Affenpinscher vs Chihuahua

Compare the Affenpinscher to the Chihuahua. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Affenpinschers and Chihuahuas.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Affenpinscher and Chihuahua are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - The Chihuahua is very child friendly. The Affenpinscher does not do well with children.
  • Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Chihuahua is easier to groom.
  • Barking - The Chihuahua has an above-average tendency to bark, while the Affenpinscher is an average barker.
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Affenpinscher vs Chihuahua
Affenpinscher
Chihuahua Dog Breed
Breed NameAffenpinscherChihuahua
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan11-14 yrs.15-20 yrs.
Height9½-11½ in.6-9 in.
Weight6½-13¼ lb3-6 lb
IntelligenceAverageHigh
History
Origin CountryGermanyMexico
Origin Year1600 AD1850 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessGoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyPoorVery Good
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹30°F to 80°F50°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageOften
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredLowMedium
Top Running Speed15 mph18 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowLow
SheddingLowMedium
DanderLowLow
Drool AmountNoneNone

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.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameAffenpinscherChihuahua
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackNoYes
IndependentYesNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyYesNo
AverageNoYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionAverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingAverageBelow Average
GuardingAverageBelow Average
HerdingVery LowVery Low
HuntingBelow AverageAverage
ProtectionAverageBelow Average
Remove VerminAverageHigh
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchHighHigh
Health Comparison
Breed NameAffenpinscherChihuahua
Lifespan
Lifespan11-14 yrs.15-20 yrs.
Common Health Issues
CataractsYesNo
Collapsed TracheaYesYes
FracturesYesNo
Heart MurmursYesYes
Hip DysplasiaYesNo
HydrocephalusNoYes
HypoglycemiaNoYes
Legg-perthes DiseaseYesNo
Luxating PatellaYesNo
Open FontanelYesYes
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Patent Ductus ArteriosisYesNo
Pulmonic StenosisNoYes
ShiveringNoYes
Slipped StifleYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameAffenpinscherChihuahua
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Wire CoatYesNo
Double CoatNoYes
Single CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
RoughYesNo
ScruffyYesNo
ShaggyYesNo
SilkyNoYes
StraightNoYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
MediumYesNo
LongNoYes
Coat Color(s)
BelgeYesNo
BlackYesYes
Black & SilverYesYes
Black & TanYesYes
RedYesYes
Black & RedNoYes
Black & WhiteNoYes
Black Sabled FawnNoYes
Black Sabled SilverNoYes
BlueNoYes
Blue & WhiteNoYes
Blue Brindled FawnNoYes
Blue FawnNoYes
ChocolateNoYes
Chocolate & TanNoYes
Chocolate & WhiteNoYes
Chocolate BlueNoYes
Chocolate Brindled FawnNoYes
Chocolate Sabled FawnNoYes
CreamNoYes
Cream & WhiteNoYes
FawnNoYes
Fawn & WhiteNoYes
Fawn Brindled BlackNoYes
GoldNoYes
Gold & WhiteNoYes
Red & WhiteNoYes
SilverNoYes
Silver & WhiteNoYes
WhiteNoYes