Description

The Miniature Schnauzer is an energetic, active dog who has clean habits, is neat in size and makes a delightful companion for apartment dweller or someone with a small house and yard. Charming and attractive, the perky Miniature Schnauzer is seldom addicted to wandering, being devoted to his home and family. Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent family pet and children’s companion. Known in his native Germany as the Zwergschnauzer he was derived from crossing the Standard Schnauzer with smaller dogs.

Size of Male: Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 13-20 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 13-20 pounds

Temperament

Miniature Schnauzer is very perky and bright-eyed. Miniature Schnauzer is loving, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and obedient. Playful, happy and alert, Miniature Schnauzer likes children. The Miniature Schnauzer demands time and companionship from its owner. It can be feisty and fairly dog-aggressive – putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight. This can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, who will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble on himself than he really wanted. Socialize this breed well with other dogs when it is still a puppy. If properly introduced, the Miniature Schnauzer will get along with another dog, but will not accept every dog that comes its way. Since the temperament of this breed can be quite variable, select a puppy from parents whose temperament you enjoy. They make good companions and family pets. Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, but it does not have a yappy bark and is not as annoying as one may think. Most of the time the dog’s bark sounds like it is talking to you in a low carried-out voice. They make good guard dogs and mouse catchers. They are excellent watchdogs and are great to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most love everyone.

Living Conditions

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. Miniature Schnauzer is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. However, ensure that they are exerted physically and mentally since young with lots of exercise, training and socialization to ensure that they are healthy physically and mentally.

Upkeep

Miniature Schnauzer can have their exercise requirements met with a moderate walk on leash or a good game in the yard. Even though Miniature Schnauzer can physically survive living outdoors in warm to temperate climates, they emotionally need to share their life with its family inside the home. The Miniature Schnauzer’s wired coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus scissoring and shaping (clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs) every couple of months.

Health

Major concerns: urolithiasis, Progressive retinal atrophy

Minor concerns: follicular dermatitis, esophageal achalasia, von willebrand’s disease

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years