Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon
Compare the Affenpinscher to the Brussels Griffon. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Affenpinschers and Brussels Griffons.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - The Affenpinscher is excellent for new or inexperienced owners. The Brussels Griffon is strongly discouraged for new owners.
- Children - The Brussels Griffon is okay with children, but the Affenpinscher does not do well with children.
- Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Brussels Griffon is easier to groom.
- Barking - The Brussels Griffon bark/howls frequently. The Affenpinscher has an average level of barking.
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| Breed Name | Affenpinscher | Brussels Griffon |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Lifespan | 11-14 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Height | 9½-11½ in. | 7-8 in. |
| Weight | 6½-13¼ lb | 7-12 lb |
| Intelligence | Average | Average |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | Germany | Belgium |
| Origin Year | 1600 AD | 1880 AD |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
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| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor | Yes | Yes |
| Small Yard | No | No |
| Medium Yard | No | No |
| Large Yard | No | No |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | 30°F to 80°F | 55°F to 80°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Exercise Required | Low | Medium |
| Top Running Speed | 15 mph | 12 mph |
| Strength | Low | Low |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Low | Medium-High |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Dander | Low | Low |
| Drool Amount | None | None |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Affenpinscher | Brussels Griffon |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | No | No |
| Family/Pack | No | Yes |
| Independent | Yes | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | Yes | No |
| Average | No | Yes |
| Focused & Patient | No | No |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Average | Below Average |
| Burrow/Digging | Below Average | Below Average |
| Chasing | Below Average | Average |
| Follow Commands | Below Average | Below Average |
| Fighting | Average | Very Low |
| Guarding | Average | Below Average |
| Herding | Very Low | Below Average |
| Hunting | Below Average | Very Low |
| Protection | Average | Below Average |
| Remove Vermin | Average | High |
| Sledding | Very Low | Very Low |
| Watch | High | Average |
| Breed Name | Affenpinscher | Brussels Griffon |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 11-14 yrs. | 12-15 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Allergies | No | Yes |
| Cataracts | Yes | No |
| Collapsed Trachea | Yes | No |
| Fractures | Yes | No |
| Heart Murmurs | Yes | No |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | Yes |
| Legg-perthes Disease | Yes | No |
| Luxating Patella | Yes | No |
| Open Fontanel | Yes | No |
| Patellar Luxation | Yes | Yes |
| Patent Ductus Arteriosis | Yes | No |
| Slipped Stifle | Yes | No |
| Breed Name | Affenpinscher | Brussels Griffon |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Wire Coat | Yes | No |
| Double Coat | No | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Rough | Yes | Yes |
| Scruffy | Yes | Yes |
| Shaggy | Yes | No |
| Straight | No | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Short | Yes | Yes |
| Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Belge | Yes | Yes |
| Black | Yes | Yes |
| Black & Silver | Yes | No |
| Black & Tan | Yes | Yes |
| Red | Yes | Yes |
| Brown | No | Yes |
| Chocolate | No | Yes |
| Tan | No | Yes |
| Wheaten | No | Yes |