AKC Miniature Schnauzers Grooming Tips

The Miniature Schnauzer is a 12 to 14 inch tall purebred dog, a member of the terrier group. Schnauzers have double coats, a wiry overcoat and a denser undercoat. American Kennel Club standards recognize three colors: black, salt and pepper and black and silver. Schnauzers don't shed much and are less likely to trigger allergies to dander than other dogs. Regular brushing, bathing and trims will keep a pet miniature schnauzer clean and well groomed.

  1. Training

    • Early training while a schnauzer is still a tiny, beardless fuzzball pays off later, whether you plan to groom the schnauzer yourself or take it to a professional groomer when it grows its adult coat. Get the puppy used to regular brushing, bathing, teeth cleaning and nail clipping while it's young. Handle its feet before you attempt to clip the nails. Teach the puppy to stay still during grooming and not to wriggle or play with the brush. Socialize it by introducing the puppy to plenty of people so the adult dog isn't timid about strangers, including groomers and vets.

    Brushing

    • The American Miniature Schnauzer Club recommends brushing a schnauzer's beard and furnishings--the longer hair on its legs and head--weekly. The beard will pick up food and tangles. Between baths, use a damp washcloth if necessary to clean its face. The club recommends brushing and combing a schnauzer before a bath to work out any tangles, saying it will be harder to brush a matted wet schnauzer.

    Bathing

    • If a schnauzer smells, it needs a bath; if it rolls in mud and pine needles during walks in the woods, it will need a cleaning sooner than a schnauzer that mostly walks on manicured grass. Use a mild shampoo intended for dogs, not people. Rinse thoroughly to make sure you don't leave any soap on your pet and dry with a towel or blow dryer. It's usually safe to bathe a dog as often as once a week, but you should consult your vet if your dog has skin problems.

    Clipping

    • Caring for a show schnauzer's coat involves regular plucking to get a jacket look and to keep the coarse texture required for success in the show ring. That's a lot of work, but pet schnauzers don't need as much maintenance and will be softer if you don't pluck their coat. You or a groomer can give a pet schnauzer a haircut with scissors and clippers. Trim its distinctive beard and shaggy eyebrows lightly. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club recommends leaving care of the anal glands and inner ears to your vet. Plan on a haircut for a pet schnauzer every few months.