Affenpinscher originated in Germany in the 1600s. The Affenpinscher was originally a medium-sized farm or store dog, used to hunt mice and rats. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Affenpinschers were bred to be much smaller and became companion dogs. The breeds thought to have been used to develop the smaller Affenpinscher were the Pug, the smooth-coated German Pinscher and a silky Pinscher. The Affenpinscher was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. The Affenpinscher is said to have contributed to the development of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Brussels Griffon. Affenpinschers almost disappeared during the Second World War. At the end of the war, breeders crossed the last Affenpinschers with the Griffon Bruxellois, creating the breed's unique face structure.

	Standard of the Affenpinscher
	A little of the Shih Tzu
	The other breed used to create the Affen Tzu, the Shih Tzu, is descended from dogs that were present in 17th-century China, and were in fact so prized by Chinese royalty that they were not sold or imported to any other country until the 1930s. The Shih Tzu is believed to be one of the 14 oldest dog breeds. First introduced to England in 1928 by the wife of the quartermaster general of the North China Command, a pair of males and females were brought back from Beijing. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the AKC in 1969, while the Affenpinscher had been recognized earlier, in 1936.

	Standard of the Shih Tzu

Appearance of the Affen Tzu

These dogs are not purebreds, but rather the result of a cross between the Affenpinscher and the Shih Tzu. They have square, short, small bodies that can be delicate, with deep, broad chests. Round heads have a muzzle with a pronounced stop and are often short like those of the Shih Tzu, but in some cases the nose can be long like that of the Affenpinscher. The lower jaw generally appears broad and prognathic, with straight, regular lower teeth that line up under the nose. They generally have black lips and a nose of the same color. This hybrid breed has dark, round eyes that are also black in color. They are well proportioned to the face and set forward. The silky ears are either erect, as in the Affenpinscher, or floppy, as in the Shih Tzu. The coat is soft and silky, medium to long, but longer around the face.

Temperament of the Affen Tzu

These hybrid dogs adopt the temperament of the breeds from which they are descended. They are known to be curious, affectionate and fearless. They sometimes try to stand up to dogs much larger than themselves, so they need to be supervised when in the presence of new, larger dogs. They can also be territorial and protective of their food and toys, and need to be supervised in the presence of children, as they don't have much patience and can snap if anyone comes near their possessions. However, if properly socialized, this breed can get on very well with children and other pets. They are intelligent but can become stubborn if you let them. For this reason, they can be difficult to train, but with a little perseverance, they can be good not only at obedience, but also at tricks. Potty training can take some time, but the use of crates and sanitary pads can help. You'll need to show them that you're the pack leader, not the other way around, to earn their respect. The owner must be firm but offer rewards when the Affen Tzu behaves well. Affen Tzus are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.

Needs and activities of the Affen Tzu

The Affen Tzu is a dog that will adapt its activity needs to those of its family. He is devoted to his master and will follow him wherever he goes. Most Toy dogs can get enough exercise simply by playing a game in the garden. He doesn't need large open spaces to run and play, as he's a small dog. However, he is a sociable dog and will enjoy spending time playing with his companion or going to the local dog park. Expect to spend time playing ball or simply watching him run laps around the yard for at least 30 minutes a day to ensure he maintains a healthy weight and gets enough mental stimulation to stay lively and happy.

Maintenance of the Affen Tzu

To keep their soft coats silky and tangle-free, these dogs will need weekly brushing with a rubber-bristled paddle brush. Depending on the dog, you can choose whether or not to clip it for easier grooming. With this hybrid breed, you need to pay particular attention to its ears, as they can be prone to infection. Examine them often and take action if you notice any signs of abnormality. All dogs should have their teeth brushed at least once or twice a week, and their nails trimmed if necessary. This could be once or twice a month. The Affen Tzu hybrid will have a relatively high grooming routine, like that of the Affenpinscher and Shih Tzu.