The miniature schnauzer originated in Germany during the late 1800s, where it was developed from small farm dogs to control rodents. After the close of World War I, the miniature schnauzer was introduced into the United States and quickly became a favored pet. The American Kennel Club recognized the miniature schnauzer as a member of the terrier group in 1926.
The Mini Schnauzer is robust and sturdy dog breed with square proportions. Mini Schnauzers have beards and bushy eyebrows, giving them a distinct Schnauzer appearance. Their heads are square with a strong muzzle. They have a thick double coat with a dense undercoat and a wiry outer coat. Their ears are small and fold forward and their tails sit high atop their backs and are usually carried erect. Mini Schnauzers should be groomed regularly, including stripping of dead hair and coat clipping. They also need to be brushed regularly. The ears should be checked regularly.
Personality
The Mini Schnauzer is amongst the most popular terrier breeds. Mini Schnauzers are happy, playful, sociable and inquisitive. They are also very smart and can be mischievous at times. They make great family dogs and usually gets along with children and other pets. They may not be the best playmates for small children though as they don’t tolerate teasing or rough play. Mini Schnauzers need regular exercise in the forms of daily walks and they also need the opportunity to run often. They are typical terriers and love to make noise, dig or chase.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Terrier |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Zwergschnauzer, Dwarf schnauzer, Mini Schnauzer |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Miniature Schnauzer Build Information
The miniature schnauzer’s sturdy body stands 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. The dog is covered in a double coat. The topcoat has a wiry texture, and the undercoat is soft. The coat is short over the upper body and longer on the legs. Longer hair also gives the miniature schnauzer its characteristic beard and eyebrows. The coat colors may be solid black, black and silver or salt and pepper. The ears may be cropped to stand erect and pointed or left natural to flip downward. The tail is docked to a short nub that stands erect. The Mini Schnauzer is robust and sturdy dog breed with square proportions. Mini Schnauzers have beards and bushy eyebrows, giving them a distinct Schnauzer appearance. Their heads are square with a strong muzzle. They have a thick double coat with a dense undercoat and a wiry outer coat. Their ears are small and fold forward and their tails sit high atop their backs and are usually carried erect. Mini Schnauzers should be groomed regularly, including stripping of dead hair and coat clipping. They also need to be brushed regularly. The ears should be checked regularly.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Both |
Behaviour and Personality
Be ready for plenty of conversations with a miniature schnauzer. They are not at all shy about barking, which will make for an excellent home alarm system when intruders approach. Miniature schnauzers usually get along with older children, and they can get along with other dogs if they are trained and socialized with them from an early age. The hunting instinct of a miniature schnauzer can make the dog a potential threat to other small pets and to backyard wildlife. The breed is sweet and affectionate with human family members and thrives on their company. The miniature schnauzer is an intelligent dog that is easily trained. The breed is energetic and requires daily exercise and physical outlets to expend that energy. Miniature schnauzers make excellent candidates for agility, obedience trials and canine sport activities. The Mini Schnauzer is amongst the most popular terrier breeds. Mini Schnauzers are happy, playful, sociable and inquisitive. They are also very smart and can be mischievous at times. They make great family dogs and usually gets along with children and other pets. They may not be the best playmates for small children though as they don’t tolerate teasing or rough play. Mini Schnauzers need regular exercise in the forms of daily walks and they also need the opportunity to run often. They are typical terriers and love to make noise, dig or chase.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The double coat of a miniature schnauzer requires extensive grooming that includes clipping or stripping. Most owners opt to have their pet miniature schnauzers professionally groomed. Clipping results in a softer coat. Show dogs need to be stripped by hand to maintain the proper look and texture for the show rings. In between professional trims, comb the coat once or twice weekly to prevent tangles and matting. Miniature schnauzers are very light shedders. Brush the teeth daily to prevent tartar accumulation and to preserve good oral and overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Nearly Black, Salt & Pepper, Silver |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Wiry |
Miniature Schnauzer Common Health Conditions
Miniature schnauzers live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. There are a number of health problems that have been noted in miniature schnauzers. Some eye conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and entropion. Other health issues to be aware of in the miniature schnauzer include bladder stones, von Willebrand’s disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, osteochondrosis, megaesophagus, comedone syndrome, mitral valve disease, pulmonic stenosis and degenerative muscular disease.
Miniature Schnauzer Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
From the stern eyebrows to the spunky personality to a love of barking, the miniature schnauzer comes fully loaded with character. The miniature schnauzer originated in Germany. The miniature schnauzer is also called a zwergschnauzer, a dwarf schnauzer or, simply, a mini schnauzer. The miniature schnauzer is a vocal, intelligent and affectionate companion. The miniature schnauzer stands 12 to 14 inches tall and weighs 11 to 20 pounds. Miniature schnauzers have high energy levels. Miniature schnauzers require extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a miniature schnauzer is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
