The Affenpinscher is a relatively healthy breed. Currently they are not prone to any specific genetic debilitating or life threatening diseases. The health of this breed is due directly to the combined efforts of reputable breeders nationwide in their shared common goal to maintain the health of the Affenpinscher.
However, as toy dogs, they are active, tend to jump and in doing so encounter problems with their patellas (patella subluxation - slipping kneecaps). Affenpinschers have also been known to have problems with hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes and eye issues. They are canines and can also become ill due directly to many of the issues that all dogs have in common. The bottom line is that Affenpinschers, to date, have no known inherited illness, deformity, or genetic malfunction.
The goal of the Affenpinscher Club of America is to promote healthy dogs and to promote the procreation of healthy dogs. The Club relies on the Member breeders and the Membership to continue to maintain high standards and practice responsible breeding, such as having all Affens of breeding stock CHIC tested.
The Canine Health Information Center records the Affens whose owners have tested their eyes (registered with either CERF or OFA) and patellas which are OFA evaluated. These tests qualify the dog for a CHIC number which certifies that the dog in question has passed the necessary tests required by the Affenpinscher Club of America. (http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/chicinfo.html)
Many breeders go beyond the required tests and add OFA evaluations for hip dysplasia, elbows, Legg-Calves-Perthes and heart evaluations. The Affenpinscher Club of America strongly advises all puppy buyers to inquire as to the testing of the parents by each breeder.
**Changes to CHIC requirements for Affenpischers - effective June 1, 2024
Current requirements for Affenpinschers to be CHIC certified are OFA evaluation of Eyes and Stifles . The NEW requirements will include Eyes and Stifles, and in addition, Basic Cardiac screening and screening of Hips. This new CHIC will not be retroactive so if the dog is currently CHIC approved that will not change but will be noted as of June 1st to NOT include the additional testing. In order to update the CHIC rating, the dog will need to also be screened for Hips and Basic Cardiac.
The ACA Board approved this change in January 2023 but wanted to give members the time to get up to date screening completed.