Miniature Schnauzer: Training, History, Temperament,
Exercise
(Mini Schnauzer, Zwergschnauzer)
Group: AKC Terrier; KCGB Utility
Ranking : 10 in AKC; 13 in KCGB
Also Known As: Mini Schnauzer,
Zwergschnauzer
About
Miniature Schnauzer
Origin and History
of the Breed
Miniature Schnauzer is the
result of breeding that started with the Standard
Schnauzer, a much larger dog. They were developed by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds like the Miniature Pinscher, Poodle, or Affenpinscher. He is a German breed. ‘Schnauzer’
comes from the word ‘schnauze’
which means ‘muzzle.’ Its purpose
was to keep vermin (mainly rats) away from
the home and also to make a fine companion.
Its watchdog skills are still in effect.
Schnauzers hunt, track,
do watchdog duties, and compete in obedience
and agility and perform tricks.
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A General Appearance of the Dog
The Mini Schnauzer is a small,
rectangular dog with a long head. The bushy eyebrows,
beard, and mustache are often trimmed to accentuate
the squareness of the head. The back is very straight
and level, parallel to the floor. The Mini Schnauzer
has v-shaped ears which fold forward on each side
of the head. Often the ears are cropped to a V and
stand up erect.
The Mini Schnauzer’s nose
is black and the eyes are dark. The docked tail
of the Miniature Schnauzer is carried high. The
front legs are straight. The Mini Schnauzer is a
very sturdy-looking dog, strong and muscular with
a very alert expression.
Coat Color
The Miniature Schnauzer coat colors
include salt and pepper, black, black with silver,
and white (white is not an AKC recognized color).
Coat Type
The Miniature Schnauzer’s
coat is double with the outercoat being hard and
wiry and the undercoat being softer.
Height: 12 –
14 inches
Weight: 10 –
15 lbs
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
The Miniature Schnauzer’s
watchdog skills are still in effect and this terrier
finds extreme pleasure in announcing guests, the
mailman, the meter reader and any other person that
steps foot near his door. Early training can keep
this instinct from becoming overused.
Miniature Schnauzers are very
energetic, playful and happy. They tend to be quite
feisty and will pick a fight with any other dog,
even those quite larger than themselves. Most of
the time they do not intend to fight, only to challenge.
However, their attitude can get them into trouble.
When raised with other canines
they can be quite amiable but newcomers will be
met with reserve until they are ready to accept
them. Socialization with a variety of dogs and people
when they are young will help minimize the feistiness
of the Miniature Schnauzer.
The Miniature Schnauzer loves
attention and is usually good with children of all
ages. Protection of food and toys is inherent, so
smaller children should be watched until they can
understand this concept.
Miniature Schnauzers’ compact
size makes them excellent travelers and they love
the attention it brings. If training is begun early
and continued consistently and firmly, Miniature
Schnauzers will be joyfully obedient. The Mini Schnauzer
is loving, affectionate, and very family-oriented.
This can be a good breed for allergy
sufferers as it sheds very little and little or
no oil and dander.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
The Mini Schnauzer is very active
indoors. He likes a yard but it is not necessary
as long as he gets short walks through the day.
The Miniature Schnauzer needs to live in the house.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
If raised with children, Miniature
Schnauzers will adore and play with the children.
A 10-15 year-old can obedience train a Miniature
Schnauzer if he is firm and consistent and will
enjoy the adoring looks he gets when praising the
dog.
Activity
Level
How Active is the Breed?
The Mini Schnauzer is very active
indoors. He likes a yard but it is not necessary
as long as he gets short walks through the day.
Apartment life is agreeable with
this breed but will need occasional walks on lead
to complete its exercise needs.
How Much Exercise Does
the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?
Puppies are more active than adults.
They would like an occasional romp in a yard or
at a dog park. Adults and puppies are very active
indoors.
Grooming
The distinctive look of the face
and body of this breed comes from very specific
grooming and should be done professionally every
6 weeks. A longer, less complicated puppy cut can
be done 3-4 times a year as well and save on grooming
expenses. Both will require frequent brushing by
the owner to keep its coat in shape and mat free.
Almost daily combing or brushing
with a wire brush is necessary for Miniature Schnauzers.
Whiskers and beard need to be
cleaned after meals.
Show dogs require hand stripping
of the coat.
Health
and Care
Health problems that are hereditary
can be of the eye, liver and skin.
Do seek a reputable breeder to
limit these concerns and to observe the temperament
of the parents which will indicate the future temperament
of the puppy you choose.
If you carefully watch the diet
and do not overfeed, you will have an active lively
dog that can live 15 years and beyond.
Genetic Problems
Usually healthy, Miniature Schnauzers
can suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin
disorders, von Willebrand’s disease, diabetes,
and cysts.
Breeding the Dog and any
Cautions
Your breeder should be consulted
on what mate would be a good match for your Mini
Schnauzer.
Litter Size:
6 – 8 puppies
Life Span: 12
– 15 years is the normal life span. Most Schnauzers
show no sign of aging in terms of energy until very
late in life.
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National Breed Clubs
British – Miniature Schnauzer
Club
Schnauzer Club of Great Britain – (all 3 sizes)
– www.schnauzerclub.co.uk
US – American Miniature Schnauzer Club - http://amsc.us
Other Recognition: CKC,
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI,
ACR
Rescue Link:
http://amsc.us/rescue.html
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