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Bearded face cocked, large, expressive eyes reflecting his merry character, the Miniature Schnauzer is a mischief-maker bent on bringing joy to his world. Actually, his lighthearted air belies his stolid Germanic origin and camouflages his tenacious devotion to his family.
One of three modern breeds with schnauzer in its name, The Miniature Schnauzer is the Smalest and much of the most popular of the German Schnauzer breeds ("schnauze" is the German for nose). It descends from the same root stock as the other Schanuzer, mixed with Affenpinscher and Miniature Pinscher. Like many of the most popular breeds, it has suffered from irresponsible breeding practices that have introduced some health problems. In spite of this, it remains an excellent choice for a family pet, though its lively, feisty character (it was originally bred to catch rats) means that is best suited to an owner or family that is used to dogs. However, it is not as snappy as the terrier breeds and has a calmer disposition. It is an enthusiastic guard dog. It will adapt hapily to life in a city apartment and likes nothing better than to observe what's going on in the street from the window. Despite their size, Schnauzers should never be thought of as lapdogs. Always alert and active, they are very tough and solidly built, and enjoy plenty of company and a good walk. They are very affectionate and respond quickly to training, which is always a good idea to ensure that their activity does not  become hyperactivity.
Most miniature breeds are wary of children, and Miniature Schnauzer are no exception. It's probably because children are more unpredictable and less gentle than adults. Small dogs are more likely to feel bumps than larger ones. If hurt they will snap. Young children should never be left on their own with a dog, even a small one - AKC
BREED PROFILE                   

Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years

Adult Height: M (36cm) F (30cm)

Adult Weight: M (7kg) F (6kg)

Temperament: Lively, alert, tough, faithful. Good family dog that enjoys company. Sometimes nervous around children. Fairly vocal but not shrill. Will react to any noise nearby. A good choice for a family that is accustomed to keeping dogs.

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Known Health Issues
Cataracts are progressive opacities of the lens in one or both eyes. The pupil becomes grey or white instead of the the normal black colour. In advanced cases the lens looks like a pearl and the dog may go blind. In the miniature Schnauzer cataracts tend to be inherited, although, as in other breeds, they can be due to other causes including infection, diabetes, and trauma. Von Willebrand's Disease, an inherited disease of the platelets ( a blood component that helps in clotting), is not common, but when occurs it leads to unexpected and unexplained bleeding. Transfusions may help control the problem. Perthe's Disease is a disease affecting the development of one or both hips joints . It occurs when the bone of the head of the femur degenerates , producing severe pain and eventual collapse of the joint. Failure of the blood supply to this small piece of bone is thought to be the cause. Medical treatment can sometimes help in the early stages, but an operation is often needed to remove the affected piece of bone.

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Pronunciation Miniature SCHNOW-zer
Description The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The thick, prominent eyebrows and long mustache are often trimmed to accentuate the dog's square cut shape. The front legs are very straight. The tail is usually docked. The oval eyes are dark colored, and the v-shaped ears fold forward when left natural or are cropped to a point and stand erect. It has a long head, strong muzzle, a well-developed black nose and a scissors bite. Coat colors include salt & pepper, black, white or a harsh black & silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. The white Miniature Schnauzer is a bit controversial. It is not recognized by the AKC. Some claim the white Schnauzer is a form of albinism, while others beg to differ.
 

Temperament Very perky and bright-eyed. Loving and intelligent. Energetic, affectionate, and obedient. Playful, happy and alert, they like children. The Miniature Schnauzer demands time and companionship from its owner. It can be feisty and fairly dog-aggressive - putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight. This can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, who will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble on himself than he really wanted. Socialize this breed well with other dogs when it is still a puppy. If properly introduced, the Miniature Schnauzer will get along with another dog, but will not accept every dog that comes its way. Since the temperament of this breed can be quite variable, select a puppy from parents whose temperament you enjoy. They make good companions and family pets. Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, but it does not have a yappy bark and is not as annoying as one may think. Most of the time the dog's bark sounds like it is talking to you in a low carried-out voice. They make good guard dogs and mouse catchers. They are excellent watchdogs and are great to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most love everyone.
Height, Weight Height: Dogs 12-14 inches (30-36cm.) Bitches 11-13 inches (28-33cm) Weight: Dogs 11-18 pounds (5-8kg.) Bitches 10-15 pounds (5-7kg)
 

Health Problems This is usually a healthy breed. Although some are prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts. Also hereditary eye problems. Eyes of breeding stock should be checked for this. Do not overfeed the Schnauzer, for he tends to gain weight easily.
Living Conditions The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
 

Exercise These energetic little dogs enjoy long, brisk, daily walks, and love play sessions off the leash.
Life Expectancy About 15 years. It shows no signs of age until quite late in life.
Grooming The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become matted. Clip out any knots. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but this is a job best left to an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. On pet dogs the coat is usually clipped short on the upper body and left somewhat longer on the under-parts, legs and head. Show dogs require trimming and hand stripping instead of clipping. This breed sheds little to no hair and is a good dog for allergy sufferers.
Origin The Miniature Schnauzer is reportedly a result of crosses between the Standard Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the Poodle. He is originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." The Miniature Schnauzer excels at killing rats, but today it is mostly a popular and esteemed companion. Some of the Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
Group Terrier, AKC Terrier
Recognition CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC

CKC = Continental Kennel Club FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale AKC = American Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain CKC = Canadian Kennel Club ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club NKC = National Kennel Club NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club


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