Miniature Schnauzer

In my own words

 

I know I look like a grumpy old man, but looks can be deceiving. Actually I’m probably the most fun you could ever have packed into a small parcel. I just love to play!  I take pride in my appearance too, and appreciate being groomed – one of my best friends is the lady at the Beauty Parlour.

But just because I’m such fun to be around doesn’t mean I won’t take care of you – I’m a brilliant guard dog, and will protect you with my fearsome bark (though I’m not awfully into biting, which is a good thing I suppose.)

If I came to live with you I would love to go for long walks, play with the children and learn lots of new tricks. I’m also not bad at Dog Agility, though sometimes my little legs let me down in the show jumping. But you won’t mind that will you, ‘cos I’m just so charming you’ll love me anyway.

Information essential about the Miniature Schnauzer

 

Kennel Club Group:

Utility

 

Size: Height Male 14” (36cm) Female 13” (33cm) Weight approx 14lb (7Kg)

Popularity:

 

 

Miniature Schnauzers are extremely popular worldwide, because of their handy size and adaptable personality. Their childlike qualities make them irresistible.

Breed History:

 

Miniature Schnauzers originated in Germany during the 19th Century, and bred as barn ratters. They were derived from Standard Schnauzers crossed with Affenpinschers and possibly Poodles or Mini Pinschers. The first official Mini was recorded in 1888, and first shown in 1889.

Character:

 

People who own Minis often say it’s like having a furry child - affectionate and cuddly one minute, up and about demanding a game the next. Your Mini Schnauzer is highly intelligent, always alert, and easy to train. The more you engage with him, the more he will give you. He will also be very protective and a great guard dog. His bark is a lot bigger than he is! However, Miniature Schnauzers are not on the whole inclined to bite so your will be safe with the children. Later in life he may become a bit territorial if he senses a threat, which is where early discipline will help you both from losing control. Your Mini is also almost totally fearless and will take on a much larger dog if he feels he needs to. Miniature Schnauzers have what is called a high prey drive, which means like all ratters, they may go for other small animals such as birds, snakes, rodents and of course rabbits. They will also attack cats, unless brought up with them, or trained not to attack them. If you are an active person, your Miniature Schnauzer will keep you fit as he excels at Dog Agility, Obedience Trials, Showing, Flyball and is an excellent Tracker.

Temperament:

 

Your Miniature Schnauzer is a confident little bundle of energy, and will need lots of exercise, or he will become bored. Most of the time he will be a calm little dog, and lovely company. If you want to play or go for a walk, he will be bouncing to go with you, but if you want a quiet cuddle on the sofa, he’ll be up for that too. However, a Mini with not enough to do, or ignored too much can be destructive and mischievous. Your Mini will be very protective of you, and may be a little remote with people he doesn’t know, but as soon as you let him know they are “ok” he will be friendly towards them. He will also be happy to go to kennels while you’re on holiday, and you should be able to leave him on his own for a few hours without any problems, though as with all dogs, don’t leave him too long. Your Mini will almost certainly bark at strangers at the door, but with training, this should not get out of hand.

Conformation:

 

Your Miniature Schnauzer should be sturdy and strong, with a square shape (as tall as he is long). He should have a broad head, with bushy arched eyebrows over medium sized dark eyes and a powerful blunt muzzle with a bristly moustache and beard. He should have a longish, arched neck and a strong, straight back slightly higher at the shoulder than the hindquarters. The front legs should be straight, the hind legs long and strong through the thigh, with low set hocks with feet set vertically under. His paws should be round, like a cat’s. His natural tail is of medium length and tapering, and should be carried high.

Colour:

 

Miniature Schnauzers can be black, black and silver, pepper-and-salt and rarely, white.

Training:

 

Your Miniature Schnauzer is very intelligent and will love learning. Athletic and powerful for his size, he can be feisty and competitive, so early socialisation with other dogs, pets and children is important. Luckily, your Mini is naturally loyal, so obedience should come easily. He will enjoy a challenge, so make the most of his playfulness and give him lots of opportunities to take part in local competitions, dog shows because he will do well in all of them because he loves to show off.

Care:

 

Some people say that Miniature Schnauzers do not shed, but they do. Their wiry coats have a thick, soft undercoat, and they can get very matted so a good brush every week, or more often ideally, is essential. To keep your Mini looking sharp and smart, his coat will also benefit from being stripped out two or three times a year, which is best done by a professional because you’d be amazed how much hair accumulates on the floor!

Health:

 

Healthy Miniature Schnauzers can live up to 15 years and shouldn’t suffer any problems. However, they can put weight on, giving rise to diabetes, and eye problems and kidney stones can occur. Watch his weight, keep him fit and your Mini should be your cuddly little best friend for many years.

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