Affenpinscher vs Havanese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Affenpinscher
Also known as: Monkey Dog, Monkey Terrier, Diablotin Moustachu, Affie
The Affenpinscher is a small, toy-sized dog breed known for its distinctive "monkey-like" facial expression and playful, lively personality. Originally bred in Germany as a ratter, this breed is characterized by its wiry coat, sturdy build, and charming, mischievous demeanor. Despite their tiny size, they possess a terrier-like tenacity and fearless attitude that can surprise unprepared owners.
Extra Small
Medium
12-15 yrs
23-29 cm
3.2-4.5 kg
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Experienced dog owner who understands terrier temperament and positive reinforcement training. Works from home or has flexible schedule. Patient with house training challenges. No young children or small pets. | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. |
Affenpinscher Dealbreakers
- Children under 6 years old
- Want a silent dog
- Work 10+ hours away from home
- Have pocket pets (hamsters, birds)
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Low |
| Primary Reasons | House training failure - owners underestimate toy breed difficulty, Snapping at children | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | High | Low |
Affenpinscher Social Traits
High
Often prefer other Affenpinschers or small dogs; may be aggressive toward large dogs
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Training
Affenpinscher
- Keep sessions short (5 minutes) and novel
- Use high-value rewards (liver, cheese)
- Never use harsh correction - they will become defensive
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Affenpinscher Considerations
Affenpinschers are fearless to a fault. They will challenge dogs ten times their size, which puts them at significant physical risk. This is not 'cuteness' - it is a genuine safety hazard requiring vigilant ownership.
This breed is prone to guarding toys and food. Combined with their dislike of being manhandled, this makes them a poor choice for households with toddlers who might grab or startle them.
Like many toy breeds, the Affenpinscher can be notoriously difficult to housebreak. Their small bladders and independent streak mean accidents may persist well into adulthood if training is not strictly consistent.
They are generally not 'floppy' dogs that tolerate rough petting. They have a low threshold for physical annoyance and will defend their personal space.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Can coexist if raised together, but running cats may trigger chase response | Excellent - generally great with cats |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rodents are their historical target (rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets) | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - viewed as prey | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Affenpinscher: Full predatory sequence intact (Eye-Stalk-Chase-Grab-Kill) - bred to kill rats. Smart problem solvers but do not live to please; ask 'What's in it for me?' Training must use high-value rewards; repetition bores them.
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-12 | 4-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Hard |
| Crate Training | High | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Affenpinscher: Housebreaking is the primary hurdle. Teething and curiosity lead to chewing small objects. Crate training essential; expect accidents if schedules aren't rigid.
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-12 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 1-9 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-29 cm | 23-28 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-4.5 kg | 3.2-5.9 kg |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Litter Size | 1-3 | 4-6 |
Affenpinscher Coat
Havanese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Ratter - exterminating rodents in kitchens, granaries, and stables | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain |
| Origin | Germany, 17th century | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Moderate | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | High | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Affenpinscher Health Issues
Havanese Health Issues
Affenpinscher Suggested Tests
- Patella Evaluation (OFA)
- Eye Examination (CAER)
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Medium |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Affenpinscher Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts causing blindness
- Heart murmurs
- Worsening luxating patellas
Ramps for furniture are crucial to protect aging joints from impact. Generally long-lived for their size.
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Grooming & Care
Affenpinscher
high maintenanceHavanese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Affenpinscher Daily Life
Havanese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | None | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | None | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,500-4,000+ | $1,500-3,500+ |
| Initial Cost Range | $2,500–$4,000 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $130–$220 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $1,560–$2,640 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | $30-50 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $30-50 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $400-800 | $300-500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Affenpinscher Lifetime Cost
$18,000-35,000
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Affenpinscher | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Weekly | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Affenpinscher Quirks
Monkey Face
Their expression is their trademark. They often use their front paws like hands to manipulate toys.
The Affie Strut
They have a high-stepping, confident gait that is comical to watch.
Vocalization Variety
They make a variety of grumbles, yips, and 'talking' noises beyond standard barking.
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Affenpinscher or Havanese, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Compare Affenpinscher with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.