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Miniature Schnauzer
Photo: Rossana Soletti · NatureMobile.org

Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer

Other names: Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer), Miniature Schnauzer

Hunting, tracking, watchdog, competitive obedience, agility, performing tricks.

Origin
Germany
Size
Small
Height · Male
30–35 cm
Height · Female
30–35 cm
Weight · Male
4–8 kg
Weight · Female
4–8 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Litter
3–6 puppies
FCI
FCI group 2 · 2 · n.º 183
AKC
1+2 Working Group 3 Terrier Group · #11
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Traits

Activity

Energy level
Playfulness
Jogging partner

Social

Affection with family
Good with other dogs
Good with other pets
Friendly to strangers
Social needs

At home

Apartment living
Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance

Care

Ease of grooming

Training

Trainability
Obedience
Learning ability
Problem solving
Intelligence

Guarding

Guard dog
Watchdog

Temperament

His nature is similar to that of the Schnauzer and is determined by the temperament and the behaviour of a small dog. Intelligence, fearlessness, endurance and alertness make the Miniature Schnauzer an agreeable house dog as well as a watch and companion dog which can be kept even in a small appartment without problems.

History

Around the turn of the century a dwarf Schnauzer from the Frankfurt/Main area went on his way, then still described as a rough haired Zwergpinscher (Miniature Pinscher). Due to the different shapes, sizes and types and the muddle of harsh, soft and silky coat textures, it was no easy task to evolve a small dog with the appearance and the characteristic qualities of his bigger brother, the Schnauzer.

Care

This energetic breed can have his exercise requirements met with a moderate walk on leash or a good game in the yard. He needs to share his life with his family inside the home. His wire coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus scissoring and shaping every couple of months.

The Miniature Schnauzer is very lively and energetic, however gets quite a bit of exercise indoors. This breed does love long walks and regular romps though and would do beautifully with an average sized yard. This breed makes an excellent jogging companion for an owner that loves the outdoors. The Miniature Schnauzer requires extensive stimulation as they have the tendency to become noisy and destructive if left along for long periods of time.

Health

The Miniature Schnauzer should be brushed regularly to prevent matting or tangling, however is fairly easy to comb through. This breed should be clipped professionally twice a year, however is not required if brushed regularly. Professional plucking is required on the coat of this breed. The coat of this breed, while it can still become tangled and/or matted, has a fairly tangle resistant coat. The Miniature Schnauzer sheds little to no hair making him ideal for a family with allergies.

Training

It needs a gentle training, consequent and it learns fast even if sometimes it proves a little stubbornness. It likes to go out for a walk how much it is possible, it likes to play.

Coat & grooming

The Schnauzer doesn't shedd but 2-3 times a year its fur must be trimmed. They should never get a haircut because the fur heals back very difficult, in several in years. The hair grown in excess from the ears and between pads from the feet will be removed. The beard and the eyebrows will be combed frequently ifor not getting tangled and for not getting in its eyes.

Fun facts

Avoid puppy mill Miniature Schnauzers; this is one of the most popular terrier breeds and unscrupulous or careless breeders take advantage of the demand to offer poorly bred animals. Select a puppy from a reputable source. Some lines are prone to kidney s

Miniature Schnauzer breeders

All breeders →

No verified breeders for this breed yet. Are you a breeder? Register.

Looking for more breeders? Ask the Clube Português de Canicultura (CPC) for the list of registered breeders of your breed. Visit, meet the parents and ask for health tests.

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