All About Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers (pronounced “shh-now-zer”) are an extremely loving and intelligent breed. They are obedient and very devoted to their owners. However, although they are devoted, they also demand the same devotion and companionship from their owners. Therefore, these dogs do not take kindly to being left on their own.

The Miniature Schnauzer may show aggression to other dogs, and can be stubborn when it comes to training. Thus, they require proper obedience and proper socialization when they are still young.

Miniature Schnauzers are excellent companions and love just about everyone.

History of Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature schnauzers are from the 16 th century and originated in Germany and Bavaria. The Mini Schnauzer was prized for their overall good traits that made them superb watchdogs and ratters (rat catching).

It is believed that Schnauzers were developed from Wire-haired German Pinscher and Poodle-like dogs. The name Schnauzer (Schnauzer means “muzzle” or “Snout”) was given to the breed in the early 17 th century.

Due to the fact that Schnauzers were so popular there were three different sizes of the breed produced in order to accommodate people’s needs. For instance, the Giant Schnauzer stands 26-28 inches and was primarily used for cattle driving in Bavaria and then later as a guard dog. The medium size dog of the breed is known as the Standard Schnauzer (also the original version where the other two stemmed from). The Standard was 18-20 inches tall and was used to herd cattle and sheep and for pulling carriages. Last, but certainly not least, Miniature Schnauzers stand at 12-14 inches and were bred for catching rats and as watchdogs.

All three of these Schnauzer verities are available today, but Miniature Schnauzers are clearly the most popular of the three in North America, and have been since they were first introduced to America in the 1800’s.

Miniature Schnauzers make ideal house pets and love their families.

Miniature Schnauzers Are Lively and Loveable

Miniature Schnauzers are great companions for active families that take great interest in the dog. Mini Schnauzers love to be with their owner and/or family as much as possible. They are ideal travel companions and have plenty of energy and like the outdoors, which means they love to go on long walks.

The Miniature Schnauzer does well in the city or the country and is a suitable dog for an apartment. That being said, as was previously mentioned, Mini Schnauzers have plenty of energy and should be taken on long walks (at least 2 10 – 20 minute vigorous walks daily). Aside from walks this dog should also have adequate playtime and the freedom to run around.

Miniature Schnauzers stand 12-14 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 10 – 15 pounds. They live up to 15 years and are a relatively healthy breed. Nevertheless, there are certain health issues you should be aware of such as hereditary eye problems, skin disorders, kidney stones and liver disease. You should also take great care in not over-feeding the Schnauzer, as this breed can easily become overweight.

The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys the company of people and responds well to outsiders if they have been properly socialized as puppies. Schnauzers also like the company of children and don’t mind other dogs as long as they have been socialized with them as a pup. However, you should not have pet rodents if you own a Schnauzer. It is the dog’s natural instinct to hunt and kill these creatures as they were originally bred as ratters.

Training is another essential part of owning Miniature Schnauzers. These dogs require the proper obedience training so their intelligence can be put to good use. An untrained Schnauzer will use his own devices to get what he wants and will be virtually impossible to control. This being said, when this breed is effectively trained they display outstanding obedience, which makes them ideal for show rings. Nonetheless, because of the persistent training this breed requires, he may not be an ideal choice for the first time dog owner.

Miniature Schnauzers make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They like to bark, but their bark is not high pitched. You will likely not find it as annoying as you may think. Therefore, it isn’t really important for you to curb your dogs barking tendencies. It is very rare for this breed to bark without reason.

Grooming the coat of Miniature Schnauzers isn’t as difficult as it looks. As long as you brush or comb the wire coat daily your dog won’t develop mats. The coat of the Schnauzer should be fully groomed twice a year. For this grooming it is best to take him to a professional groomer. Another excellent aspect about the Mini Schnauzer is he barely sheds his coat, making him ideal for allergy sufferers and those who are not interested in having dog hair lying all over the home.

Miniature Schnauzers are part of the Terrier group and are a great breed. He is one of the most popular dogs in America to date and is a friendly companion unlike no other.