Housebreaking - Let your miniature schnauzer out of the crate

Let your miniature schnauzer out of the crate for longer periods of time as she grows accustomed to going outside to do her business. If she has an accident, pick her up and take her outside to the same spot you always go to.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Take your dog outside to her favorite spot before crating her

Take your dog outside to her favorite spot before crating her and praise her when she urinates or defecates.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Purchase a crate

Purchase a crate just large enough for your dog to lie down in. Place a comfortable bed and a chew toy, but no food or water, in the crate.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Housebreaking - Housebreaking a miniature schnauzer will take diligence

Like most dogs, housebreaking a miniature schnauzer will take diligence and persistence. Because of their small size they may need to be taken outside more often, but miniature schnauzers are intelligent dogs and usually catch on quickly. Crate training and paper training, two of the most popular training methods are designed to teach your dog that going outside is the best place to do his business. A watchful eye and a positive attitude will go a long way in teaching your dog what is expected of him.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Check out potential breeders very carefully

Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions

Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions such as kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and diabetes.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Look at a miniature schnauzer's features

Look at a miniature schnauzer's features when choosing yours. The face is long with thick eyebrows, a long beard and a mustache. The expression should be bright with eyes that are dark and oval-shaped. The wiry outer coat is colored either salt and pepper, black and silver, or black.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes

Note that miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes. They're able to get enough exercise inside and don't require a backyard.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Friendly and playful with children

Choose a miniature schnauzer if you have children in the house. This dog is friendly and playful with children.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature Schnauzers are aggressive with most dogs

Reconsider getting a miniature schnauzer if you have other dogs in the house. Schnauzers are aggressive with most dogs unless socialized with them.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature schnauzers are not for everyone

Keep in mind that miniature schnauzers are not for everyone. They have a lot of energy, bark often and are very demanding of their owner's attention.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Selection guide - Miniature Schnauzer is a great watchdog

The miniature schnauzer, originally used to kill rats, comes from Germany and is a mix of the standard schnauzer and the affenpinscher breeds. The schnauzer, whose name means "muzzle" in German, is affectionate and rambunctious and makes a great watchdog.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Bonding tip - Don't get stressed

Don't get stressed - if your schnauzer puppy doesn't want to learn, try again another day. Do reward with treats if the behavior is encouraging.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Bonding tip - Playtime is important

You need to have structured, regular play with your miniature schnauzer puppy.

One walk a day is good exercise, but not enough to help you both bond.
Instead, buy a big bone, or fill a Kong full of treats and hold it while he chews. This is how animals bond in the wild.

Try and maintain eye contact while he’s chewing; it really feels like you’re both sharing!

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Bonding tip - Feeding time is bonding time

Make your puppy sit and wait for his dinner – you need to assert that you’re in charge of his meals – once he knows it’s you that’s feeding him he’ll start to love you like his own mother. You’ll be pack leader, and you’ll gain his respect.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Bonding tip - Teach him his name

After deciding on a name, catch your miniature schnauzer’s attention while you hold a treat in your hand.

If you can get him to approach you, or look at you after calling his name, pass him a treat. You’re teaching him that when you call that particular word, you’re after his attention. This is the first step in bonding with your new puppy – an ignorant, naughty dog will only make you feel more stressed!

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Check out potential breeders very carefully

Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions

Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions such as kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and diabetes.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Look at a miniature schnauzer's features when choosing yours

Look at a miniature schnauzer's features when choosing yours. The face is long with thick eyebrows, a long beard and a mustache. The expression should be bright with eyes that are dark and oval-shaped. The wiry outer coat is colored either salt and pepper, black and silver, or black.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments

Note that miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes. They're able to get enough exercise inside and don't require a backyard.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Choose a miniature schnauzer if you have children in the house

Choose a miniature schnauzer if you have children in the house. This dog is friendly and playful with children.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Miniature schnauzers are aggressive with most dogs

Reconsider getting a miniature schnauzer if you have other dogs in the house. Miniature schnauzers are aggressive with most dogs unless socialized with them.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Attention - Miniature schnauzers are not for everyone

Keep in mind that miniature schnauzers are not for everyone. They have a lot of energy, bark often and are very demanding of their owner's attention.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Bark a lot

Miniature Schnauzer dog likes to bark a lot.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Understand health problems

Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions such as kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and diabetes.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Trim your Miniature Schnauzer's nails

Trim your Miniature Schnauzer's nails every two to three weeks.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your miniature schnauzer's coat daily

Brush your miniature schnauzer's coat daily with a wire brush. Have a professional trim her coat twice a year. Miniature schnauzers shed very little.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Walk or run your miniature schnauzer daily

Walk or run your miniature schnauzer daily. Make sure the dog has plenty of playtime off leash as well.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Socialize your miniature schnauzer

Socialize your miniature schnauzer to be with other dogs at an early age. Miniature schnauzers are aggressive with dogs they have not been raised with and will need to be watched outside your home.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Feed your miniature schnauzer

Feed your miniature schnauzer high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Vaccinate your miniature schnauzer when you first get her

Vaccinate your miniature schnauzer when you first get her, and make sure she gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain her immunity to disease. Also, worm your adult dog every three months and consult your veterinarian about flea control products.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are schnauzer dogs hypoallergenic?

