Miniature Schnauzer

Coat & Grooming: Miniature Schnauzers have a medium length double coat that requires some basic regular grooming. A wirehair topcoat protects the soft undercoat and the two can become matted together, so daily brushing is important for this wirehair breed. The coat is typically hand stripped for the showing dogs but can also be clipped every other month if immaculate appearance isn’t a priority. They will need an occasional bath, and have fast-growing nails that require frequent clipping.

Shedding: Even though the Miniature Schnauzer requires a moderate amount of grooming, they pay the effort back with minimal shedding. Dog hairs from this breed won’t be blanketing the house. As a double-coated breed, they can be expected to‘blow’ their coat twice per year, although the amount of hair shed should be manageable if they have a regular grooming routine in place.

Training: Miniature Schnauzers have a higher-than-average working intelligence, and are capable of excelling at any kind of training. Miniature Schnauzers are so great at training, they often train their owners! They are known for being a bit headstrong like other terriers, but once a Miniature Schnauzer is taught to listen, it can perform a high level of obedience, agility, and other tricks.

Training for a Miniature Schnauzers isn’t just about fun and games, and obedience awards, though. It’s important for this plucky little dog to get plenty of practice socializing with other dogs, and people, to keep their territorial and guarding instincts on the leash.

Barking: Miniature Schnauzers regularly communicate through barking. If a Miniature Schnauzer is happy, sad, bored, excited, hears something, sees something outside, or thinks it maybe saw something, he or she will want you to know. They employ their abrupt piercing barks to relate all the daily news, but also have a rough, scratchy ‘yap’, and are known to howl when together with other Miniature Schnauzers. The best ways to mitigate their barking tendencies are training, setting house rules, and consistently enforcing those rules. Additionally, make sure your Miniature Schnauzer is provided with ample exercise, and has enough going on inside the house to keep it engaged. A bored Miniature Schnauzer will become frustrated, and a frustrated dog is likely to do more barking.

Personality: The Miniature Schnauzer is generally spunky, companionable, intelligent, and aloof, though disposition tends to vary considerably between individuals.

Temperament & Behavior: In general, Miniature Schnauzers are considered spunky, though moderately aloof, and always with alert, guarding instincts. However, there are some noted variations in temperament between individuals. These differences in temperament are attributed to the mix between working terriers and relaxed companion dogs in the bloodline. Some Miniature Schnauzers are ruled by their terrier ancestry, making them plucky little generals, confident in themselves and feisty with other dogs and animals. Miniature Schnauzers with stronger terrier tendencies are more likely to get into things that are none of their business!

Other Miniature Schnauzers may take more after their companion breed heritage. These can be naturally polite and reserved, mild and easygoing around other dogs and animals. Despite these different temperament traits, all Miniature Schnauzers crave affection and inclusion. They are intelligent and can be exceptionally obedient with the right combination of temperament and training.

Behavior with Kids: Miniature Schnauzers usually make great family dogs and get along well with kids and children. Like other terriers and small dogs, boundaries need to be set on both sides.

Protection: Miniature Schnauzers will raise a ruckus at the drop of a hat, which makes them great alarm dogs. In the end, though, most are agreeable and polite to strangers.

Life Span: On average, Miniature Schnauzers live to be about 12-15 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Every breed is predisposed to certain diseases. Always discuss genetic testing with any prospective breeders, as some diseases can be tested for and eliminated from the breeding line. These disease or conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Mitral valve degeneration, Patent ductus arteriosus, Pulmonic stenosis, Sick sinus syndrome, Cancer, Diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, Hypothyroidism, Portosystemic shunt, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, Pancreatitis, Myotonia, Cataracts, Progressive retinal atrophy, Glaucoma, KCS (dry eye), Retinal dysplasia, Idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia, Urinary stones, Crytorchidism and Pyometra.

Preventive Care: Miniature Schnauzers are prone to a number of conditions. Some of the most concerning include problems involving the endocrine system (diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease) as well as problems with major organ systems such as the heart (mitral valve degeneration, sick sinus syndrome), the liver (portosystemic shunt), the eyes (KCS, glaucoma), and the pancreas (pancreatitis). Because all of these issues can be slow to come on and can cause few if any observable changes early in the disease process, it’s critically important to stick to a schedule of routine wellness visits with your veterinarian.

All dogs under 7 years of age should see their veterinarian for a physical examination at least yearly. Once they turn 7, it’s recommended that they visit the veterinarian twice a year for checkups.

Many problems can be detected on physical examination, however it’s critical to discuss your observations of your Miniature Schnauzer’s behavior at home with your veterinarian, as they can provide important clues to possible developing health problems. Routine screening lab work, such as compete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis should be performed yearly on your Miniature Schnauzer.

Nutrition: Miniature Schnauzer puppies should be fed a high quality puppy diet until they are skeletally mature at the age of 10 – 12 months. After that, choose a high quality diet formulated for adult maintenance, preferably for small breed dogs.

Because Miniature Schnauzers contract pancreatitis with alarming frequency, avoid feeding any extra dietary fat in the form of treats or “people food.” The triggering factor for pancreatitis isn’t completely understood, but in many of the cases dietary fat was a factor.

Daily Consumption: Adult Mini Schnauzers eat 1/2 to 3/4 cups of dry food per day

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then.

Exercise: Miniature Schnauzers generally have basic exercise requirements for their size, which can be fulfilled by taking a few brisk walks throughout the day. The Miniature Schnauzers with more terrier-like temperaments and energy levels may also retain a strong work drive. These individuals will be happier, and better behaved, with a higher amount of exercise. Expect to have them fetching outside, going for hikes, and possibly taking short jogs. Originally, Miniature Schnauzers were versatile workers responsible for guarding property and chasing out vermin. This ability to run things on their own makes them independent and inclined to action, like digging, chasing, and hunting. These traits can be a challenge to manage, but a lot of fun to engage and bond over. Miniature Schnauzers need jobs or activities that keep them busy—lest they find something to do without supervision.

One ideal breed activity for Miniature Schnauzers is called Barn Hunt. Barn Hunt isn’t an actual hunt, and there is no killing involved. Instead, it activates the talents and traditional roles of many breeds (including the Miniature Schnauzer) that were instrumental in ridding homes and farm properties of destructive vermin. This is an activity made for the little guys to show their stuff. It’s open for any dog that can fit through an 18" tunnel! There are clubs and competitions all over the United States and in Canada.

Climate: Miniature Schnauzers are well-suited to most climates. Because of their double coat they can handle colder temperatures, and they’re reasonably comfortable in warm weather as well.