Miniature Schnauzers - Breed Introduction
A member of the terrier family, the Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the Schnauzer breeds. Related to the Giant and Standard schnauzers, the Miniature has a less aggressive temperament than its larger relatives.
The dog has many talents, including hunting, tracking, competing in obedience and earth dog trials, and performing tricks, in addition to being a wonderful companion.
Miniature Schnauzers stand 13 to 14 inches (33 to 35 centimeters) tall, and weigh between 15 and 18 pounds (7 to 8 kilograms).
History of Breed
Renderings of Schnauzer-like dogs date back to the 1400s, and the existence of a standard-sized dog resembling a Schnauzer was recorded in 17th-century Germany. Schnauzers originated in the cattle- and sheep-farming areas of Württemberg and Bavaria in southern Germany.
These predecessors were good farm dogs and ratters, and their stamina also made them useful as coach dogs. The breed wasn’t officially recognized by Germany until 1899. The German word “schnauzer” means “muzzle,” which seems appropriate for a dog whose distinctive mustache gives him the appearance of a wise elder.
Miniature Schnauzers are thought to be a cross between the Standard Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher, and possibly the Poodle. The Miniature Schnauzer first appeared in America in 1925, and gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 1933. The popularity of the breed soared after World War II, and it continues to be popular today.
Color and Coat
This breed sports a coat that may be solid black or white (though white is the least commonly seen color), black with silver markings, or salt-and-pepper colored.
Miniature Schnauzers have a short- to medium-length, wiry outercoat with a dense undercoat.
Personality and Temperament
Miniature Schnauzers are lively little characters. They are alert, intelligent, and affectionate, and make good companion dogs.
Though friendly by nature, the Miniature Schnauzer can nevertheless be counted on to bark if he suspects that anything is amiss, and to that extent, makes a good watchdog. His deep bark belies his size.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a quick study and is easy to train, but isn’t likely to appreciate doing the same task over and over just for the sake of training. At times, the breed may exhibit some stubbornness, but this can be overcome with firmness and , consistency.
The breed’s exercise needs are moderate – a daily walk and outdoor play for anywhere from half an hour to an hour a day should suffice.
Miniature Schnauzers adore children, and can get along well with other family pets, but this is best accomplished by socializing them with other animals at an early age. Though less aggressive toward other dogs than the other terrier breeds, this little guy still has the courage to stand up to dogs much bigger than he is, and can benefit from the wiser judgment of his human companions.
The Miniature Schnauzer is an indoor dog. He is content to be left alone, and is rarely destructive when left to his own devices – a real plus for those who may not be able to spend as much time with the dog as they’d like. That’s not to say, however, that this breed doesn’t enjoy attention. They love to be an integral part of their owners’ lives, and make excellent companions.
Show Characteristics
Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy dogs with a square build. They have a straight top line, with a slight downward slope from the shoulders to the withers. Emphasizing the dog’s squareness, the length of the dog should equal its height at the back end.
The chest is deep and moderately broad. Their heads are broad and long, tapering to a blunt muzzle with a black nose. Miniature Schnauzers have medium-sized, dark, oval eyes, framed by bushy eyebrows.
The eyes should have a keen, lively expression. The breed’s distinctive eyebrows and beard are often trimmed in such a manner as to highlight the squareness of the dog’s shape. The ears form a V-shape and fold forward if unaltered; however, they are often cropped to a point and stand erect.
The tail is usually docked to 3 joints, and should be carried high. Miniature Schnauzers are expected to have a perfect scissor bite. The dog’s undercoat is usually stripped out to give the coat a cleaner and shorter appearance overall. White is the only coat color that is considered unacceptable for show purposes.
Typical Health Concerns
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to some ailments that are specific to the breed, in particular, Schnauzer comedo syndrome, a type of follicular dermatitis. They may also suffer from fatty tumors and adenomas.
Grooming
A daily brushing will suffice at home, but professional trimming is usually desirable every two months or so. Typically, the hair on the legs is left longer than that on the body, which is clipped relatively short. Additionally, the whiskers may need some extra cleaning after mealtime. Shedding is minimal.
Country of Origin
The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany.
Average Life Span
The life span of the Miniature Schnauzer ranges from 9 to 15 years, with 12 to 14 years being the average.
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