The Affenpinscher, commonly known as the “Monkey Dog,” is one of the most popular toy-terrier dog breeds among pet lovers. Its name comes from the German language (“affen” means “ape/monkey,” and “pinscher” means “terrier”). It is a little yet tenacious terrier that is full of vigor and determination.
This little guy’s popularity and clownlike appeal are garnering the breed more and more attention among prospective pet parents. Are you one of them? In this guide, we’ll break down everything related to Affenpinscher price and cost to own one – from initial purchase price to monthly, annual, and lifetime costs associated with the breed.
Average Cost of an Affenpinscher Puppy & Subsequent Yearly Costs
You can expect to pay between $650 and $3,000 for your Affenpinscher puppy, however, the average price tends to fall more in the range of $1,000 and $2,000. There are a number of factors that contribute to the ultimate Affenpinscher cost, which we’ll break down below.
If you purchase a puppy for a median price of $1,500, you can expect your first-year costs to total approximately $2,165. After the first year, your annual costs drop to about $820, making them a relatively inexpensive dog to care for.
Affenpinschers have an average lifespan of 13 years. Over the course of your pooch’s lifetime, you can expect to spend a total of $10,700.
Factors Affecting an Affenpinscher Puppy’s Price
There are a number of different factors that affect the price of Affenpinscher puppies, though not as many as some other breeds. The main factors to take into consideration are geographic location, the breeder, lineage, whether you choose to adopt, and the age of the dog when you purchase or adopt it.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can greatly affect the price of Affenpinscher puppies. In highly populated urban areas, where there is a high demand for designer and specialty breeds like the Affenpinscher, prices tend to be higher.
In rural or less populated areas, the demand may not be as high and therefore the prices may be lower.
Additionally, certain regions or states may have a higher concentration of reputable breeders, driving up the prices in that area.
It is important to do research and compare prices from different locations before purchasing an Affenpinscher puppy.
Breeder & Lineage
The breeder’s reputation, the quality of care they provide to the puppies, and their breeding program all play a role in determining the price of Affenpinscher puppies.
A reputable breeder with a successful breeding program and high-quality care for their dogs will likely charge higher prices for their puppies.
On the other hand, a less reputable breeder or one with a less successful breeding program may offer Affenpinscher puppies at a lower price.
However, it is important to keep in mind that purchasing from a subpar breeder can lead to potential health and behavioral issues in the puppy, ultimately costing the buyer more in the long run.
Their lineage and bloodlines also play a significant role in determining price. Dogs with a champion bloodline or imported parents often command higher prices, as do those from reputable breeders with proven success in conformation shows.
However, it is important to remember that a high price does not necessarily guarantee a healthier or better-tempered dog.
Thus, it is important to carefully research and choose a reputable, responsible Affenpinscher breeder when looking for an Affenpinscher puppy.
Adoption
You may also adopt an Affenpinscher from a shelter or rescue organization. Affenpinscher Rescue of America is an excellent spot to begin your quest for a new companion. You might also inquire with local veterinarians or breeders to see if there are any rescue Affens available in your region.
Age
Puppies are usually in higher demand than adults or senior dogs. Their young age, trainability, and cuteness factor all make the price for young Affens significantly higher than adult and senior Affenpinschers.
Basic Dog Supplies Cost in the USA
Before bringing home your puppy, be sure to prepare your home for it. By spending time getting everything in order, the first few days of Affenpinscher ownership will go much smoother.
Some supplies you’ll want to consider for these small dogs include a collar and leash, a crate, toys, a bed, water, food dishes, grooming supplies, and treats. The total initial cost for these supplies is approximately $200 – $300.
Affenpinscher Training Cost
Dog training can be of different types and each type is priced differently. You can choose from basic puppy training, dog aggression training, advanced training, obedience training, and even service or therapy dog training depending on how you envision your dog’s behavior.
All these training sessions are priced differently and depend upon the dog trainer as well as the area you live in.
A basic one-on-one or private dog training session for Affenpinschers can cost between $25 and $50. Group training sessions are slightly cheaper and cost about $10 to $30 per session. The advantage of group sessions is that your Affenpinscher dog will get to interact with other dogs and begin early socialization for necessary social skills.
The Affen is an intelligent dog with a generally friendly disposition, so training should be a breeze. The Affenpinscher temperament can be a bit mischievous, however, so it’s best to solidify some basic commands.
