Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: 5 Key Differences

If you are looking for more information on different toy dog breeds, have you compared the Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon? There are a number of things that make these dogs similar to one another, but are there any traits or characteristics that set them apart besides their physical differences and the reasons that they were bred in the first place?

In this article, we will address all of the differences between the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon so that you can learn how to tell them apart upon first glance. We will also discuss all of their ancestral differences and size differences so that you get the full scope of both of these dogs. Let’s get started and learn all about them now!

Comparing Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon

Key Differences Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon

There are many key differences between an Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon. The Affenpinscher is taller than the Brussels Griffon, but the Brussels Griffon weighs more than the average Affenpinscher. Additionally, the Brussels Griffon is a cross between a pug and an Affenpinscher, while Affenpinschers are considered purebred dogs. Finally, the Brussels Griffon lives longer than the Affenpinscher, but only by a year or two on average. 

Let’s discuss these differences in more detail now.

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: Size

While both dog breeds are considered toy or small breeds, the Brussels Griffon weighs more than the Affenpinscher on average. However, the Affenpinscher is taller than the Brussels Griffon by a few inches. Let’s look at these figures in more detail now.

Depending on the gender, the average Affenpinscher reaches 10 to 11 inches tall, while the average Brussels Griffon reaches 7 to 8 inches tall. Additionally, the average Brussels Griffon weighs anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds, while the average Affenpinscher weighs anywhere from 7 to 10 pounds. 

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: Appearance

You may not be able to tell the difference between an Affenpinscher and a Brussels Griffon upon first glance, but there are a few key things to look out for in their physical appearance. The Brussels Griffin is found in a wide variety of colors compared to the Affenpinscher, which only comes in black or gray. Brussel Griffon dogs can be found in brown, tan, red, blue, black, and beige.

Additionally, the ears of the Affenpinscher are more erect than the ears of the Brussels Griffon. Both of these dogs have shaggy and coarse fur coats, similar to many other terrier breeds. However, the Affenpinscher has more fur around its short snout compared to the fur of the Brussels Griffon. 

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: Ancestry and Breeding

The Brussels Griffon and the Affenpinscher were bred for very different reasons. While both dogs are reliable companion animals and prized by royalty back in the 1700s and 1800s, there are some key differences in the reasons that they were bred in the first place. Let’s talk about those now. 

For example, the Affenpinscher was bred to hunt rats and other rodents, while the Brussels Griffon was bred for companionship exclusively. It is also interesting to note that the Brussels Griffon is a crossbreed between toy spaniels, pugs, and Affenpinschers themselves! Affenpinschers remain a purebred breed from inception to present day. 

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: Behavior

There are few differences in the behavior of the Affenpinscher versus the behavior of the Brussels Griffon. While both dogs make fantastic watch dogs, the average Brussels Griffon is more vocal than the average Affenpinscher. Additionally, Brussels Griffon dogs are exceedingly sensitive and resort to biting individuals if they do not feel safe, while the Affenpinscher is a friendlier and less sensitive dog overall. 

Like many other small or toy breeds, both the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon think that they are larger and braver than they actually are. However, this makes them fantastic companion animals, particularly the clingy and co-dependent Brussels Griffon. The Affenpinscher is a bit more of a goofball compared to the Brussels Griffon, though both enjoy sleeping after a short play session. 

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon: Lifespan

The final slight difference between the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon has to do with their life spans. Brussels Griffon dogs live slightly longer than Affenpinschers on average, but only by a year or so. For example, Affenpinschers live an average of 12 to 14 years, while the Brussels Griffon lives an average of 13 to 15 years depending on their level of care and health.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joakim Lloyd Raboff/Shutterstock.com