| Miniature Schnauzers Other Names: Zwergschnauzer Height: (Approx.) 12-14 In. Group: Terrier Weight: (Approx.) 12-15 Lbs. Coat: Wiry And Rough Color: Salt And Pepper, Black, Or Black And Tan Appearance: Head: Strong, flat, and elongated. Eyes: Small, dark brown and oval, deep set. Ears: Small and v-shaped, set high. Muzzle: Medium size and well proportioned to head. Nose: Black and self-colored according to coat. Bite: Scissor or level. Neck: Strong and well arched. Top-line: Level. Chest: Moderately broad, ribs are well sprung and deep. Body: Short and deep. Legs: Straight and strong muscled. Feet: Short and round, thick pads. Tail: Erect, set high, docked. Movement: Quick, yet well balanced movements. Temperament: Fearless, loyal, and willing to please. *The Miniature Schnauzer is an extremely popular dog in the United States and there are now breeders breeding a solid white variety. Temperament: Miniature Schnauzers are lively, very friendly, and affectionate. They are very intelligent, alert and react to quick movements, making them excellent watchdogs. They are loyal to family and eager to please. They get alongwell with other people and other dogs, but not small animals, as they have a high prey drive. They are spirited, outgoing and demanding of games. The Miniature Schnauzer's disposition has been bred down to be softer and kinder, with a spunky spark. With Children: Yes, good with children. With Pets: Yes, gets along well with other dogs, but not small animals. Special Skills: Vermin destroyer, watchdog, cart puller, drover and family pet. Watch-dog: Very High. Schnauzers react to quick actions around them, making them alert and on the lookout. Guard-dog: Low. Care and Exercise: Brush or comb the wiry coat of the Miniature Schnauzer daily or it will become matted. Clip out knots. Miniature Schnauzers should be clipped all over twice a year. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean whiskers after meals. Miniature Schnauzers need long, brisk, daily walks and they love to play off leash. Training: Needs a confident handler who is fair and consistent, but not boring. Miniature Schnauzers have a mind of their own and need variety as opposed to repetition. Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - Medium. Activity: High. Miniature Schnauzers have energy, and are not likely a lap dog. Living Environment: City or country, they are an ideal pet for any setting. Miniature Schnauzers are very adaptable. They can even adapt to different types of people, active or sedentary. But the best owner for this breed would be an active individual who lives in the country, city or suburban area with a yard. Health Issues: Bladder stones, allergies, diabetes, liver diseases, skin disorders and cysts. They can also have eye problems including PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), melanoma, and myotonia congenita. Life Span: 12 - 14 years. Litter Size: 3 - 6 puppies. Country of Origin: Germany History: Miniature Schnauzers' actual roots are uncertain, but there is speculation that the black Poodle, the Wolfspitz and a rough coated German Terrier are breeds which may have played a part in the Schnauzer's early development. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed by breeding the Standard with other small dogs, possibly with Poodles and Affenpinschers. They were primarily used for droving, stock tender, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children, as well as serving the duty of a watchdog. But since they were not used for going to ground, they have a slightly different temperament than other terriers. The breed goes far back into history. In 1492 a painting was created by Albrecht Durer, titled "Madonna with the Many Animals", in which a Schnauzer was depicted. In Germany, the breed had become known to watch children in their spare time, becoming known as "kinderwachters". The Schnauzer was mainly used on farms. Back then, the Schnauzer and German Pinscher were the same breed--simply differentiates by their fur. Wire-haired and smooth coated dogs were born in the same litter, with the wire-haired being called "schnauze" (meaning "beard"), and the smooth coats called "pinschers". The Schnauzer was brought to America in 1925, and was classified under "Terrier". They were accepted by the AKC in 1926, and have spread in popularity both in the U.S. and elsewhere since then. Miniature Schnauzers are currently the 10th most popular breed in America today. The breed is popular in both the show and the home. First Registered by the AKC: 1926 AKC Group: Terrier Class: Terrier Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC |
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