Some puppies tend to get distracted in group sessions or may not be accustomed to other animals, which can be a deterrent to training. They may also not get along with other dogs if they haven’t yet been properly socialized.
Some dog owners even go the extra mile and enroll their fur babies in doggy boot camps for exceptionally well-behaved dogs. These include boarding for several weeks and can cost between $500 and $1,250 per week.
Experienced dog owners may not need to invest in training, particularly if they know the basics of obedience training. New dog owners, on the other hand, may lack the experience to train their dogs on their own.
Food Costs for Affenpinschers in the USA
Before you buy your puppy food, find out what it was eating in its previous home. A sudden change in diet can cause stomach upset and might even cause your dog to turn up its nose at the new food.
You can feed dry food/kibble, wet/canned food, or freeze-dried food. Some monkey dog pups also do well on raw food. Always discuss with your vet the best food for your pet.
Depending on the quality of the dog food you purchase and the size of your pup, you can expect to pay between $11 and $39 per month on dog food for your Affenpinscher.
Medical Costs for Affenpinschers in the United States
In your puppy’s first year, it will need many vaccinations to protect against several canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, etc. It may also need some non-core or optional vaccines like Lyme Disease, Kennel Cough, and so on as advised by your vet and depending on risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, you must also have your Affenpinscher dog neutered or spayed.
Deworming is another health precaution to take that can help prevent parasitical infestations like giardia, hookworm, tapeworm, etc. Deworming begins when the pup is a few weeks old and continues throughout adulthood. Most vets recommend a deworming schedule which you must follow strictly.
In addition to deworming, your Affen pup will also need protection against fleas, ticks, and mites. These tiny external parasites can cause health problems that include intense itching, hair loss, blisters, secondary skin infections, and even diseases like Lyme disease in dogs.
Vaccines
The core vaccines for dogs include those against rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (also known as hepatitis). These diseases can be highly contagious and potentially fatal, making it crucial for all dogs to be properly vaccinated.
Non-core or optional vaccines may also be recommended based on a dog’s individual risk factors and lifestyle. These can include vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
It is important to discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian to ensure they are fully protected against preventable diseases.
You can expect to spend $170 on your pup’s first-year vaccines. The total cost may decrease year after year as boosters may or may not be required depending on the vaccine.
Sterilization
Depending on the age at which you get your Affenpinscher, your pup may already have been spayed or neutered, especially if purchased from a reputable breeder.
In the event that this responsibility is left to you, you can expect to pay between $100 – $500. Spaying a dog is more expensive than neutering as it is a more invasive and involved procedure.
Deworming
The cost of deworming will depend on your vet as well as the type of parasite being treated, in addition to the size of your dog. Given the breed’s small stature, you can expect to pay on the low end of $50 – $150 which includes a fecal test.
Common Health Conditions in Affenpinschers
When you buy your Affenpinscher from quality breeders who conduct all necessary health checks on the parent dogs, then your chances of getting a healthy puppy are higher.
Unfortunately, Affenpinschers are still prone to some health issues, including the following:
Knee Complications
At times, your Affen’s kneecap (patella) may become dislocated (called patellar luxation). You may note that he sprints and then picks up one of his rear legs and skips or hops for a few steps. Then he swings his leg out sideways to reposition the kneecap, and he’s back to normal.
If your dog’s issue is minor and affects only one leg, he or she may not require much therapy beyond anti-inflammatory medicine.
When symptoms worsen, surgery to realign the kneecap to prevent it from popping out of position may be necessary. This procedure typically costs approximately $2200.
Hip Dysplasia
Young Affenpinschers may be predisposed to develop Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, a painful degenerative hip ailment.
Although the actual source of this ailment is unknown, it is believed to be a hereditary issue with the hip’s blood flow, causing the femoral head to become fragile and readily fracture in the hip joint.
Typically affecting Affens between the ages of six and nine months, it causes discomfort and lameness in one or both hind legs and frequently requires surgery. Treatment for this ailment will vary according to your dog’s age and health. Surgery costs around $3000.
Cataract
In senior Affens, cataracts are a frequent cause of blindness. Therefore, keep an eye out for his lenses becoming more opaque—that is, hazy rather than clear—as he ages. Many canines adjust well to losing their vision and continue to function normally.
Cataract removal and sight restoration surgery is also an option and cost approximately $1800.
Retained Puppy Teeth
Affens often begin losing their primary (“puppy”) teeth at the age of four months. When primary teeth do not fall out in conjunction with the eruption of adult teeth, infections or injury to the adult teeth may develop.
