Miniature Schnauzers

There’s a lot of information about Miniature Schnauzers on this site, but because it’s spread around on different pages people are finding it hard to access. With that in mind I decided to put all the Miniature Schnauzer information on this single page. I hope you find it useful in caring for your wonderful little dogs.

Miniature Schnauzers

The miniature Schnauzer is the outcome of the result of crossbreeding between the standard size Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds like Miniature Pinscher or Affenpincher and poodle. The aim was to create a smaller breed of standard Schnauzer which proved successful. Germany is the place where it originated in the early nineteenth century. The breed is one of the favorite and most popular breed in US.

The miniature Schnauzer comes in the color combination of pepper, salt, black and silver. Like any other dog miniature Schnauzer requires proper and regular grooming. But it advisable to include healthcare in grooming as this will help to keep the coat of your pet healthy. The coat over the top is very coarse and hard whereas the undercoat is extremely soft. The wiry coat of Miniature Schnauzer is easy to take care of. It should be trimmed around the eyes and ears and the knots should be clipped if any.

The maximum weight gain is up to fifteen pounds and it can reach to the height of twelve inches. The life expectancy of this miniature breed is around fourteen years and the time spend with the Miniature Schnauzer will always be a quality time. These dogs are bold and courageous and were originally used for guarding small farms, herds and families. They were once used as rat hunter and their small body helped them to get into tight places. Their natural instinct as rat hunter makes this dog untrustworthy when kept around small pets. Any animal smaller to them can suffer the attack of Miniature Schnauzer.

They are very lively and energetic and demands the attention of the owner, if not played with them they invent their own games and derive fun. They are very sensitive and emotional and if ignored by the owner for a long period can lead to depression and further leading to mental and physical deterioration. Miniature Schnauzer enjoys the company of children and knows to be gentle with them; moreover he is a very good companion with larger pets.

They can be easily adjust into the family and can be loving and loyal provided that they get comfortable with the surroundings. They are the excellent watch dogs and barks on those who appear to be a threat for their family. They are very cautious regarding strangers and shall defend vocally and do not resort physically. This breed easily gains weight if fed with balanced diets and regular exercise. In travelling they can prove to be very good companions.

Before and after buying a miniature Schnauzer a through medical checkup along with the inquiry of the medication and immunization should be done to keep you dog with sound health. This breed is considered to be a healthy breed but still it can have some health problems like bladder stones, diabetes and pancreatitis. It should never be fed with chocolates as this can act as poison and can take the life of your dog.

Miniature Schnauzer Pet Grooming

Not the typical trim but a cute “Teddy Bear” variation!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

How to Groom a Miniature Schnauzer Perfectly: A Step By Step Instruction Guide for Beginners

In this instruction manual, you will learn techniques you usually won’t find in grooming manuals, nor professional pet grooming courses. It consists of over 100 pages of fully detailed, illustrated photos devoted to the Miniature Schnauzer. In this manual you will learn about: * proper equipment (includes resources to purchase & maintenance) * bathing tips (gives shampoo types & what to choose for your dog, how often & how to bathe your Miniature Schnauzer properly

Miniature Schnauzer Grooming Charts

Grooming Needs of Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers have a striking and unique appearance. Their look, and overall health, is dependant on good dog grooming practices.

Miniature schnauzers have a double coat. This means that they have a soft, short haired coat under a long haired coat. Occasional “haircuts” are required to help keep the coat from matting. What other upkeep is required?

Besides the coat trimming, the dog needs regular baths, nail trimming, tooth brushing and having the anal glands expressed. Some owners enjoy doing the grooming themselves, while others prefer hiring a groomer to do it.

If you decide to use a groomer, visit the groomer before taking the dog. Check for cleanliness and if the groomers are adequately trained. Another consideration is what chemicals or soaps will be used on the dog. Also check the area where your Miniature Schnauzer will be kept before and after grooming.

Like any other business, get referrals and call them. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints.

There are several grooming aids that you’ll need if doing the grooming yourself. These items include clippers, combs, shears, toenail clippers, dog shampoo, conditioner and dog toothpaste. They should all be readily available at the larger pet supply retailers.

Before clipping your pet, take a look at a Schnauzer grooming chart. This will give you an idea of how to get the look that’s associated with this breed of dog.

It’s also important to regularly brush your dog’s coat. If the dog isn’t brushed frequently enough, its coat can become so matted that the mats have to be cut out.

