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Breed Characteristics
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Miniature Schnauzer
| Other Names | Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer), Mini Schnauzer |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight | 10 - 15 lbs. (5 - 7 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 12 - 14 in. (30 - 36 cm) |
| Coat | The Miniature Schnauzer's coat is made up of two layers: a hard wiry outer coat, and a soft undercoat. The undercoat ranges between light gray and black. The muzzle (or beard), legs, and eyebrows are kept longer than the rest of the coat, giving him the characteristic markings of a Schnauzer. |
| Colour | Salt and Pepper, Black and Silver, and Black. The following colours are not recognized, and are disqualified in the ring: White, Chocolate, and Parti-Coloured, as it is believed other breeds were mixed in to achieve these colours. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12-14 years; though they do not show their age until much later on in years. |
| Origin & History | Believed to have been derived from breeding the Standard Schnauzer with a small Affenpinscher or possibly Poodle, the intention was to retain the same hunting skills as the Standard that could also be a house pet. Originating in the early 1800s in Germany as a farm dog and ratter, it wasn't until 1899 that Germany recognized it as being a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer. It wasn't until 1933 that the AKC separated the Miniature and Standard Schnauzer into two different breeds. They are also the only Schnauzer remaining in the Terrier Group. Following World War II, they gained popularity in the United States, becoming one of the most popular breeds in America. |
| Personality | The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, loving, happy dog. It is energetic, playful, gets along well with children and likes to be with its people. Affectionate, keen, devoted and docile. With proper leadership it can get along with other dogs. Socialize this breed well. It makes a good companion and family pet. The Mini Schnauzer will not listen if it senses it is stronger minded than its owner. Owners need to be calm, but firm, possessing a natural air of authority. These dogs do not have a yappy bark, but rather they make sounds like a low, carried-out howl of a voice. This breed makes a good watchdog and vermin hunter. An easy dog to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers if the humans do not provide stability in their lives, but most love everyone. Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog runs the home. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems, including, but not limited to separation anxiety, being willful, nervous, barky, guarding, bold, sometimes temperamental, and not hesitating to attack much bigger dogs. A well-balanced dog that gets enough mental and physical exercise will have a totally different personality. These are not Miniature Schnauzer traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated by the people around them. It is all up to the humans. As soon as the humans start being true pack leaders, the dog’s behavior will change for the better. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Major Health concerns for the Miniature Schnauzer include Congenital Cataracts, a genetic disorder affecting both eyes resulting in blindness over a period of time; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), another genetic eye disorder in which a retina deteriorates resulting in blindness; liver diseases; bladder stones; anaphylactic reactions to vaccinations; diabetes; pancreatitis; skin disorders; and von Willebrands disease. They are also at high risk for Heart Murmurs, urinary infections, Allergies, obesity, anemia, Cushings disease, and Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome, also known as Schnauzer bumps. |
| Grooming | The wiry coat is not hard to groom, although it does need attention. Comb and brush daily with a short wire brush to prevent matting. If any mats appear they should be cut out. They should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. On pet dogs the coat is usually clipped short on the upper body and left somewhat longer on the under-parts, legs and head. Show dogs need to be hand stripped and trimmed instead of clipping. This breed sheds little to no hair and is a good dog for allergy sufferers. |
| Exercise | These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk, walks or jogs, and love play sessions off the leash. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. |
| Other Considerations | The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life and will be calm indoors so long as it gets enough exercise. |
