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Introduction

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular family pets in the United States. Their small size and minimal shedding make them desirable among families with busy schedules. They are recognized by their rectangular shaped head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. A wonderful addition to any good home. They also make excellent watchdogs.

History

The miniature Schnauzer is descended from the standard Schnauzer. German farmers in the 19th century were looking for a smaller schnauzer type dog, that would be more suitable for ratting. This was achieved by mixing the standard breed with the Affenpinscher and Miniature Poodle. These smaller dogs soon became popular and made their way to the United States, and were recognized by the AKC in 1926 as a new breed.

Temperament

A typical owner of this breed will describe it as been neither aggressive or timid. For the most part they are intelligent and eager to please their owner. Although a very friendly breed they can be wary of strangers, and will not take to them easily unless the owner approves. As with most intelligent dogs they will crave activity - so they will need play time.

Coat

They have a double coat, with wiry exterior fur and a soft undercoat. they coat can come in the following colors:black, salt and pepper, black and silver, and pure white.

Do Miniature Schnauzers do well in Apartments?

Mini Schnauzers make great apartment dogs provided that they are exercised and trained to live in that kind of an environment. You may have a problem in a noisy apartment building as this breed has a tendency to bark at unknown noises.

Barking

Schnauzers can be very protective, and bark a lot at noises. But for the most part owners do not report barking problems with their dogs.

Do Miniature Schnauzers Get Along With Children & Other Pets?

Schnauzers have a high prey drive, so ideally should be trained not to chase other animals. Bringing the dog up along cats and familiarizing him with other pets as a puppy should curb these tendencies - although he may still chase the neighbors cat out of the yard. They generally get along with smaller children, especially if raised around them, but it is best not to leave the dog with small children and animals unsupervised.

Exercising a Miniature Schnauzer

These dogs like to be active and enjoy their playtime. It is important to take you Schnauzer on daily walks, and spend ample time playing with them. I you don't shower them with enough attention and give them an ample toys to play with, they can get bored and sometimes be destructive.

How to Groom a Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers require regular grooming. Show dogs are usually striped, while most families get their dogs clipped. Stripping removes the loose, dead coat. It may be done by hand, called finger stripping, or with a stripping knife. If the Schnauzers coat isn't stripped or clipped is will become knotted and matted.

Miniature Schnauzer and Shedding

Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-molting dogs. All dogs shed to some degree, but with this breed shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable.

Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems?

In general these dogs live fairly long lives but can be subject to some hereditary genetic ailments. These include diabetes, urolithaisis, Von Willebrand disease, follicular dermatitis, fatty tumours and adenomas .

Are Miniature Schnauzers Intelligent?

The Miniature Schnauzer is among the top 15 dogs when ranked by intelligence, which means they can learn new commands quickly and will usually obey a first command about half the time.

Miniature Schnauzer

Usually easy to train, they tend to be excellent watchdogs with a good territorial instinct, but more inclined toward barking than biting. Miniature Schnauzers can be trained to compete in dog agility trials and obedience competitions.