An area of grooming that’s sometimes overlooked is dental hygiene. Some dogs love having their teeth brushed. Others act like they’re being killed. Regardless to how your dog reacts, it’s an essential element in grooming.

Not brushing can lead to tooth and gum disease that can threaten the dog’s life. Be sure to use dog toothpaste. Dogs may drool sometimes, but they can’t spit. Some of the ingredients in human toothpaste may be harmful to the dog if swallowed.

Your Miniature Schnauzer will periodically need to have its nails trimmed. This is frequently included as part of the package at the groomers. If you’re going to do it yourself, be sure to get dog specific toenail clippers. You might want to get a styptic pencil too.

The thing to be careful of when trimming nails is that you don’t cut the quick. That’s where the styptic pencil comes in. Even the pros occasionally make a mistake!

Another, sometime unpleasant, aspect of dog grooming is expressing the anal glands. The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the dog’s anus. They secrete a fluid into the feces during the dog’s bowel movement. This fluid produces a scent unique to that dog.

When this fluid isn’t released it begins to thicken and can lead to infection. For the dogs health it’s important that the groomer or vet periodically removes the fluid.

Pet owners need to make sure that all of these aspects of dog grooming are addressed. This will lead to a happier, healthier Miniature Schnauzer.

The Miniature Schnauzer: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet (Your Happy Healthy Pet)

An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet is the series to turn to when you want a basic reference that’s reliable, up-to-date, and complete. These guides feature:Expert authors, plus renowned guest contributors on specialized topicsFull-color photos throughoutBasic information on the breed, species, or topicComplete coverage of care, health, grooming, training, and moreTips and techniques to make life with a pet more rewarding

“What Is The Best Dog Food For My Miniature Schnauzer?”

Royal Canin Mini Schnauzer 25 Dry Dog Food 10lb

Royal Canin Mini Schnauzer 25 Dry Dog Food Intelligent nutrition for the purebred dog, Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer 25 Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to meet specific dietary needs to help your Mini Schnauzer live a happy and healthy life. It’s custom-made to optimize the body’s ability to manufacture melanin, help reduce risk of obesity-related diseases and help prevent plaque and tartar, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Features: · For Miniature Schnauzers over 10 months.

History and Origin of Miniature Schnauzers

The Miniature Schnauzer is an affectionate, small robust with squarely proportioned shape. It is believed that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and black Poodle are the dog breeds that possibly have took part in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was nurtured by means of breeding the Standard Schnauzer with several small dogs including Affenpinschers and Poodles.

Description

The Miniature Schnauzer (pronounced as Miniature SCHNOW-zer) is a compact robust dog. It is naturally small in size, has whiskers, shaggy beard, and arched spiking eyebrows. This squarely proportioned breed also has long mustache that is regularly sheared to play up with its figure. It has a firm sinewy hair coat. Its hair coat colors vary from black, salt and pepper, to white or black and silver coat. Its salt and pepper or gray shade is the outcome of distinctive dark and light clustering of each hair. This dog’s tail is typically curtailed and its frontal legs are neatly straight. The miniature schnauzer’s head is long with a black nose and egg-shaped, dark eyes. Its v-shaped ears naturally fold frontward or shorten to a point. It usually weighs thirteen to fifteen pounds and stands from twelve to fourteen inches. The Schnauzer’s size enables it to adjust to both small urban districts and country boroughs.

Personality

The miniature schnauzer is a fantastic companion and family pet. It is an affectionate dog who likes to be around people including kids. Some can be suspicious and aloof with strangers, yet the majority enjoys being with a group. It is docile, smart, bouncy and a good watch dog. It is likely to bark often, but it’s not as irritating as one imagines.

Origin and History

The actual origin of the Miniature Schnauzers is quite unclear, though speculations declare that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and black Poodle are the dog breeds that possibly have took part in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was nurtured by means of breeding the Standard Schnauzer with several small dogs, probably with Affenpinschers and Poodles. These dogs were largely employed for hunting, droving, pulling farm carts, stock tender, as well as watching kids and herds. They have a somewhat distinctive personality than other terriers.

In 1492, Albrecht Durer crafted a painting called “Madonna with the Many Animals”. In this masterpiece, a Schnauzer was portrayed as a domestic buddy. All Schnauzers are believed to have developed in Bavaria and Wurttemberg kingdoms. The Miniature Schnauzers became recognized in Germany as “kinder watchers” and was chiefly utilized to look after children and farm animals. Eventually, these dogs were also utilized to catch mice since they’re good at it in addition to its petite stature which was ideal to slip into snug areas to seize mice.

