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.

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.

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