Affenpinscher vs Dachshund

Which dog breed is right for you?

Affenpinscher

Size
7–10 lbs, 9–12 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Playful Stubborn Curious

Dachshund

Size
8–32 lbs, 5–9 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Clever Stubborn Devoted Lively

About the Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher — often called the "Monkey Dog" for its comical, primate-like facial expression — is a small but sturdy toy breed that originated in Germany during the 17th century. Originally bred to hunt rats in kitchens, granaries, and stables, these wiry little terriers stand just 9–11.5 inches tall and weigh 7–10 pounds. Their rough, shaggy coat — typically black, though also found in gray, silver, red, and belge — frames a flat face with prominent dark eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a pronounced underbite that gives them their signature mischievous look.

Temperament & Personality

Affenpinschers are fearless, curious, and endlessly entertaining — they pack the confidence of a dog ten times their size into a tiny, wiry-haired package. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and surprisingly territorial, often standing their ground against much larger dogs without hesitation. While affectionate with their family, they can be possessive of their toys and food, and their stubborn, independent streak means they prefer to make their own decisions rather than blindly follow commands.

Pros

  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs — ideal for apartment living
  • Low-shedding, wiry coat that is relatively easy to maintain with weekly brushing
  • Entertaining and comical personality — they are natural performers who love an audience
  • Excellent watchdog despite small size — alert and vocal about anything unusual

Cons

  • Stubborn and difficult to housetrain — patience and consistency are essential
  • Not ideal for families with very young children — can be snappy if handled roughly
  • Prone to brachycephalic breathing issues, patellar luxation, and heart murmurs
  • Strong prey drive toward small animals — will chase squirrels, hamsters, and birds relentlessly

Looking for a tiny dog with a big personality? Browse adoptable Affenpinschers on Puplister and find your perfect match.

About the Dachshund

The Dachshund — affectionately known as the "wiener dog" — was developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers in their underground dens, which explains their uniquely elongated body and short, powerful legs. They come in two sizes — Standard (16–32 pounds) and Miniature (under 11 pounds) — and three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, each with its own personality nuances. Their color palette is remarkably varied, including red, black and tan, chocolate, dapple, brindle, and piebald patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, and remarkably stubborn — a combination that makes them endlessly entertaining and occasionally infuriating. They're fiercely loyal to their families and can be surprisingly courageous watchdogs, barking with the intensity of a dog three times their size. While affectionate with their people, they can be wary of strangers and may not tolerate rough handling from young children.

Pros

  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment companions
  • Bold, entertaining personality — constantly amusing their owners with clownish antics
  • Long lifespan of 12–16 years with proper care and weight management
  • Wirehaired variety sheds minimally and is well-suited for allergy-conscious homes

Cons

  • Extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease — 1 in 4 will experience back problems
  • Notoriously difficult to housebreak — often takes 6+ months of consistent training
  • Strong prey drive and tunneling instinct — will dig up gardens and chase small animals relentlessly
  • Prone to obesity, which dramatically increases the risk of spinal injuries

Charmed by these spirited little hounds? Find Dachshunds seeking loving homes on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Affenpinscher and a Dachshund?
The Affenpinscher is 7–10 lbs, 9–12 in sized while the Dachshund is 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in sized. They differ in size (7–10 lbs, 9–12 in vs 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Affenpinscher or Dachshund?
Affenpinscher is not typically good with kids. Dachshund is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Affenpinscher or Dachshund?
The Affenpinscher has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years.

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