At first glance, the Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon seem too alike – at least in terms of their appearance. But in our Affenpinscher VS Brussels Griffon comparison, you’ll realize a lot of differences between these two breeds.
The Affenpinscher has its roots in Germany, while the Brussels Griffon originated from Belgium. Drooling-wise, Affenpinschers are not much of a drooler, unlike the Brussels Griffon. And if you are looking for a homebody kind of a pup, Affenpinschers are your best bet since they don’t have a strong wanderlust potential like what the Brussels Griffons have.
If you are curious to learn more about the differences between these two adorable breeds, check out our in-depth comparison of the Affenpinscher VS Brussels Griffon!
22. Coat And Appearance
Also known as the Monkey Dog, the Affenpinscher has black or gray fur with a coarse texture and shaggy appearance. These dogs have a short muzzle and small, erect ears – and, more noticeably, they have dense fur around their snouts.
On the other hand, the Brussels Griffon has floppy, triangular ears. Although these pups have coarse or wiry coats like the Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon dogs have a more variety of colors, such as beige, tan, brown, blue, and red.
21. Size
Both are small or toy dog breeds. But if you have them stand side by side, the Affenpinscher appears slightly taller at 10 to 11 inches from the shoulder. As for the Brussels Griffon, this breed is a tad shorter at 7 to 8 inches.
In terms of weight, Affenpinschers are usually lighter and weigh between 7 and 10 lbs, while the average Brussels Griffon can weigh as much as 12 lbs.
20. Purpose
Historically, breeders have specific purposes for breeding these dogs. They are excellent companion dogs, but back in the early 1800s, these pups had particular tasks that helped humans with their day-to-day lives.
Affenpinschers were designed for hunting rats, such as rodents and similar animals. But Brussels Griffon dogs were mainly companion pups that are a combination of other breeds, including the Pugs, Toy Spaniels, and the Affenpinschers.
19. Temperament
Before getting a dog for a pet, it is important to consider the canine’s temperament to ensure it can get along with you. The Affenpinscher is a brave dog that can be a bit of a goofball at times, making them quite funny and entertaining.
Brussels Griffon dogs are loud and bossy towards strangers. But they are clingy and affectionate pups toward their favorite humans. However, they have a tendency to bite individuals that they perceive to be a threat.
18. Lifespan
Everyone wants to have a dog that lives as long as possible, so owners can shower them with so much love for years to come! This is why it is good to consider the canine’s lifespan if you want a pet that you can keep for so long.
Affenpinschers, when well taken care of, can live up to 14 years. As for the Brussels Griffon, this breed lives an average lifespan of 15 years. But overall, both dogs live relatively long, depending on how well you care for them.
17. Level Of Dog Ownership Experience
Inexperienced owners who are looking to have their very first pet dog may want to look into the most suitable breed for them. It is good to check if the breed is ideal for your ability to care for a dog, especially if you have never owned one before.
Brussels Griffon dogs are not quite the best option for inexperienced canine owners because of their boldness and a stubborn streak. But you should be fine with Affenpinschers as they are always eager to please and are gentle creatures.
16. Grooming
Busy people who want a pet that does not take much to groom may want to look at the maintenance level of a dog. The good news about these two breeds is that they both have wiry coats, which means they are generally easy to groom.
However, Brussels Griffon dogs have a double coat which requires grooming twice a week. As for Affenpinschers, they only have a single coat, so you should not have a difficult time when grooming these pups.
15. Barking
Barking is a concern among owners who live in an apartment. Affenpinschers do not bark frequently and when they do, it is only because of a very good reason such as alarm and fear. But these dogs are generally quiet.
On the other hand, Brussels Griffon pups are frequent howlers and barkers. They bark based on their emotional level or if they are trying to communicate something with you. These canines may bark because they are lonely, anxious, bored, or they are simply compelled to do so.
14. Exercise Needs
Active owners looking for a pet that they can include in their walks, hikes, or jogs may want to consider the canine’s exercise needs. On the contrary, there are people who prefer a more sedentary lifestyle, which is why dogs with a lower energy level are more suitable for them.
The Brussels Griffon is not your high-strung dog because of its low energy level. But it is the opposite for the Affenpinscher since they can be quite active and would require more exercise time.
13. Health Issues
A dog’s health impacts your overall experience in caring for your pet. If you want to celebrate Christmas with your dog every year, go on fewer vet visits and prolong its lifespan, then you need to consider possible health issues – genetic or acquired.
Brussels Griffon dogs have fewer health issues than Affenpinschers. Among the common ones are patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and allergies. As for the Affenpinscher, this breed is predisposed to certain health conditions, such as a collapsed trachea, cataracts, fractures, slipped stifle, and heart murmurs.
12. Hot Weather Tolerance
Choosing a dog that can tolerate the climate in the area where you live is important to make sure your pet is comfortable and happy. Because of their single coats, Affenpinschers are more suitable for a warm climate than the Brussels Griffon.
