About Miniature Schnauzers

The original Schnauzer (the Giant Schnauzer) is a very large, friendly and active dog. As people moved into smaller homes, they still wanted Schnauzers as pets, but needed a smaller dog to live in a smaller home. The Miniature Schnauzer was bred to fill this new need. This is a good breed for first time dog owners who will devote time every day to playing with their dogs. These are one of the longer lived of dogs, often living well into their teens.

  1. Identification

    • Miniature Schnauzers look like blocks on legs. They are solidly-built little dogs, with a deep chest and lots of muscle. They have semi-floppy ears, a long, thin tail and grows incredible eyebrows and beards. They have a thick coat of wiry hair, usually in all black, black and silver, silver and white, a dark grey called "salt and pepper" and the very rare all white.

    History

    • Bred in Germany from the 1600s to be a smaller version of the beloved Giant and Standard Schnauzers. It is thought that big Schnauzers were crossed with Affenpinschers and Poodles to create the breed. They gradually spread throughout Europe and came to America's dog shows about 1925.

    Size

    • Schnauzers come in three sizes--the Giant, the Standard and the Miniature. The Miniature is the smallest, coming in at an average of 10 to 15 pounds, and stands about one foot in height. Compare this to the Giant Schnauzer, which weighs an average of 70 to 80 pounds and stands from two feet to 28 inches tall.

    Function

    • Miniature Schnauzers were bred to be pets with some hunting and guarding ability. Many work today as show dogs, therapy dogs or work in show business. Others work as excellent ratters and mousers.

    Misconceptions

    • In America, Miniature Schnauzers are often seen with pointed ears and tiny tails. This effect is from cosmetic surgeries called ear cropping and tail docking. These procedures are banned in many other countries.

    Warning

    • Miniature Schnauzers are prone to Schnauzer comedo syndrome, which is a kind of skin condition similar to blackheads in people. This is non-lethal. However, any strange lump on your Miniature Schnauzer should be examined by a vet.

    Expert Insight

    • These are high-energy, intelligent dogs with minds of their own. They are much better pets and more trainable when they are spayed or neutered.