Affenpinscher Akita Mix

The Affenpinscher Akita Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Affenpinscher and the Akita. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Affenpinscher is known for being a very sweet little dog. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Affenpinscher or the Akita? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Affenpinscher Akita Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Affenpinscher Akita Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Affenpinscher Akita Mix puppies for sale.

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Affenpinscher Akita Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Affenpinscher History

The Affenpinscher, a small breed of dog looks like a terrier, even though it isn’t technically classified as one. However, it was bred to work like one. Her task was to exterminate rats and other vermin in German stables during the 17th century. Translated directly from German, the name Affenpinschermeans “monkey dog” or “ape terrier.” Over time, Affens were brought into the house to get rid of kitchen mice. Eventually they became dual-purpose dogs: they would help with the vermin during the day and would be companions during the day.
The Affen is believed to have influenced the development of later European breeds such as the Brussels Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer. A couple of centuries after their initial breeding, groups devoted to the breed popped up around France and Germany in the late 19th century, the American Kennel Club officially recognized it in 1936 as an AKC registered breed. Since they are a charming little breed, they have done well as show dogs. Their grit, toughness, and tenacity that made them great little rat dogs hasn’t left the breed. One was witnessed chasing off a grizzly bear in Alaska! These started off as a larger breed and were then bred to be smaller, probably for the companionship aspect. The Affen is a rare breed, but won the Westminster Kennel Club Show in 2002 which boosted it’s popularity.
They are bold, creative, and entertaining his people. She is a quick learner and adjusts readily to change. She will make a good traveler and companion, however, owners warn that they are big dogs in a small body. This makes them good watchdogs. They take their guard dog duties seriously so need proper socialization.

Akita History

The Akita is an Asian dog that hails from the mountains of Japan. Predecessors of the modern Akita were used for hunting bear, wild boar and deer in Japan as late as 1957. They would be used to flush out the bear and keep it at bay until the hunter could come and kill it. However, like virtually all ancient dog breeds they have morphed over the generations. From being dogs that hunted and protected to being killed and forced to fight for human entertainment.
During the early part of the 1900’s the Akita was in decline, breeders were trying to “improve” it by breeding the Akita with the German Shepherd Dog, St. Bernard, as well as the Mastiff. As you can imagine this interbreeding made it lose a lot of it’s Akita characteristics. They are often recognized as Japanese and American Akitas. Since there was so much interbreeding in the U.S, the Japanese Akita is really known as the breed standard. Like virtually all dogs, they were used as hunters as well as dogs in times of war. During the Russo-Japanese War they were used to track prisoners of war and lost sailors. Japan had a war-time attempt to cull all non-military dogs, which started the breeding of them with German Shepherds to insure they were needed in World War 2. You can obviously find a lot more information on them as there is a lot to distinguish between the Japanese and American version and a lot of information online about the differences.

Affenpinscher Akita Mix Size and Weight

Affenpinscher
Height: 9 - 11 inches
Weight: 7 - 10 pounds
Lifespan: 12 -15 years

Akita
Height: 26 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 70 - 130 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Affenpinscher Akita Mix Personality

The Affenpinscher and the Akita are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Affenpinscher Akita Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Affenpinscher mixed with the Akita might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, allergies, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Affenpinscher Akita Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Affenpinscher Akita Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Affenpinscher Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in