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Pet Insurance for Affenpinschers

Find out all about Affenpinschers and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on October 4th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,000 – $2,000

Height

23–30cm

Weight

3–6kg

Personality

Curious, playful, stubborn

Coat length

Short-medium, coarse, wiry

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes – but not younger children

Life expectancy

12–14 years

Affenpisncher

Overview

The Affenpinscher, originating from Germany, is a small toy breed with a lively and charming presence. This breed’s history traces back to the 17th century, where it was primarily used for catching rats in homes and stables. Its name, which means “Monkey Terrier” in German, reflects its comical expressions and agile nature. Affenpinschers are known for their distinctive monkey-like face, complete with a pert expression and a wiry coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic scruffy appearance.

Despite their small size, Affenpinschers possess a bold and confident temperament. They are lively and curious, and often carry themselves with an air of self-importance. While they make excellent companion animals, they can be quite spirited and may exhibit a streak of independence. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them well-suited for families and individuals who can provide them with ample attention and mental stimulation.

Common diseases and conditions of Affenpinschers

  • Luxating patella: this condition occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention.
  • Hip dysplasia: this is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to arthritis and lameness.
  • Respiratory problems: due to their flat faces, Affenpinschers may suffer from respiratory issues, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: this is a hip joint disorder that can lead to arthritis. It's characterised by a reduced blood supply to the femoral head, causing it to deteriorate.
  • Cataracts: this is a common eye condition in which the lens becomes cloudy, potentially leading to vision impairment.

Breed-specific issues:  

Training Affenpinschers can be rewarding, but their independent streak may require consistent and patient guidance. It's important for owners to establish themselves as firm but positive leaders to keep these spirited dogs engaged and well-behaved. Due to their lively disposition, they can sometimes be a handful, so providing ample exercise and playtime is essential for a happy and well-balanced Affenpinscher.

How much does pet insurance cost for an Affenpinscher?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Affenpinscher, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Affenpinschers

Are Affenpinschers good with children?

Yes – Affenpinschers can be affectionate and playful with children, especially when properly socialised from a young age. However, due to their small size and their proud nature, which may cause them to bite when provoked, they may be better suited to households with older children. It's important to supervise interactions to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child. Teaching children how to handle and interact with the Affenpinscher gently is crucial for a harmonious relationship.

Do Affenpinschers get along well with other pets?

Yes – Affenpinschers can get along with other pets, especially if they are introduced and socialised with them early on. They may have a tendency to assert themselves, so it's important to monitor their interactions, especially with larger or more dominant animals. Proper introductions and consistent positive reinforcement can help foster good relationships with other pets.

Are Affenpinschers easy to train?

Affenpinschers are intelligent but can be independent and stubborn at times. They may require patient and consistent training methods. Early socialisation and positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed. Keeping training sessions engaging and varied helps maintain their interest and motivation.

How much exercise does an Affenpinscher require?

Despite their small size, Affenpinschers are energetic and benefit from regular exercise. Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are important for their physical and mental well-being. However, it's crucial not to overexert them due to their size, so moderate exercise is typically sufficient.

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Affenpisncher

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