Is the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) better for families with children?

Both the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) sheds more than the Affenpinscher. If shedding is a concern, the Affenpinscher is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth) bigger?

Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?

For apartment or apartment living, Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon (Smooth): Which Sheds Less?

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon (Smooth): full comparison

Trait	Affenpinscher	Brussels Griffon (Smooth)
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Size and living space

The Affenpinscher is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Affenpinscher needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Affenpinscher wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds only lightly. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Affenpinscher is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Affenpinscher picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. On guarding instinct, Affenpinscher is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Brussels Griffon (Smooth) is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Affenpinscher has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Affenpinscher has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Affenpinscher has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Affenpinscher if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) better for families with children?: Both the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: The Brussels Griffon (Smooth) sheds more than the Affenpinscher. If shedding is a concern, the Affenpinscher is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Affenpinscher or the Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth) bigger?: Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Affenpinscher or Brussels Griffon (Smooth)?: For apartment or apartment living, Affenpinscher and Brussels Griffon (Smooth) are an even match — either can work well.

Affenpinscher vs Brussels Griffon (Smooth)