If you do decide to keep a Brussels Griffon as a pet – and you live in a place with generally hot weather, it is best to provide ample water and shade for your pooch. Avoid taking your pet out for a walk in the mid-afternoon.
11. Cold Weather Tolerance
Most dogs can handle cold weather unless the temperatures fall below 45 °F. This is why you should take a dog’s ability to tolerate cooler climates before you get one.
Brussels Griffons are tolerant of cold weather. In fact, they love it! Affenpinschers, however, do not do well in extreme temperatures. So, they would need to stay indoors when it is chilly outside or wear a warm dog sweater to keep them nice and toasty.
10. Good With Children
If you have kids in the house, you need a family-friendly dog that can get along with your young ones. Although both the Griff and the Affenpinscher are affectionate pups, one is much better with young children than the other.
Brussels Griffons adore kids – they are gentle and patient creatures that will enjoy playtime with children. As for the Affenpinscher, this breed takes some time to get accustomed to having kids in the house.
9. Shedding
People who are not entirely thrilled about having to pick up a bunch of dog hair off of their furniture would want to consider a pup’s shedding issues. It is also a concern when you suffer from allergies.
Both dog breeds have wiry coats, but between the two, Affenpinschers shed more than the Griff dogs. However, you can always keep the shedding under control by brushing your pet’s coat regularly.
8. Trainability
Every dog requires obedience training – and this is why a canine’s trainability is an important consideration when searching for the right pet for you. If you prefer a dog that is easier to train, the Brussels Griffon is a good option. These dogs have a low prey drive, so they can focus more during training.
But Affenpinschers tend to have an average level of prey drive. They do get distracted when they spot small animals, although it is not a very strong impulse to chase these tiny critters.
7. Bathing Frequency
Affenpinschers rarely require bathing. In fact, they should be perfectly fine with an occasional bath or at least once every 8 to 12 weeks. During bath time, check for unusual bumps or scratches to make sure your pet’s skin is free from potential issues.
Brussels Griffon dogs have an average need for a bath, ideally once every 4 to 6 weeks. They have double coats that could use more frequent bathing, unlike the Affenpinschers.
6. Intelligence
A dog’s intelligence affects its ability to learn new tricks and commands. So, if you want to have a pet that is intelligent, then the Affenpinscher is for you. These dogs can memorize new commands and tricks in only about 15 to 25 repetitions.
On the other hand, Griffs have low to average intelligence levels. They need about 40 to 80 repetitions to understand, memorize and learn new commands. So, more patience is required when teaching these dogs new tricks.
5. Sensitivity
These two breeds are both loving creatures, but one is more sensitive than the other, which is why it is best to pay close attention to routines and the behavior of your household members that can impact the dog’s emotional health.
Affenpinschers are not exactly sensitive dogs, which means they are okay with any quick changes in their daily routine or if there are guests at home. But Brussels Griffon dogs are unable to tolerate irregularities in their routine and would prefer less frequent guest visits.
4. Watchdog Ability
Affenpinschers are great watchdogs. They love to observe and protect their owners, and when they perceive a threat, they do not think twice to alert you immediately.
Griffs, however, only have an average watchdog ability. These pups are capable of sensing danger, and they will notify you. But they do not consider observing their surroundings as their number one task.
3. Impulse To Roam
When you want a dog that will not run away and get lost in the neighborhood, then it is good to consider a canine’s impulse to roam. Affenpinschers are pretty much content with their usual environment, so they are not prone to exploring and escaping from their home.
But the same cannot be said for the Griffs, as they have a pretty strong wanderlust potential. They like to explore the world around them, so it is best to keep them on a leash when you take these pups out for a walk.
2. Drooling Tendency
If you are the kind of person who dislikes slobber spots on the furniture or on your clothes, then you may want to look into the dog’s drooling tendency before getting one. Affenpinschers do not drool much unless they have a health issue.
But Brussels Griffon dogs are average droolers. They may leave some drool spots anywhere, but if this does not bother you, then it should be fine.
1. History
The Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon may look like twins, but they are worlds apart in terms of their origin countries. The Affenpinscher, or the Monkey Terrier, is a native of Germany. They were bred in the 17th century as rodent hunters and catchers.
As for the Brussels Griffon, this dog breed originated in Belgium. These canines were bred as early as the 1800s. They primarily served as companion dogs, which would explain why they are so adorable and sociable.
Related Questions
Why Is The Affenpinscher Called The Monkey Dog? Affenpinschers are called Monkey Dogs because of their wiry coats. It is short on most parts of the body but long on the face and legs – just like a monkey.
What’s The Average Cost Of An Affenpinscher? An Affenpinscher has an average cost of $800 and can go as high as $2,000. The price depends on the breeder and the history of the dog you choose to buy.
Are Brussels Griffons’ Tails Docked? The Brussels Griffon’s tails are often docked, and two-thirds of the original length is often removed. However, there are also some with a long tail or a natural appearance, which is upright.
