If you're looking for a dog breed that loves to fool around and have fun all the time, then maybe the Affenpinscher is just the right dog for you. Judging by her name which literally means "monkey", this toy dog loves to monkey around. Like all toy dogs, Affenpinschers are independent and bold in character. In contrast to other toy dogs, she loves to be in the midst of her fellow dogs. They get along pretty well with other canines.

Aside from being a very good clown for the family, this breed also makes a very fine watchdog -- small but terrible, I should say. That is why the Affenpinscher is one of the breeds that families around the globe love to have as a pet. Not only does she entertain her owners, but also protects them from danger.

A Brief History of the Affenpinscher

From the word "Affen" which means monkey and "Pinscher" that means terrier, the Affenpinscher certainly lives up to her funny and lively label. The French people even call this breed diablotin moustachu -- in English it means "mustached little devil."

Although this breed is known to have originated in Germany, her exact origins are still vague. The Affenpinscher has been thought to exist since the 17th century because Dutch paintings dated back in that century had images of dogs that resemble this toy breed.

During this time in Europe, small terriers were made to work for their owners as rat hunters. They were very good at this job considering their size and speed. They were used in kitchens or in homes to keep away vermin from their owners' food. These small terriers were bred to become smaller than they already were and this smaller strain of terriers came to be known as the Affenpinscher.

These smaller terriers were then further polished by crossing them with German Silky Pinschers, Standard German Pinschers, and Pugs. This was done by the Germans; that's why they claimed that this breed truly originated from Germany. It was also then that this dog breed became popular. Long after that, in 1936, the American Kennel Club recognized the Affenpinscher. Although this breed became very rampant during those years, their number declined after World War II, making them one of the toy breeds that are rare today.

Taking Care of an Affenpinscher

This very small dog is very energetic and is always in action. All her running, jumping and playing in a day is enough to satisfy her daily exercise requirements. Unlike bigger dog breeds, the Affenpinscher is already gratified with a short walk around the block. Although she loves playing outside during the day, she needs to be kept warm and safe inside at night.

Just like all dogs, Affenpinschers need a lot of affection and attention. That's probably why they love to make people laugh and have a great time with them. They just love the limelight. Aside from being entertaining, the Affenpinscher makes a very good watchdog. She is very sensitive to sound and barks at any strange noise she hears. She isn't that scary to burglars though, but she can be a great "burglar alarm."

As for this breed's grooming, she needs to be combed and well-groomed at least 3 times a week. She has a very rough coat that needs to be maintained regularly. Also, her fur should be trimmed at least 4 times in a year.

The Affenpinscher's Health Concerns

As a toy dog, this breed can live a long life. Her average life span is between 12 to 14 years. She may be prone to corneal ulcers and patellar luxation but she doesn't really have any major health concerns. Other diseases that are seen in this breed are respiratory problems, an open fontanel and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). These diseases are very rare -- in the Affenpinscher -- though. To avoid health problems in the future, vets recommend that owners should take their Affenpinschers to the clinic to check for any potential cardiac or knee problems.