Breed Comparison: Affenpinscher Versus Lancashire Heeler

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Affenpinscher Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler.

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 Lancashire Heeler

Affenpinscher versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are similar in size. The Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are both tiny-sized dogs.

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 Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Affenpinscher versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Lancashire Heeler 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.

Factor Affenpinscher Lancashire Heeler
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 9 to 14 years
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
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 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2220 $200
Price Range $500 – $1962 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 a Affenpinscher is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are not easy to train.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Affenpinscher versus Lancashire Heeler

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

    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, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Affenpinscher puppy is $2220. The price of the Affenpinscher typically ranges from $500 – $1962. However, the price of a Affenpinscher can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 8 Affenpinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of a Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Affenpinscher Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $2220 $200
    Price Range $500 to $1962 $200 to $200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Affenpinscher puppy or the Lancashire Heeler 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Affenpinscher versus Adopting the Lancashire Heeler

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Affenpinschers and many Lancashire Heelers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Affenpinscher named Rio that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Affenpinschers like Rio on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Affenpinschers, Lancashire Heelers are also available for adoption. For example, Blue is a Male Lancashire Heeler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lancashire Heelers like Blue that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Napoleon is the name of another Affenpinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Red Buttons, an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Affenpinschers and Lancashire Heelers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Affenpinschers and Lancashire Heelers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Affenpinscher versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

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

    Both the Affenpinscher and the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

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

    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.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Lancashire Heeler

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Lancashire Heeler

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Lancashire Heeler

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

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

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

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

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

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

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Affenpinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lancashire Heeler:

  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Hovawart.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Affenpinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Affenpinscher:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Peek A Poo (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Affenpinscher and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Affenpinscher and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Affenpinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Affenpinscher versus Golden Retriever     Affenpinscher versus Cavachon     Affenpinscher versus Collie          Affenpinscher versus Basset Hound     Affenpinscher versus Lowchen     Affenpinscher versus Giant Schnauzer     Affenpinscher versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Affenpinscher versus Collie     Affenpinscher versus Shiranian     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Vizsla     Lancashire Heeler versus Rottweiler     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus Barbet     Lancashire Heeler versus Valley Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Stabyhoun     Lancashire Heeler versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Pekingese     Lancashire Heeler versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus West Highland White Terrier     

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.