Read About Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer Dogs are friendly pets for the entire family. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Breed Facts

1. AKC Group:

   Terrier

2. Size & Weight:

   They are 12 to 14 inches to shoulders and weigh 11 to 20 pounds. Some breeders produce miniature schnauzers under 10 inches called toy breeds.

3. Coat:

   It has two coats. The upper coat is hard and wiry, while the undercoat is soft.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Head is long and slightly tapering from the eyes to the ears and muzzle. Forehead is unwrinkled. Muzzle is stronger than the head and ends bluntly.

5. Body:

   Robust and stocky muscular build

6. Colors:

   Three recognized colors: salt and pepper, solid black, and black and white.

7. Life Expectancy:

   12 to 15 years

8. Popularity:

   Very popular

9. Habitat:

   Well-suited for apartment living, does not require a yard.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Germany

2. Lineage:

   Originated from the Standard Schnauzer in the 1800s

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   1991

4. Historical Information:

   They were bred in the 1800s in order to track and hunt vermin and thwart attacks of foxes on poultry. They were recognized as a separate breed in 1899.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Difficult to housebreak in the beginning, but will understand verbal commands quickly.

2. Temperament:

   They are fearless, but not aggressive with people. They are alert and highly active.

3. Child Friendly:

   They get along very well with children.

4. Behavior:

   They are loyal and friendly. They have favorites within the family and bark at strangers.

5. Habits:

   Wants to housebreak often, gets distracted by people and things.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Generally healthy, but may rarely suffer from diabetes, kidney stones, Willebrand's disease, liver and skin diseases, and cysts.

2. Feeding:

   About half a cup thrice a day. Avoid overfeeding as they tend to become obese.

3. Exercise Needs:

   Need to be walked daily with off-the-leash exercises.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Need regular grooming to prevent the coat getting matted. Must be clipped twice a year, in spring and in fall. Whiskers must be washed after every meal.

5. Special Household Needs:

   None

6. Travel Needs:

   A dog car seat with straps would be needed to keep the dog in place.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   They can be aggressive with other pets and can also pick fights with other dogs.

Miniature Schnauzer - How to Choose your Dog Breed

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Must be free from diseases.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Snuggly bed or a padded heavy plastic crate and dishes for serving food and water.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Keep rubbery things out of reach as Miniature Schnauzer puppies like to chew during teething.

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   Spend more time with your puppy and take it out on daily walks.