Breed Comparison: Affenpinscher Versus German Pinscher

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Affenpinscher Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher.

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 German Pinscher.

Affenpinscher versus German Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher

Factor Affenpinscher German Pinscher
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
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 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $3240 $2690
Price Range $1600 – $2750 $2500 – $2825
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•

    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 German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher

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

    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are very playful.
    • Both the Affenpinscher and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Affenpinscher versus German Pinscher

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

    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, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Affenpinscher versus German Pinscher

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

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

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of German Pinscher

    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 German Pinscher puppy is $2690. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $2500 – $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the German Pinscher.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many German Pinscher 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 German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

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

    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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Affenpinscher.

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.

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

    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.

    German Pinscher Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus German Pinscher

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the German Pinscher

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the German Pinscher?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

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

    German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. German Pinscher

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

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

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus German Pinscher. 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 German Pinscher better suits you and your family.