Affenpinscher health: what owners should know

Affenpinschers are generally sturdy for a toy breed, but they are known to be prone to slipping kneecaps, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, eye problems and some heart conditions. The shortened muzzle can make breathing harder in heat and during exercise. Responsible breeders have hips and knees assessed, eyes examined, and hearts listened to by a vet before breeding.

Keep your dog slim, avoid heat and heavy exertion in summer, and protect the prominent eyes from bushes and scratches. See a vet if your dog limps or skips, squints or has a cloudy or weeping eye, snores or breathes much more loudly than usual, or tires unusually fast on walks.