History , Care Tips , and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
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The miniature schnauzer is a low terrierdog from Germanywho was bred as a farm dog stand for to exterminate varmint . Today , these hardy , spunky little dogs — bred down from the largerstandard schnauzer — are favorites of allergic reaction sufferers and flat dwellers .
Elizabeth Dole and Bob Dole show off their miniature schnauzer.Credit: Bettmann Archive / Getty Images
Miniature schnauzers do n’t shed much , so they ’re consideredhypoallergenic . Their size , usually around 1 metrical unit tall and weighing under 20 pound , can make them gross forapartments . But mini schnauzers are smart and will often bark , so make certain you’re able to keep them busy .
Learn more about the popular miniature schnauzer .
Breed Overview
GROUP : Terrier
HEIGHT:12 to 14 inches
WEIGHT:11 to 20 pound
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COAT : Medium - length , wiry double coat
COAT COLOR : Black , black and silver , or table salt and pepper
LIFE SPAN:12 to 15 years
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TEMPERAMENT : Friendly , resilient , alert
HYPOALLERGENIC : Yes
ORIGIN : Germany
Characteristics of the Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature schnauzers typically have a bright and vigilant temperament . They tend to be quite vocal and make for adept watchdog because they ’re wary of stranger and dedicate to their home . unremarkably , they ’re very affectionate and delight playtime .
History of the Miniature Schnauzer
Standard schnauzers can hunt their roots back to the 15th century in Germany . They were stout working dogs on farm where they protect property , herded livestock , and root out vermin . Thegiant schnauzer , a bigger spinoff from the standard , do those tasks as well .
Then , in the late nineteenth century , husbandman need a little dog who could hunt varmint . Besides the received schnauzer , thepoodleandaffenpinscheralso run low into creating the mini schnauzer . The combining of these breeds made the mini schnauzer more friendly and eager to please than many other dogs in the terrier group .
Thus , the miniature schnauzer also quickly caught on as a lovable companion hound . Actor Mary Tyler Moore , politico Elizabeth and Bob Dole , and martial creative person / actor Bruce Lee were mini schnauzer owners .
The American Kennel Club first recognize the stock in 1926 , and it ’s one of the most pop breed in the United States for year . In 2023 , the mini schnauzer was the 17th most popular strain , harmonise to the AKC .
Miniature Schnauzer Care
Miniature schnauzer involve a moderate amount of exercise each 24-hour interval , and they should receive training and socialization from a young geezerhood . Plus , their coat postulate regular preparation because it seldom sheds .
Exercise
Miniature schnauzers are no couch Solanum tuberosum . These niggling dog should get at least one hr of exercise per day in the form ofvarious activeness , such as :
mystifier toysalso can provide these sassy pawl with genial stimulation .
check that always to keep your mini schnauzer on a leash or in a fenced area when exercising outside . The stock ’s unassailable prey driving force can cause them to quickly take off after perceived quarry when given the chance .
Grooming
The miniature schnauzer has a bivalent coat consist of a stringy topcoat and soft priming coat . They seldom shed , so they are a bit gamy maintenance , requiring regular brush and trim . And even though no blackguard is 100 % hypoallergenic , the mini schnauzer is a respectable selection for those with allergy .
A quick everyday brush will transfer any slack fur and preclude maze . You ’ll also need to clean and brush out theirbeard , which may collect nutrient and dirt .
Most pet parents opt to take their dog to a groomer every one or two months to have the coating clipped , though you also can learn to do this at base . It ’s also important to trim the pelt around the eyes regularly so it does n’t affect their power to see everything around them distinctly .
Plan on a bath roughly every month , look on how dirty your dog gets . mark your dog’searsat least weekly for wax buildup and abnormalities , and useear cleaners made for dogswhen needed . Also , make indisputable your dog ’s auricle are ironical if they ’ve gotten wet .
These dogs needa nail trimabout every calendar month as well . programme tobrush their teethdaily .
Training
right trainingandsocializationare both all-important for a happy , well - adjusted miniature schnauzer . start up as young as possible to forbid spoilt habit from form . The strain generally hear quickly , but their gamy intelligence can make them bored with repetitious training . Thus , it ’s crucial to keep breeding session fun , usingpositive reinforcement method acting .
let on your dog to different people , dogs , and stead from a new age . Mini schnauzers are generally semi - open to meeting strangers and other dogs . But because of their target drive , they might not coexist peacefully with smaller family pets like rodents .
moreover , miniature schnauzers can skin a good deal . If that bothers you or your neighbor , you canlimit the barkingthrough training , exercise , and assist from a professional trainer or behavior expert . They may sometimes bark when left alone , meaningseparation anxietycould be at play .
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Common Health Problems
The miniature schnauzer overall is goodly , but the breed is prone to some hereditary health issues , including :
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Diet and Nutrition
Always have fresh water useable for your miniature schnauzer . For solid food , feed them high - timbre , nutritionally balanced eye tooth diets . It ’s typical to feed two measured meals per day . But you should talk about both the amount and case of dieting with your vet to make certain you ’re match the dog ’s needs . Be mindful about dainty and other spare intellectual nourishment to preclude gluttony .
As miniature schnauzer are prone to having high fat levels ( hyperlipidemia ) , some might want a extra diet to help manage their blubber . This should always be dictate by a veterinarian .
Where to Adopt or Buy a Miniature Schnauzer
If you ’re looking for a puppy from a reputable stock breeder , expect to pay around $ 500 to $ 2,800 on average , though the monetary value can diverge widely .
The mini schnauzer is a fairly popular breed , so it ’s deserving find out local animal tax shelter and breed - specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a plate .
For further information to avail you see a miniature schnauzer , retard out :
Miniature Schnauzer Overview
The miniature schnauzer is a hypoallergenic breed that can make a wondrous family pet . These active dogs are well-disposed and relish a mountain chain of fun activities with their humankind . However , they have a eminent prey drive and tendency to bark .
Pros of Miniature Schnauzers
Cons of Miniature Schnauzers
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
As with any breed , do plenty of enquiry on the miniature schnauzer before adjudicate to land one place . Talk to veterinary surgeon , cover pet parents , reputable breeders , and rescue groups to learn more .
If you ’re interested in like breed , check out :
There ’s a whole cosmos of potentialdog breedsout there — with a small research , you’re able to find the good one to get home !
Well - train and socialised miniature schnauzers can be excellent family dogs . They are typically patient of of Thomas Kyd and bask family playtime .
Miniature schnauzers are prostrate to barking . Therefore , even though they ’re small and can adapt well to various living situations , include flat , grooming may be necessary to quash trouble neighbour .
Miniature schnauzers are generally unfermented firedog , so they ’re usually not look at aggressive . They do , however , own a high target drive , so they might chamfer small-scale animals .
Miniature Schnauzer . American Kennel Club .
History of the miniature schnauzer . The American Miniature Schnauzer Club .
All about miniature schnauzers . The American Miniature Schnauzer Club .
Schnauzer ( Miniature ) Puppies and Dogs . Adopt a Pet .