Affenpinscher Health Problems and Raising an Affenpinscher Puppy to be Healthy

The most common health problems in Affenpinschers:

Orthopedic diseases include luxating patella (most common), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (less common but more serious), and hip dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 136 Affenpinschers and found 12% dysplastic. That's extremely high for a small dog.

Heart disease (patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease) is a concern in Affenpinschers.

Cataracts can severely affect vision in this breed. Other eye diseases in Affenpinschers are glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, and tear duct disorders.

Hormonal/endocrine system diseases include hypothyroidism and Cushings disease.

Skin problems include allergies that cause itchy skin, pyoderma, and non-tumorous growths (sebaceous cysts).

Other health issues reported in Affenpinschers are blood-clotting disease (von Willebrand's), liver shunt, and hernias.

Affenpinschers are prone to dental disease and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing.