The Miniature Schnauzer is a small sized dog. They are sturdy and muscular with an alert outlook. Their eyebrows, moustache and leg hair gives them a very distinctive appearance.
| General
Physical Description |
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small sized dog. They are sturdy and muscular with an alert outlook. Their eyebrows, moustache and leg hair gives them a very distinctive appearance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Size Category | Small | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight Height Range | Ideally dogs should measure 35cms at the withers and weigh 8kgs. Bitches should measure 33cms and weigh 7kgs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ailments | There are several conditions that occur in the breed. Breeders are trying to reduce them by careful and responsible breeding and screening where possible. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Ailments | Schnauzer comedo syndrome – specific type of follicular dermatitis Fatty Tumours Adenomas |
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| Susceptibility To Illness | Low | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | A Schnauzer type dog has been represented in art and sculptures as early as the 1400’s. This breed is a result of crossing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher and other small breeds. The name Schnauzer was first associated with this breed in 1879. They were recognised as a separate breed in 1899 in Germany and first appeared in America in 1925. | |
| Intelligence | The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent dog that is easily trained and likes to please, although it does not enjoy repetitive training for its own sake. The breed is contented and not destructive when left alone. | |
| Show Characteristics | The head should be strong, being flat between the ears. They should have a powerful blunt muzzle and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size, dark and oval, with arched bushy eyebrows. The ears should be V shaped and high set. The neck should be strong and slightly arched. The chest should be deep and broad, and the topline strong and straight, slightly higher at the shoulder than the back end. A short-coupled breed, the body length should be the same as the height at the withers. The front legs should appear straight when viewed from all angles, the back legs should be well muscled. The feet should be compact, round and cat like. The tail is customarily docked to 3 joints, high set and carried high. The coat should be harsh and wiry with a dense undercoat however for the show ring this is stripped out to give a shorter and cleaner outline. The preferred colours for the show ring are salt & pepper, black with silver markings or solid black. | |
| Country Of Origin | Germany |
| Other Names |
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Zwergschnauzer |
| Dog Group Kennel Club | Utility | |
| Breed Classification | The Miniature Schnauzer is a member of the utility group in Britain and Australia, but in the working group in the United States. They were originally used as ratters; today they are companion dogs |
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| Energy | Medium | |||||
| Overall Exercise | 40 - 60 minutes per day. The Mini Schnauzer enjoys exercise and play, and happily fit into their family’s life style |
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| Distress Caused if Left Alone | Low | |||||
| Personal Protection | Medium | |||||
| Suitability As Guard Dog | Medium | |||||
| Risk of Sheep Worrying | Low | |||||
| Tendency to Bark | Medium | |||||
| Ease of Transportation | High | |||||
| Level of Aggression | Low | |||||
| Compatibility With Other Animals | Medium | |||||
| Suitable
For Children |
Medium | |||||
| General Character And Temperament | The Mini is a lively, active little dog. They can be stubborn and wilful and do need a firm hand when training. They do get on well with children and other household pets if they are introduced at an early age. The Miniature Schnauzer makes an ideal family pet and watchdog. They are quite vocal and will be quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching their territory. The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, it also is said to have the best temperament. | |||||
| Lifespan |
9 - 15 years The average lifespan is 14 years. |
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| Average
Litter Size |
3-5 The Miniature Schnauzer generally produces small litters, with 3 to 5 puppies being the average. |
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| Average
Food Cost |
$8-15 per week | |||||
| Feeding
Requirements |
Feeding of this little dog is relatively easy, however care must be taken that they do not become overweight. | |||||
| Other
Expenses |
The average purchase price of a puppy is $1100-$1300. | |||||
| Average
Puppy Price |
$1000-1600 | |||||