Miniature Schnauzer
The lovely, and energetic Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed with a big dog personality. They are known for their distinct look that is defined by their famous mustache. This breed resulted from crossbreeding Standard Schnauzers with smaller breeds, so their size was deliberately “bred down”.
They first came to life in the 19th century and their country of origin is Germany.
These days, Miniature Schnauzers are mostly companions and family pets, but their original purpose was that of a working dog. They were in charge of vermin control in German farms and stables. This breed may be small but it is very agile, fast, and has great stamina so that it could work and be on guard all day.
Their original German name is Zwergschnauzer, which literally translates to “dwarf Schnauzer”.
Height:
12-14 in (31-36 cm)
Weight:
11-20 lb (5-9 kg)
Origin:
Germany
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
Coat
Miniature Schnauzers have a double god that requires a proper grooming session if you want that your dog looks good.
Coat colors:
- Salt and pepper
- Back and silver
- black
The rest is basic care; trim their nails when needed (if they don't wear them down naturally), brush their teeth weekly to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria development. Regularly check their ears for any sign of redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. You can wipe their ears with a cotton ball dipped into an ear cleaner.
The key for your dog to get used to all things mentioned above is to start early with them. Make a positive experience for the dog, full of praises and rewards, and you can be sure that your dog will enjoy all these things when they grow up.
Exercise
Miniature Schnauzers are medium active, and they will need a proper amount of daily activities to be happy. Playing with his owner in the house, chasing the ball, or just long walks can all do the trick and keep this dog satisfied.
If you provide him with enough daily activities, you don’t have to worry that your dog will miss behaving.
Socialization
Miniature Schnauzer is a part of the terrier family, so it is not a huge surprise that they are extremely energetic and alert. They are usually very friendly towards other dogs but should not be completely trusted around other pets like mice, ferrets, gerbils, or guinea pigs, as their prey drive is still rather strong.
They are very “clingy,” and unlike many other terrier breeds, they are not independent. Whatever you are doing or going, that is their favorite activity. If you get this dog, you will have to get used to having someone follow you around all the time.
They will want to be with you no matter where you go or what you do.
Training
The Miniature Schnauzer is quite intelligent, meaning it can be trained rather easily. You should include as much praise and treats as possible and use only positive training methods when handling this breed and soon you will see great results.
Like all other breeds, this one also requires early socialization. Expose your dogs to different situations and other dogs so you can ensure that your puppy develops into a stable and well-behaved dog.
Health problems
Miniature Schnauzer is generally considered a healthy breed, but they are prone to health issues and concerns like any other dog breed. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
When getting any breed, the breeder must show you the health tests that they have done for their breeding dogs. Dogs must be adequately tested because taking a chance and hoping that the puppy’s parents are healthy is a risk no one should ever take.
Only healthy dogs should be bred because that is the only way to ensure that bloodlines will remain healthy and without any problems. Health problems associated with this breed are;
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Group of diseases that affect the retina and cause it to deteriorate over time.
- Cataracts - Cloudy spots on the lens of the eye
- Entropion - A defect causing the eyelid to roll inward.
Miniature Schnauzer breeders
If you decide to get this breed, make sure you buy from a registered and reputable Miniature Schnauzer breeder. A good breeder will take proper care of their dogs and can give you quality advice about how to raise and care for your new puppy.
If you can, try and see both of the puppy’s parents, and that might be a good indicator of what your puppy might be like when he grows up. We are sure you will get the best possible companion and friend if you decide to get a Miniature Schnauzer.
When you bring your new puppy home, start with the training and socialization immediately. By doing so, you will end up with a well-behaved dog whom you can trust. Provide him with enough daily exercise for him to be happy. With this dog, you must be firm, and you must be an alpha for him to listen to you.
If you devote your time and energy to this dog, you can be sure that you will end up with a companion for life.
SEARCH MINIATURE SCHNAUZER BREEDERS
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
Their exact history and exact crossbreed combination is still a bit of a mystery, but what we do know is that German breeders wanted to create a smaller version of then-popular Standard Schnauzer.
We can also be sure that the first Mini Schnauzer was a female that was born in 1888, and several years later, the first breeding Club started its work. As it was for so many other breeds, both World Wars nearly wiped these dogs out.
The only plus for this breed was that their popularity soared after the First World War and hasn’t plummeted since.
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