Which is Better between the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Affenpinscher Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Affenpinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
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 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 35 to 55 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2220 No Data
Price Range $500 – $1962 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 147 169

    *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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most different:

  • Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Affenpinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    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, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    The Popularity of Affenpinscher versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Affenpinscher and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Affenpinscher is more popular with dog owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Affenpinscher is 147 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Affenpinscher

    Popularity of Affenpinscher

    Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Year Affenpinscher Popularity Rank Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank
    2013 143 157
    2014 144 170
    2015 136 164
    2016 149 169
    2017 147 176
    2018 148 170
    2019 151 173
    2020 163 175

    Health Problems of Affenpinscher versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Affenpinscher than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Affenpinschers and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.

    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.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Affenpinscher or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Affenpinscher or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:

  • Barbet (83 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Barbet.
  • Bernedoodle (79 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Bernedoodle.
  • Miniature Schnauzer (79 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Miniature Schnauzer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

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

    Affenpinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Affenpinscher versus Bearded Collie     Affenpinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund     Affenpinscher versus Maltipoo     Affenpinscher versus Greyhound     Affenpinscher versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Affenpinscher versus Shetland Sheepdog     Affenpinscher versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Affenpinscher versus English Springer Spaniel     Affenpinscher versus Shiranian     Affenpinscher versus Keeshond     

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Westiepoo     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.