Mary Allen
Miniature Schnauzers are great dogs: friendly, alert, intelligent, and energetic. In the breed portrait, you will find out what else characterizes the bearded Waltz
A small dog with a lot behind it: the Miniature Schnauzer may be the smallest member of the Schnauzer family, but its temperament and liveliness mean that it is in no way inferior to its big brothers. The little dogs turn out to be real bundles of energy and – just like the family – sometimes also stubborn stubborn people who won’t put up with anything.
In our breed portrait of the Miniature Schnauzer, you will learn all the important aspects of the breed. We reveal what the dogs look like, where they come from, and what the optimal care, training, and husbandry look like.
What does a Miniature Schnauzer look like?
The Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect replica of its big brothers. The little dog has the typical physique of a Schnauzer: it has a compact and square shape, a strong head, a long snout, medium-sized folded ears, and of course the typical Schnauzer features, i.e. the messy beard and thick eyebrows.
The short, wiry coat is also the same. In contrast to its brothers, for whom only the fur colors black and pepper-black are permitted, the miniature schnauzer can look forward to two more colors in addition to these two: black-silver with white markings on the face, neck, chest, and on paws and pure white are possible.
How big is a Miniature Schnauzer?
The Schnauzer family covers all sizes. The Giant Schnauzer is one of the large to very large dogs. The Standard Schnauzer ranks among the medium-sized dog breeds. And the Miniature Schnauzer is one of the small dog breeds. The dogs reach an average height at the withers between 30 cm and 35 cm. Differences between the sexes are only minimal.
How heavy is a Miniature Schnauzer?
Like all small dog breeds, the smallest schnauzers also weigh little: bitches weigh an average of 4.5 kg to 6.8 kg. Males weigh between 5 and 8.2 kilos.
How old does a Miniature Schnauzer get?
The Schnauzer family is generally one of the hardy dog breeds with good health. Compared to its big brothers, the Miniature Schnauzer lives the longest due to its smaller size and reaches an average life expectancy of a good 14 years. With good husbandry and care, the dog can even get older.
What character or nature does the Miniature Schnauzer have?
Among the small dog breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer stands out with its confident and courageous character. Despite its small size, the small dog is by no means intimidated by larger dogs. His temperament also easily takes on the character of his bigger brothers. The breed is known to be smart, brave, friendly, affectionate, and somewhat stubborn.
Small dogs are arguably the best watchdogs among small dog breeds. Their vigilant and naturally suspicious nature means they will report strangers and animals loudly. The little dog does not shy away from defending his family in the event of possible danger. Despite their small size, the dogs are therefore well suited as watchdogs. However, with proper training, the dog is never aggressive but limits itself to barking and alertness.
The breed is known to be intelligent, very human, and eager to learn. At the same time, the dogs have a mind of their own, which they are happy to enforce when they are displeased or bored. Formerly guarding and guarding livestock and carriages, the dogs are highly athletic and active, requiring daily physical and mental challenges. This is the only way they are sufficiently utilized. And only then are the dogs loving and well-balanced family dogs that go through thick and thin for their people.
Where does the Miniature Schnauzer come from?
The history of the Schnauzer is very closely linked to the history of the Pinscher, as the two dog breeds were considered common breeds about a hundred years ago. When the different size types developed within the Schnauzer can no longer be said today.
In general, from the 19th century at the latest, Schnauzers and Pinschers were popular farm and guard dogs and companions for travelers. The Schnauzer or Pinscher walked long distances alongside the carriages or riders and protected their belongings from thieves and wild animals. As so-called “ratters” they were also supposed to rid the house and yard of vermin such as rats or mice. The small Schnauzer and Pinscher types were particularly well suited for this.
In the 1880s, the targeted breeding of Miniature Schnauzers began in the Frankfurt area. This was probably done by crossing the Mittelschnauzer with the smaller Affen and Miniature Pinschers. Official registration took place in 1888. Today, the breed is one of the most popular family dogs. In Germany and the USA in particular, many puppies are born and adopted every year.
Miniature Schnauzer: The right attitude and training
Don’t underestimate the breed. Despite their small size, the dogs are Schnauzers through and through and thus bring with them the complete Schnauzer package in terms of temperament and nature. The dogs are therefore rather not suitable for dog beginners.
You should already train puppies lovingly but consistently and get the dogs used to their environment well. As watchdogs, animals have it in their genes to react loudly to unfamiliar noises, people and animals and to report the “danger” to their family. Through extensive socialization, you can teach your dog that it’s nice, but not necessary.
The breed is extremely sporty and requires a variety of activities that are exhausting on a daily basis. This is the only way the dogs can let off steam both physically and mentally. This requires a lot of time from their people and also a certain level of fitness. Because you have to be able to keep up with the little whirlwinds.
If the dog receives this load, it then shows its cuddly and affectionate side and can also be kept in a city apartment without any problems. On the other hand, if he gets bored or doesn’t get enough attention, his stubbornness quickly shines through and the dog seeks adventures of his own. You can then say goodbye to your favorite shoes. That’s not nice, but what’s worse is the fact that your dog is just expressing his unhappiness.
What care does the Miniature Schnauzer need?
Grooming of a Miniature Schnauzer is primarily focused on its wire-haired coat. Because Schnauzers rarely shed their fur, they need to be brushed regularly and trimmed two to four times a year. This is especially true in the summer months. For optimal care, you should also regularly trim your beard and eyebrows (please, those of the Miniature Schnauzer, not yours…). So your dog is not impaired when seeing and eating.
A balanced diet is also part of caring for a Miniature Schnauzer. The sports cannons burn a lot of energy, which is why a protein-rich feed is particularly suitable.
What are the typical diseases of the Miniature Schnauzer?
The Miniature Schnauzer is fortunate that, unlike in the US, it never really became a fashionable dog in Europe. Breeding has therefore focused more on factors such as robust health and balanced traits than on ideals of beauty. That is why today there are hardly any specific hereditary diseases known within the breed and Schnauzers are among the very robust dog breeds.
However, certain eye diseases and problems with the eyes, including a lack of tear fluid production or progressive retinal atrophy, can occur in dogs. In addition, in rare cases, the dog can suffer from a hereditary metabolic disorder, the so-called mucopolysaccharidosis type VI.
How much does a Miniature Schnauzer cost?
Miniature Schnauzers are among the most popular family dogs in Germany. Miniature Schnauzer puppies are correspondingly popular. The prices for a puppy from a recognized breeder can range between 1,000 euros and 3,000 euros.
German breeders usually make sure that their puppies are born healthy, vaccinated, and later not susceptible to diseases. If you are interested, you can usually also ask for data and facts about the health of the parent animals. So you can be sure that your future new family member is completely healthy and has the best chance of staying that way.
For this reason, do not accept dubious offers from the Internet, where puppies are often only offered for a fraction of the price from a reputable breeder. Here you have no opportunity to investigate whether the dogs are really healthy. And as harsh as that sounds, there’s no guarantee they’ll survive long. Instead, stop by animal shelters or animal welfare organizations. Somewhere there is bound to be a miniature schnauzer waiting for a new family, or a cute mongrel that just as deserves a happy life.