In those days, the German Pinscher and Schnauzer were of similar breed with only distinction is by their fur. Wire-haired dogs were dubbed as “schnauze” which means “beard”. Smooth coated ones were called “pinschers”. These two dog types were born in the same brood.

Before the year 1910, the Schnauzer is only recognized in Germany. However following World War I, it grew to be admired all over the globe. In the course of the war, giant schnauzers were espoused as messengers and police. In 1925, the Schnauzer was transported to the United States America and was categorized under the Terrier Group. The next year, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and became famous in the country as well as other parts of the world.

The schnauzer is categorized into three separate breeds and sizes–the Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer is the earliest, archetype breed while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the smallest and newest breed. The chic Miniature Schnauzer now belongs to the top 10 of the most prevalent dog breeds in the States.

“What Are The Differences Between A Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer And Giant Schnauzer?”

Other than the size differences between the varieties of Schnauzers, there are more traits and characteristics that distinguish each type of Schnauzer as an individual breed.

Miniature Schnauzers generally stand at about 13-14 inches; their coats can be a variety of colors from Salt and Pepper, Black with some silver markings or the rare color of white. The Miniature Schnauzer is quite intelligent, lively and attentive but can have a stubborn streak. They can be quite loyal to their family, as well as good with children and other household pets, but will quite notably announce strangers with loud barking. Training requires a confident owner that is consistent with their teachings, while they may be eager learners they do like to follow their own agenda at times. They are full of life and energy, so long walks and playing, spending time with you is something they enjoy immensely.

The Standard Schnauzer stands at approximately 17 ¾ – 19 ½ inches, their coats are rather wiry and curly, very rugged looking. Their colorings are similar to that of the Miniature Schnauzer of either full black or Salt and Pepper. They are quite the intelligent dog and eager to learn new things. The Standard Schnauzer has an even temperament but does have a stubborn streak too. Training must be kept consistent and firm, but they do respond quite well to sound of their owner’s voice. They are well mannered with children and other household animals but they are wary around strangers. Compared to the Miniature Schnauzer their exercise needs are fairly average. They do love playing ball, swimming and running through the forest.

Now the Giant Schnauzer stand at 23 ½ – 27 ½ inches and has a Salt and Pepper colored coat with a dark face. They are fairly alert and make great watch dogs. They bond strongly with their family and never like to stray too far home. While they are also good with children and other pets they do become rather shy around strangers. Consistent training is a must as they do tend to have their own agenda and sometimes ignore some commands. Being firm but fair with a variety of training will lead them in to the right direction. Lots of outdoor exercise is required to keep them in tip top shape.

So if you are looking for a particular Schnauzer for a pet it would recommended that you look at each type and compare it to your family’s lifestyle to see whether their characteristics and type of care fits in. All are great as pets, the hardest part is choosing which one.

Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed Training Tips And Advice

Your Miniature Schnauzer training will be much more successful if praise is only used as a reward in the daily training with your puppy. That is when your pup actually does something you desire. Otherwise, praise should be withheld. When teaching a new command you should use a physical movement or stance which helps to show your dog what it means. Then as soon as your puppy starts to make the proper movement, pile on the praise. That is, when your dog does a desired action, you should pet him and make a fuss of him.
This important conditioning of your Miniature Schnauzer associating behavior with praise is show when you teach you dog basic commands like “Sit”. First say your puppy’s name, followed by the command “Sit”. At the same time hold your hand a few inches above you dog, then move it a little behind his dog’s head. He will raise his head to keep an eye on your hand and sit. Gentle pressure can be used on your dog’s rear if required. When he sits praise him. Repeat this exercise followed by praise (stroking and saying “good boy/girl” in a friendly upbeat tine) on success and your Schnauzer will begin to sit without the hand single. This is very effective because it is the need for positive praise and attention which is driving your dog to sit
Training sessions should be short and no longer then 10 minutes at a time and always end with lots of petting, praise and play. Caring for you puppy in this way soon makes him understand that doing as you ask and following you as a “leader” results great rewards. Professional trainers often call this type of dog training the “earn and praise,” method or the “No free lunch” system. Consistency is the key to all puppy training, and this goes for all family members. Otherwise your puppy may become confused or learn the easy way of getting praise without working for it.
In working like this with all you training your Schnauzer puppy will learn and enjoy being a “follower” within the family. This behavioral foundation will make all of your future training and socialization work much easier as your dog will be eager to please. Showing your dog that you are a competent leader, allows you puppy to be a subordinate which, in turn, makes him less frustrated and aggressive (protective). This leads to a happy, gentle, well behaved and obedient dog who is a please to be around and own. Miniature Schnauzers who do not have a leader will take this role for themselves and can become aggressive, unruly, fretful destructive and disobedient. You have been warned! So, becoming the pack leader, in your dog’s eyes, is vitally important and has the added advantage of avoiding most unwanted behavior associated with this breed.
Dominant older Miniature Schnauzers dogs will respond well to the total “social attraction” regimen of training with praise and leadership too. However, because of the months or years, during which an adult dog has been dominance, owners will need to be very strict, kind and patient to change the balance of power. Consistency is the key again as is praise after every successful change in behavior you dog shows.
Treats are very effective in training older stubborn dogs who are set in their ways but are not as necessary with puppies as the reward of praise in usually enough in it’s self.

