Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzer

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Size: Small
Other Names: Dwarf Schnauzer, Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Miniature Schnauzers have a small, square, and proportioned build. They are characterized by a long head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. They have dark colored eyes; v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears; and a naturally thin and short tail.

A small terrier who can share an apartment if walked; wiry coat care and a ready bark at every sound.

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the three Schnauzer breeds, along with the Giant Schnauzer and the Standard Schnauzer. Both the Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer were bred from the Standard Schnauzer. Miniature Schnauzers were bred from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle, Affenpinscher, and Miniature Pinscher. They were originally bred to be farm dogs, and with their bold courage, the Miniature Schnauzer was used for guarding herds, small farms, and families. As time passed, they were also used to hunt rats, because they appeared to have a knack for it, and its small size was perfect to get into tight places to catch them.

Height: Male: 12-14 inches; Female: 12-14 inches
Weight: Male: 12-15 pounds: Female: 11-13 pounds
Color: Black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver and white
Coat: Soft and curly when unclipped, harsh and wiry when groomed
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Litter size: 3–5 puppies

Temperament

The Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command, friendly, fearless, intelligent, and willing to please. They are generally good with children who are taught gentle play. They are often guarded with strangers, until their owners welcome the guest, thus tend to be excellent watchdogs. Once introduced to the guest, they are typically very friendly to them. Mature Miniature Schnauzers have a strong territorial instinct, which makes them ideal guard dogs, as they defend vocally, rather than physically. They assume this duty naturally, and are discriminating and intelligent. They are not random, incessant barkers. Instead, they will bark at anyone who may appear to be a threat to their home and family. Due to his nature, the Miniature Schnauzer may attack other small pets, such as birds and rodents. Many will also attack cats, but this may be curbed if the dog is raised with cats from a young age.

Training

Miniature Schnauzers are generally highly intelligent and easy to train. Since Schnauzers are highly prey-driven, early socialization with other pets is essential.

Care and grooming

The Miniature Schnauzer is a highly playful dog, and if not given sufficient outlet for their energy, they can become bored and invent their own "fun". The Miniature Schnauzer’s coat is often trimmed short on the body, with longer hair left on his ears, legs, and edge of the body.

Shedding

Low; the wiry coat sheds less when it is stripped or clipped regularly.

Health

Miniature Schnauzers may be prone to pancreatitis, bladder stones, eye disease, and a hereditary myotonia in some lines. A lower-fat diet helps many dogs of this breed.

Crosses that include the Miniature Schnauzer

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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