Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino.

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Affenpinscher Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino? 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino.

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 Dogo Argentino.

Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Dogo Argentino is a large-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 Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino

Factor Affenpinscher Dogo Argentino
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 9 to 15 years
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
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 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
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 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 27 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $3240 $2510
Price Range $1600 – $2750 $1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Affenpinscher is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino

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

    • Affenpinschers are good for new dog owners. However, Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino

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

    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are not easy to train.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are very playful.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the Dogo Argentino are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino

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

    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, Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino

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

    The lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is 12.0 years.

    Affenpinschers live longer than Dogo Argentinos.

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of Dogo Argentino

    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 Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the Dogo Argentino.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Affenpinscher puppy or the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino

    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 Dogo Argentino 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 Affenpinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.

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

    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.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

    Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Dogo Argentinos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Dogo Argentino

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Dogo Argentino?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?

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

    Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?

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

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

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Dogo Argentino

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

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

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?

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

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Dogo Argentinos?

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

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

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.