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The Affenpoo is a hybrid breed of dog that has been created by the crossing of the Poodle and the Affenpinscher. A hybrid dog is not a mutt by any means. The difference is that the ancestry of the hybrid is known, whereas the bloodlines of a mutt are unknown and cannot be traced. The Affenpoo was a genius hybrid mix! With this mating came a friendly, charming dog, with a nice disposition.

The breed is accepted for registry in the DRA, Dog Registry of America, the ACHC, American Canine Hybrid Club, and the DDKC, Designer Dogs Kennel Club. They are classified under the "retriever or hound" category. Although having a registered dog may not mean that much to the average pet owner who is only looking for a loving companion, it does increase the monetary value of the dog for those who want to breed the animal or compete with him or her.

According to breed standards, the Affenpoo should be approximately eight pounds and 10 or 11 inches tall, when measured from the ground to the withers. They are a small sized dog with a big personality. The face is proportionate to the body, with an average length muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are usually a dark shade of black or brown. The ears are held in the flopped or dropped position, lying on the sides of the head.

The Affenpoo has a short to medium length coat, with a nice sheen to the fur when it is kept healthy. It almost always has the curls of the poodle. The breed can come in brown or gray, but the most popular color is solid black. The coat typically has rough fur. Their grooming should be maintained regularly. A weekly brushing with a stiff, rubber-bristled brush and a shampoo if absolutely needed will suffice. Do not shampoo if you can avoid it as this will strip the natural oils that the dog already has to protect the coat. This will help to ensure that nothing is stuck in the fur, that there is no matting, and that it retains its natural shine. It will also help to remove some of the loose hairs, keeping shedding down. These dogs do need to be plucked and this should be done by a professional groomer every once in a while.

Affenpoos are smart dogs and can be trained quickly, as long as there is good human to canine communication. . Training must be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. Rewards and treats for a job well done will be very encouraging to this breed. They usually really want to please their owners. If you are consistent and calm, the dog will usually respond well to training and actually enjoy learning the rules.

These dogs are energetic and they must have at least a brisk walk daily, as well as some time for running and playing off the leash. They usually know, though, when it is time for play to end and will calm down. When inside, they tend to be happy just sitting with you or laying at your feet. This breed should be kept stimulated, both mentally and physically, to prevent them from becoming bored. A bored Affenpoo will create their own fun and it will not usually please you. They may become destructive or prone to excessive barking. They are usually very friendly and social dogs, good with people and other animals, if they are used to being around them. Socializing them at an early age will help to ensure this. Although they aren't aggressive in the least, they make good watchdogs due to their attentiveness to their surroundings. They will bark and let you know if someone is approaching you or the home.

These dogs typically want a lot of attention, but for those who love them, this is no trouble at all. They are affectionate and charming. They are lively and playful, able to amuse you with their antics for hours on end.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Tiegert.
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