Overview
Group: Toy Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 19 of 195
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-20 lbs
Life Span: 12-15 years
Temperament: Friendly; Intelligent; Obedient
For a little dog in the Terrier Group, the Miniature Schnauzer has an awesome personality that encompasses charm, intelligence, affection, and a mischievous sense of humor. It goes about its daily life with such energy and enthusiasm so that there is never a dull day in the life of its owner.
History
The Miniature Schnauzer is a cousin of the larger Standard Schnauzer. In the 15th century, Standards served as farm dogs in Germany. However, because their crops, barns, and homes were being plagued by rats, the Standards were bred down into Minis to make them perfect rat catchers.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the only breed in the American Kennel Club’s roster that was not developed in England, hence the absence of British blood in its veins. Instead, it was born from the crossing of the Standard Schnauzer, Affenpinscher, and Poodle. Because of this, although it is a ratter like other members of the Terrier Group, its personality is very different. Unlike the fierce independence and hot temperament of the Scottish and Irish Terriers, the Miniature Schnauzer is an amiable dog, energetic, and eager to please.
Among the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer holds the highest AKC registrations. Famous celebrities who own Minis include Senator Bob Dole, Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, Sugar Ray Leonard, Liza Minnelli, and Simon Pegg.
General Appearance
The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust and energetic little dog that closely resembles its cousin, the Standard Schnauzer. Its distinctive characteristics are its thick eyebrows and lighter-colored bushy beard, so that many dog lovers have commented that it looks like a charming old man. It has a hard, wiry coat that comes in four patterns, namely solid white, solid black, black and silver, and salt and pepper. The Mini has semi-erect, high set ears. Its strong, straight back slopes down from its shoulder to its docked tail.
Minis are friendly, intelligent, and merry dogs that are easy to train. They adapt quite well to any type of living, whether it’s on a farm or in an apartment. They also love to play. The more vigorous and energetic the game is, the better. Minis also get along very well with children and other animals. If they are socialized early on with their owners’ families, they become dedicated watchdogs.
Nutrition
While other dogs thrive on dog foods with higher protein content, Miniature Schnauzers do well on a diet that consists of 50% carbohydrates, 10% proteins and amino acids, 5% fats, and 4.5% fiber. They are known to have sensitive digestion, so any food that disagrees with them should be eliminated from their diet.
Minis also have a tendency to become overweight, so give treats in moderation. Since it is a very active dog, always have clean, fresh water available for it.
Grooming
The Mini’s coat needs to be brushed, combed, and groomed frequently, preferably every five to eight weeks. For inexperienced owners, this can be done by professional groomers who use clippers or “hand-stripped”, especially for dogs who will be put on show.
Despite its thick coat, the Mini is a minimal shedder, so that you only give it a bath every month. After each bath, make it a point to trim its nails and dry its ears thoroughly. However, the ears need to be inspected weekly for wax build up and foreign matter. Clean the ears with a soft paper towel moistened with baby oil. Make sure that the Mini’s teeth are brushed regularly.
Exercise
Minis need moderate amounts of exercise for the maintenance of its physical and mental well-being. Aside from walks, it is recommended that you let your dog play free within a fenced area. Playing fetch with a ball or stick is a game that they enjoy.
Because they possess hunting instincts, Minis should always be kept on a leash or harness so they don’t run off in pursuit of smaller animals.
Training
Like most dog breeds, Miniature Schnauzers need to undergo training and socialization when they are still puppies. Although they are easy to train and learn quickly, training needs to be interesting and enjoyable for them. Boredom readily sets in with repetition.
Because of their high activity levels, you might want to consider having your dog participate in canine sports events, like obedience, rally, and agility.
Health
While Minis, in general, are a healthy, robust breed, some medical conditions that they are at risk of having include hyperlipidemia, urinary stones, pancreatitis, liver shunts, and cataracts. Early on, responsible breeders have their dogs tested for these health conditions. Owners should also schedule their Minis for regular appointments with their veterinarian.
Costs
The Mini has an average price tag of $900, but puppies from top quality lines may cost $3,000 to $5,500. When it comes to the dog’s upkeep, in the absence of serious medical conditions, expect to spend around $2,000 for the first year and then $1,000 for the succeeding years.
No matter where you live, whether it’s in an apartment, a house, or a farm, you cannot find a more adaptable and lively companion than in a Miniature Schnauzer.
SOURCES:
1) Miniature Schnauzer https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-schnauzer/
2) Why we’ve gone barking mad for schnauzers: Bearded breed beloved by celebrities such as Simon Pegg and 50 Cent has risen most in popularity out of all dogs in Britain https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6347905/Bearded-schnauzer-breed-loved-celebrities-Simon-Pegg-50-Cent-popular-dogs-Britain.html
3) Healthy Diet of Miniature Schnauzers https://www.petcarerx.com/article/healthy-diet-of-miniature-schnauzers/521
4) Miniature Schnauzers Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Schnauzer-Miniature.htm
