Miniature Schnauzer
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General Description
(Zwergschnauzer, Mini Schnauzer) The Miniature Schnauzer is a hardy, robust, terrier-type dog with an alert, lively disposition. They are sturdy and robust, and their build is nearly square in proportion. Their body is well-boned, short, and deep, with the brisket extending to the level of the elbows. They have a strong, well-arched neck that blends well into the shoulders, and the skin around the throat is tightly fitting. The breed’s ribs are well-sprung and deep, and they extend well back into their short loin. Their forelegs are parallel and straight, and their pasterns are strong and well-boned. Their elbows lie close to their body and their shoulders are sloping, flat, and clean. Tails of this breed are high-set and carried erect. Their feet are short, round, and flat, and they have black pads and a set of arched, compact toes. They have strong, slanting thighs and hocks that extend beyond the tail. The head of the Miniature Schnauzer is strong and rectangular, and it tapers gradually from the ears to the eyes. Their topskull is flat and comparatively long, and their muzzle is strong and bluntly extended. Teeth of this breed close in a scissors bite and ears are well in proportion to the dog’s body. They have small, deep-set, dark brown eyes. The double coat of the Miniature Schnauzer consists of a wiry, hard outer coat and a close-fitting undercoat. Recognized coat colors for this breed are salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black.The word "Schauzen" means to snap vocally or to give lip or talk back. In Germany, it has been traditionally recognized that a White version exists but it is not recognized for registration. In the USA, white and several levels of Salt and Pepper,from Pale Platinum to darkest almost Black and Silver, exist. In addition, the AKC now recognizes many new colors, including Chocolates and colors marked with White. An all white Schnauzer can be registered when the forms are properly filled out and a picture of the dog is sent with forms to the AKC.
Character
The Miniature Schnauzer is alert, energetic, and intelligent. They are good-natured, affectionate, and obedient, and they get along well with children. This breed will demand a substantial amount of time and companionship from its owner. They can be somewhat aggressive towards other dogs, and they enjoy putting on a show for an audience. They should be properly trained and socialized from an early age to ensure a stable temperament. They tend to bark a lot and they make good watch dogs. They can sometimes be reserved in the company of strangers.
Size
12 – 14 inches
Weight
10 – 15 pounds
General Health
The Miniature Schnauzer is a comparatively healthy breed. Some lines are prone to kidney stones, liver disease and ailments, diabetes, and cysts. Hereditary eye problems and skin disorders are also occasionally seen. Because of their propensity to put on weight, the Miniature Schnauzer should not be overfed. This breed typically lives for about 15 years.Miniature Schnauzers are prone to painful bouts of pancreatitis. Early detection and treatment will help keep the dog relatively pain free during it's life. Rapid changes in diet or fatty table foods seem to increase the onset of attacks.
History
It is believed that the Miniature Schnauzer is the product of crosses between the Standard Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher, and possibly the Poodle. They are originally a German breed, and their name comes from the German word “Schnauze”, or “muzzle”. These dogs excel at hunting rats, but today they are predominately used as a companion. They have a number of natural talents including hunting, tracking, watching, competitive obedience, and trick performing.The Miniature Schnauzer first came into the U.S. in 1920. Their beard acted as a shield from biting rats when they were hunting the pest.
Maintenance
The wiry coat of the Miniature Schnauzer is comparatively easy to groom and take care of. It should be combed and brushed on a daily basis with a short wire brush to prevent the onset of mats and tangles. Knots should be clipped out. Twice per year, these dogs should be clipped professionally. Excess hair should be removed around the eyes and ears with a pair of blunt-nosed scissors. The Miniature Schnauzer sheds little to no hair, and it is considered to be a good choice of pet for those that suffer from allergies.Clipping the coat tends to make the harsh hair softer as does neutering. Hand stripping should be considered when trying to maintain the coat's natural harshness. However many dog groomers will not hand strip dogs due to the repetitive motion that may cause strains to the wrist.
Ideal Environment
The Miniature Schnauzer is well-suited to life in a small household or apartment. They are a comparatively active breed indoors, and they are content to live without a yard. They have high energy and they enjoy going for long, brisk, daily walks. They will happily embrace any opportunity to play off of their leash.
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Review
Schnauzers are a very rewarding breed of dog. They are very affectionate. They love to play with children and other dogs. They are loyal, and sociable. They learn tricks and tasks very easily.They are the perfect small breed companion.
Pros: loyal,intelligent,playful
Cons: get their feelings hurt easily
my miniature schnauzer
my little girl, the love of my life she is the most amazing dog i could ask for. LadyBug is small but acts like a big girl. I am in a 4-h club with her and she loves being with other dogs and other people. Grest with the young and old. They are great companion for anyone. And are fast and wonderful learners will pick up anything over night. i love my little girl. and anyone would be happy to have a miniature schnauzer. If looking for a new dog look for them first :)
Pros: very loyal,smart,loving,joyfull
Cons: yeppie.
I Love My Mini's!
My Mini Schnauzer Charlie just passed away a couple of weeks ago from chronic Kidney Failure and we all miss him dearly. He was a part of our family. In his memory we adopted a white mini Schnauzer named Sam. These dogs are heaven sent. They are smart, fun, and will keep you on your toes. They are much like small comedians. There is always some new and interesting cork they come up with. If you're looking for a fun loving dog to be a part of your family...look no farther. The mini Schnauzer is by far the best. They cannot be catagorized as simply just a "dog". They are sooooo nuch more. But Dont just take my word for it....SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!
Pros: Loving, SMART, funny, Independant yet needy
Cons: Stubborn, always knows where to find trouble.
Mini Schnauzer
We took in a male mini schnauzer about a year and a half old from my wife's uncle who passed away. He had just gotten him a month earlier from a shelter. We have a 4 year old Chocolate Lab female and we were worried how they would get along. They are like an old married couple, they play fight all day, have picked up each others good and bad habits and are now unseperable. If one needs to go out in the middle of the night, they will look for the other to go with. When they get tired they lay together and have to be touching. They are both very protective of the kids and each other. Teddy provides the bark and Cocoa provides the muscle. Teddy has taken over watch dog duty, is very protective yet loves to cuddle. He is a cool little dog, can find candy anywhere in the house including the kids backpacks so the house gets put on lockdown during the day. He is a busy body. Never thought about getting a schnauzer but would get another in a heartbeat.
Pros: Loyal, Protective, Very Funny
Cons: A little Yappie at times, Busy
Mni Schnauezer
I have a 6 year old mini Schnauzer Katie who is loved by all. She is my daughters best friend and when they both get in trouble they both run to me and try and snuggle up with me. They're great dogs! The groomers love her because she is so sweet! Best dog EVER!!!
Pros: loving, loyal, mindful, sweet
Cons: sensative and gets feelings hurt easily