A Detailed Comparison of the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel.

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Affenpinscher Versus Boerboel: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Affenpinscher and for the Boerboel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Affenpinscher or the Boerboel.

Affenpinscher versus Boerboel: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Boerboel is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Affenpinscher belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Affenpinscher versus Boerboel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Boerboel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel

Factor Affenpinscher Boerboel
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 110 to 200 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $3240 $2660
Price Range $1600 – $2750 $2225 – $3000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Affenpinscher in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Boerboel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Affenpinscher is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Affenpinscher is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the Affenpinscher!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel

    Below is a list of where the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are most different:

    • Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Affenpinschers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Affenpinschers are good for new dog owners. However, Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel

    The Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are most similar:

    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are not easy to train.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are very playful.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Affenpinscher versus Boerboel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel.

    Affenpinschers weigh 7 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Affenpinschers are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Affenpinscher versus Boerboel

    The lifespan of Affenpinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Affenpinschers is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.

    Affenpinschers live longer than Boerboels.

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of Boerboel

    The average price of the Affenpinscher puppy is $3240. The price of the Affenpinscher typically ranges from $1600 – $2750. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Affenpinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the Boerboel.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and Boerboel. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many Boerboel puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels

    A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Affenpinscher puppy or the Boerboel puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Affenpinscher versus Health Problems of Boerboel

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Boerboel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Affenpinscher.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Boerboel than for the Affenpinscher.

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 6 tests are recommended for the Boerboel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Affenpinschers and in Boerboels.

    Affenpinscher Health Problems

    Affenpinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Affenpinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Affenpinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Affenpinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Affenpinschers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Affenpinschers here.

    Boerboel Health Problems

    Boerboels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boerboel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boerboel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boerboel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boerboels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Boerboel

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Boerboels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Boerboels?

    Affenpinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Boerboels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Boerboel

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Boerboels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Boerboels?

    Affenpinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Boerboel

    Affenpinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Affenpinschers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Affenpinscher or the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Boerboels?

    Affenpinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Boerboels?

    Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Boerboels are not easy to train.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Affenpinscher or the Boerboel?

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Boerboel. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Affenpinscher and the Boerboel better suits you and your family.