Miniature Schnauzer – Eye Problems

The Miniature Schnauzer is a feisty and playful dog. It tends to be overtly active at times and often gets hurt in the process. One should be extremely careful while playing with it.

The most common problem that a Miniature Schnauzer owner faces while playing with his dog is when the dog hurts himself in the face and even worse, in the eyes.

The dog should never be allowed to hang his head outside the window because flying debris and even insects can harm his vision.

If the dog gathers dirt in his eyes, a concoction of 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of salt should be the perfect solution. Without touching his eyes, a cotton swab should be dipped into the concoction and his eyes can be effectively cleaned with the same. Avoid eye drops unless prescribed by the vet.

Powders and soaps are to be completely avoided and trimming and clipping the hair around the eyes can go a long way in preventing irritation and eye infection.

Excess mucus or tearing, cataract and glaucoma are some of the eye ailments that are seen to affect a Miniature Schnauzer. But the most common among all ailments is the dry eye.

Just as it sounds like, the dry eye syndrome is when the dog’s eyes become dry and he suffers from irritation.

According to vets, the Miniature Schnauzer suffers from dry eyes because the dog’s immune system mistakes its tear glands for a foreign object that needs to be destroyed. When the tear glands are unable to produce adequate moisture to combat the immune system’s attack, the eyes become more and more dry.

Dry eye often leads to injured corneas, infections and even blindness. The most common symptoms are rubbing of eyes, reddened eyes, yellow discharge, and squinting and even cloudiness of vision.

This ailment is more rampant in middle-aged to senior dogs as compared to the younger ones.

When the first signs of dry eyes are noticed, one should immediately rush his Miniature Schnauzer to the veterinarian before conducting any kind of treatment of his own.

How To Successfully Train Your Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers came to be, around 1880. These dogs are designed to be working dogs, specifically for small farms. Even though these are small dogs, their breed is used for guarding and herding sheep. At one point, they were even used for catching rats! Miniature Schnauzers are of the terrier type. Schnauzers are one of the easiest breed of dog to train!

In recent times, schnauzers have created some ongoing controversy. This breed of dog does not have lethal white gene or congenital theories. These are not albino breeds, they show qualities of their colored counterparts and are very strong and robust dogs. The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) now honors white Schnauzers within their breed type. Now, Schnauzers are allowed to participate in agility and obedience contests sponsored by the AKC. Go Schnauzers!

Temperament for Mini Schnauzer
• Very alert and affectionate.
Schnauzers are direct, follow commands and obedient (if trained).
They are eager to satisfy their owner.
Schnauzer’s have a great sense of their territory.
Quite Pricey Dogs. When they see their owner, they will most likely greet you with a joy or excitement!
Schnauzers are very skidish towards new people initially, until their master lets them know that person is safe.
• Very playful.
• Usually, they are known for working well in a family environment, you should always watch your dog.
• These dogs have a high tolerance for hunt, especially when tracking prey. If they see a bird, rodent, or any other small animal on your property, they will definitely attack it.

Not to your benefit, if you do not keep your Schnauzer occupied, they will occupy themselves! It can be very intriguing to see what type of interesting fun activities they make come up with on their own!

The physical traits of this dog is short and stocky. They need regular grooming and are said to be the one of the most elegant in the terrier breed. Thegeneral life term for this dog is about 13 years. Schnauzers are extremely affectionate. If you are looking for a loving dog, these are a good match. I hope you like dog kisses too! These dogs are very elegent looking, and very devoted to their masters!

The Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Handbook

A practical handbook dedicated to all who love the Miniature Schnauzer Puppies. From day-to-day care to health considerations, the author gives a full review regarding the most important aspects to consider when taking home one of these adorable and friendly puppies.

Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

Description: The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, that is 12 to 14 inches in height and 10 to 15 pounds in weight. This dog is little but is built sturdily. The body is square and in proportion, with a strong head, that is a rectangular shape. The head gets slightly smaller from their ears to the eyes. Their jaw is scissor bite. They have a strong muzzle, with a black nose. With small eyes, that are deep-set and dark brown in colour. The ears are set high on the head and cropped to points in countries that permit this. When left naturally the ears are small and V shaped, folding close to the head. Their legs are straight, with pretty and small feet. The tail is docked, in countries that permit docking, and is seen over the back line of the dog. This is a double coated breed with a wiry outer coat, and a soft undercoat. The fur is cliped to give the appearance of a bushy beard moustache and eyebrows. Coat colours are; salt and pepper, black and silver, white and black. This breed’s life expectancy is around 15 years.

History: This breed comes from Germany, about the turn-of-the-century. Smooth coated Miniature Schnauzers and coarse haired, Schnauzer dogs can appear in the same litters. This led to the ruling put down of three generations of coarse haired Schnauzer coats for registration. This quickly helps sort out and set the breed types. From there, the standard Schnauzers, Affenpinscher, and possibly the Poodle, were used in the genetic pool. This dog was used as a vermin exterminator, but nowadays is mostly a companion dog. Some of their talents include tracking, hunting, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Temperament: This breed likes to be with the family, in the hub of all activities. They are energetic and get on well with children. This breed is particularly devoted and affectionate. This breed needs socializing well. With proper leadership Miniature Schnauzers can get on with other dogs. Many of this breed will not listen to you if they sense they have a stronger mind. You need to be calm and firm, with an air of authority, to get the best from this breed. This dog makes a good watchdog and is a good dog to travel with. Do not allow small dog syndrome, this is where the dog feels they are in-charge of you, leading to problems for both, you and your dog. The problems that can arise with small dog syndrome are; separation anxiety, nervousness, disobeying you all the time and sometimes the temperament turns your dog into attacking much bigger dogs. This breed has lots of energy and needs good brisk walks daily. As this dog enjoys playing some energy could be lost with play sessions as well.

Health issues: The Miniature Schnauzer can be prone to diabetes, kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, hereditary eye problems and Von Willebrand’s disease and cysts. This breed can gain weight easily, so care must be taken not to over feed them.

Grooming: It is best to brush your dog daily with a short bristle brush to prevent matting. This breed requires clipping twice yearly, all over their body in spring and fall. Show dogs will need hand stripping and trimming instead of clipping. This is best done by experts until you learn how to do this. This dog sheds little, and so could be excellent for allergy sufferers.

Living conditions: The Miniature Schnauzer dog is good for apartment life and is calm in doors, providing, they have adequate exercise.

Rc Mini Schnauzer 2.5 Lb

• Originally bred as a working dog, today’s Miniature Schnauzers are affectionate and devoted companions. Their special physiology, such as sensitive skin and propensity to gain weight, makes the Miniature Schnauzer a very unusual breed that needs special attention, especially in terms of nutrition.
• Reduces Tartar – Sodium tripolyphosphate and specialized kibbles help to reduce dental plaque and limit tartar formation.
• Protects Sensitive Skin – A patented complex of B vitamins, amino acids and chelated minerals can reinforce the skin barrier. And essential fatty acids may reduce skin inflammation.
• Ideal Weight – A diet lower in fat, supplemented with L-Carnitine, which works to burn fat, may help to reduce the amount of fats in the bloodstream. The Miniature Schnauzer can be particularly sensitive to fat levels in the bloodstream, and even to the accumulation of cholesterol, a very rare occurrence in dogs.
• Enhances Natural Color – Nutrition can optimize the body’s ability to manufacture melanin, the pigment responsible for the coloration of skin and coat. The hair of black dogs, including the Miniature Schnauzer, may suffer from depigmentation, resulting in a reddish color.

Royal Canin Mini Miniature Schnauzer is formulated specifically to meet the special needs of a Miniature Schnauzers sensitive skin and their special nutritional needs.