MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
APPEARANCE
Miniature Schnauzers normally have a small, squarely proportioned build. They have a double coat. The exterior fur is wiry and the undercoat is softer. They can be found with various colorations, including salt & pepper, black & silver, and black. They are characterized by a long head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a ’scissor bite’; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears. The weight of the Miniature Schnauzer is around 13-19 pounds, and the height is around 12-14 inches.
PERSONALITY
Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, intelligent and willing to please. This lively dog tends to be quite playful and curious. Loyal, devoted, and affectionate, the Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent choice of a companion dog or family pet, and is suited to both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly and sociable dog with a pleasant disposition. Although this breed can bark a lot, they will raise the alarm if something is amiss, and this makes them effective watchdogs.
TRAINING
Miniature Schnauzers are generally highly intelligent and easy to train and are very good in obedience training. These versatile dogs are usually eager to please their owner, but can be a little stubborn and headstrong at times.
EXERCISE
The Miniature Schnauzer will need to be taken out to an off-leash dog park or out for regular walks as they need a moderate amount of exercise to burn off their energy. During the day these dogs play so after work they will not need too much exercise to tire them out.
SOCIALIZATION
The breed is generally good with children, recognizing that they need gentle play. They would do better in a home with no other animals because they enjoy being the centre of attention and for the most part, do not get along very well with other pets. The Miniature Schnauzer’s attitude to strangers can vary depending on his personality - some may be very welcoming and others may be aloof or timid. As with many other dog breeds, early socialization will help to develop a stable and confident attitude.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Miniature Schnauzer does okay as a housedog and enjoys constant interaction with its people, though moderate activity should be expected from it when left indoors. Access to a yard is not necessary for this breed, though it is physically capable of living outside under moderate to warm weather.
GROOMING
When it comes to grooming you will need to put some work in to keep the Miniature Schnauzer’s coat in good condition. You should clean his beard on a daily basis for hygiene reasons and ensure that the hair around his bottom is kept trimmed. Brush the coat several times a week. For show dogs, the dead coat will need to be stripped every three months or so, or standard clipping can be used for pet dogs. This breed is a low shedder when groomed properly, and is therefore well suited to allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Miniature Schnauzer is around 12-14 years. Health problems include hyperlipidemia, which may increase the possibility of pancreatitis, though either may form independently. Other issues which may affect this breed are diabetes, bladder stones and eye problems.
HISTORY
The earliest records surrounding development of the Miniature Schnauzer in Germany come from the late 1800s. They were originally bred to be farm dogs in Germany, to keep the rats and other vermin out of the barn. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1926.
