Miniature Schnauzer
Group 6: Utility
Height:
Male: 35.6 cm
Female: 33 cm
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Hunting
Lifespan: 12 -14 yrs
Recommended for: Most people/families, people with allergies.
About This Breed
The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany and was originally a vermin hunter. They are a playful little dog which enjoys companionship, they are bright and respond well to obedience training. They can be stubborn at times and respond very negatively to rough treatment or rough punishment.
They love to travel with their owners and should always be included in all sorts of family activities as they will bond to the entire family. They make excellent traveling companions and good watchdogs, as they bark when alarmed.
They offer devotion only to their owner and can be aloof towards strangers, but very rarely aggressive.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Small sturdily built body. Rectangular shaped head which has bushy eyebrows covering the dark oval shaped eyes. Ears hang to the side of the head. Tail was usually docked but now left natural.
Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or other purely ‘beauty’ points.
Temperament: Alert, reliable, affectionate, & lively spirited. Primarily a companion dog.
Characteristics: Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.
Colour: All salt and pepper colours in even proportions, or pure black, or black & silver. That is, solid black with silver markings on eyebrow, muzzle, chest & brisket and on the forelegs below the point of elbow, on inside of hindlegs below the stifle joint, on vent and under tail.
Coat: Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness, dense undercoat. Clean on neck & shoulders, ears and skull. Harsh hair on legs. Furnishings fairly thick but not silky.
Grooming: The owner of a Schnauzer kept strictly as a companion and family pet has two options as to grooming. The first and easiest option is to take the dog to your local groomer and have them ‘machine clip’ the coat. This should be done every six to eight weeks and is fastest and easiest. However, clipping makes the coat much softer every time it is done, the characteristic pepper and salt colour fades out and black dogs lose their shine.
The second option is to ‘hand-strip’ the topcoat, doing it yourself or finding an experienced handler or breeder that is willing to do it for you. Hand stripping preserves the natural harsh coat and maintains the original colour. It is essential for a dog that is to be shown and will require maintenance at least twice per week.
Exercise: regular exercise is needed, daily walks and off lead runs to keep them fit and happy. Generally they love to be with you so a play in the back yard is also just as good.
Health: This breed is generally sound but can be susceptible to cataracts and corneal disorders, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney stones, cysts, and skin conditions.
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