In small breeds such as Affens, retained teeth are prevalent. Between the regular adult tooth and the primary tooth, the retained puppy teeth collect food and hair.
If left untreated, painful gums, foul breath, dental disease, and adult tooth loss can occur. You should monitor his tooth development and propose removing puppy teeth if they coexist with his adult teeth. Teeth extractions cost between $1000 and $1500.
Bad breath may persist even after the extraction of your pup’s baby teeth. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professionally cleaning the teeth regularly can help maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath in your Affenpinscher.
Allergies
Allergies have the tendency to cause itchy skin in dogs. This type of skin allergy is referred to as “atopy,” and Affens frequently suffer from it. Typically, the feet, abdomen, skin folds, and ears are the most impacted.
Symptoms usually begin between the age of one and three and might worsen with each passing year. The most typical symptoms include licking the paws, licking the face, and recurrent ear infections.
The good news is that this illness has a variety of therapy choices. The cost of allergy therapy ranges between $2000 and $3000.
Retained Testicle
Certain male Affens are born with a defect that prevents one or both testicles from descending into the scrotum (a condition known as cryptorchidism). The testicle remains in the abdomen, which might create complications later in life, including an increased risk of cancer.
When your pet is a puppy, your veterinarian will check for this issue; if he does, he may consider removing both testicles. Typically, it costs roughly $1200.
Additional Costs of Raising Your Affenpinscher Dog
Pet Insurance
It’s a wise idea to purchase pet insurance for your Affenpinscher when he or she is still a puppy. Younger dogs are less likely to have health problems or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, you will pay a cheaper insurance cost if you get insurance while your dog is healthy.
As an Affenpinscher parent, you must be prepared for unforeseen medical expenses. A good pet insurance policy might assist you in covering many of these expenses.
Pet insurance usually ranges between $15 and $50 per month depending on what is covered.
Boarding Costs
With the reopening of travel on a global scale, pet owners frequently find themselves forced to board their Affen. This can cost between $50 and $100 per day, depending on the type of amenities provided and the facility’s location. Additionally, you may hire a pet sitter.
Additionally, some pet sitters walk your dog, wash the litter box, fetch your mail, and water your indoor plants. These services typically cost around $70 per day.
Regular Grooming
Your Affen has a lovely coat that is prone to matting and tangling. As a result, frequent grooming is critical. Daily brushing, ear cleaning, and monthly shampooing are required for your pet. If you choose to get it professionally, it will cost around $80 – $100.
However, despite the fact that they have small bodies and are hypoallergenic, Affenpinschers shed as do other dogs.
Thankfully, professional groomers are not usually required and grooming costs can be kept to a minimum should you decide to brush and shampoo your dogs on your own.
Dog Walking
Don’t be fooled by the Affen’s small stature. This active dog needs plenty of activity, or it may get bored, unhappy, or even destructive.
Active families should have no problem making sure the pup gets out for a daily walk, though sometimes work schedules and other obligations can interfere. In this event, you may need to hire a dog walker to ensure your Affen is getting enough daily exercise to stay in good shape.
Depending on the city, dog walkers often charge between $15 and $30 for a 30-minute walk.
Summing Up – How Much is an Affenpinscher?
Affenpinschers are as expensive as the majority of tiny breed dogs. The following is an overview of the expenditures you may anticipate paying throughout your pet’s lifetime:
First-year cost
Affenpinschers cost around $1,200 to purchase. The breeder determines this price.
Along with the purchase price, you’ll incur expenditures for immunizations, basic necessities, including toys and bedding, sterilization (if not already done prior to you getting your pup), and other medical expenses.
Additionally, your dog will require nutritious food and treats.
For the initial cost of your puppy, dog supplies, dog food, first-year vaccines, and routine medical costs, you can expect to pay approximately $2,200. As most dogs in the United States are sterilized prior to purchase or adoption, we have not included that amount in the total.
Annual expenses (after the first year)
For dog food and routine medical care, you can expect to pay around $820 per year after the first year for your Affenpinscher.
Over its lifetime
The Affen has an average life expectancy of 13 years. As a result, the total cost of ownership averages out to be $10,700.
We hope this article has provided you with all you need to know about the cost of owning this good family dog. Affenpinschers make the perfect companion dog with their fearless nature, adorable flat face, independent streak, highly adaptable nature, and large personality.