Yes, the Miniature Schnauzer breed is hypoallergenic.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How many puppies do miniature Schnauzers have on average?

Miniature Schnauzers on average have 3 to 4 puppies in a liter.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How much do miniature Schnauzers cost for a puppy?

The price of miniature schnauzers vary by breeders but look to spend about $800.00 or around there for a puppy.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Does the Miniature Schnauzer require alot of grooming?

Miniature Schnauzers should be groomed every five to eight weeks to look their best. This is something most people choose to let a professional do, but some choose to learn to do it themselves . The equipment needed - clippers and scissors - will pay for itself after just a few groomings. The beard and leg furnishings should be brushed weekly and may be bathed as often. Most people choose to machine clipper pets as this is the most convenient way to keep them looking sharp.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Should the tail be docked on my Miniature Schnauzer?

The standard for the Miniature Schnauzer says “tail - set high and carried erect. It is docked only long enough to be clearly visible over the backline of the body when the dog is in proper length of coat.” In other words, the tail is to be docked. Tail docking is done at about three days of age, prior to the nerves in the tail generating.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Should the ears be cropped on my Miniature Schnauzer?

The breed standard allows for both cropped and uncropped ears for Miniature Schnauzer and has a very good description of each. Ear cropping is usually done between seven and twelve weeks of age. The earlier it is done, the faster the puppy heals. The ear cropping process should be done prior to the puppy being placed as a pet and handled by the reputable breeder.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Does a schnauzer need to be an indoor dog or can they be an outdoor dog too?

Miniature Schnauzers are fine as indoor dogs with a small or no yard. Standard and Giant Schnauzer should be indoors at night at least.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Is it normal for miniature Schnauzer pups so be warm and breathe fast?

This is a common way for Miniature Schnauzer dog to lessen heat within themselves. Give the puppy some water! They will appreciate!

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How much are Miniature Schnauzer puppies?

The price of miniature schnauzers vary by breeders but look to spend about $800.00 or around there for a puppy.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How big does a miniature schnauzer get?

Miniature Schnauzers can be anywhere from 12-14 inches (30-36cm.) tall and Weigh 10-15 pounds (5-7kg).

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do miniature schnauzers shed?

The Miniature Schnauzer does not shed a lot, so he often can be enjoyed by persons who are allergic to other breeds of dogs.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What Is The average Age of a miniature schnauzer?

The Miniature Schnauzer dog has an average lifespan of 14 to 15 years.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Should I breed my Miniature Schnauzer?

Considering the number of health issues in casually bred Miniature Schnauzers, breeding is a very important decision. To have a litter of puppies requires a lot of work and effort. Some think having a litter will get their ‘investment’ back or be a quick way to make some money. This is not wise considering the number of poor quality, casually bred members of the breed there are already. Breeding should not be taken casually. Serious breeders give a lot of thought to heredity of conformation, health and temperament. If you are considering breeding your dog.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why will the breeder not let me pick my own Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

A serious breeder breeds for their breeding program, not to produce a commercial product. Some might hang onto some of the puppies for a while to see how they develop. The breeder will ask you questions to determine what type of temperament you are looking for. Some puppies tend to be more outgoing and/or boisterous and some are calmer. The breeder has spent time with the litter and has the opportunity to observe the individual temperaments. The breeder also has more experience in placing puppies than the potential buyer who probably purchases a puppy just a handful of times in their lives.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why am I required to alter my Miniature Schnauzer?

A responsible breeder is extremely choosey as to what he considers to be breeding quality. The rest of the puppies will be sold as pets most likely with an agreement to alter them prior to receiving the AKC registration. If someone has plans to breed, the breeder should be approached for a breeding quality Miniature Schnauzer. That would require different stipulations and the breeder would possibly require you to co-own the dog with them or consult with them on breeding decisions. This is to help the aspiring breeder to learn and have a mentor. This also helps to protect the breeder’s line.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does the breeder ask so many questions?

The serious breeder cares about the puppies and wants to make sure that the puppy goes to the best home. You might be asked questions about yourself and your family, the type of home you live in (apartment, townhouse, house, etc.), if the yard is fenced, previous dogs you have owned among other things. This may seem personal but the breeder has a genuine interest in placing the puppy in the best home. The serious breeder considers this an adoption process, not the selling of a product. On the other hand, you should be asking the breeder questions also.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What should the breeder provide me with my new Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

The breeder should provide you with a record of the dates/types of wormings/shots and a pedigree at no charge. The breeder will hopefully provide you with written instructions on feeding, training and care of your new Miniature Schnauzer puppy. They should show you proof of eye exams on the parents and the puppies at eight weeks of age. A serious breeder will usually provide you with a written contract and a warranty against development of hereditary problems. This benefits both buyer and seller. Serious breeders will be willing to take the dog back at any point if you are no longer able to care for the dog. They will be available to provide advice on training, feeding, and raising puppies.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What is a "Schnoodle"?

“Schnoodle” is a clever marketing gimmick for a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Poodle. There is nothing wrong with mixed breeds, but these breeders are simply creating a product and marketing it with claims such as non-shedding and ‘best of both breeds’. They use the marketing term ‘designer dog’. Simple knowledge of genetics will show that the claim that the dog will get the ‘best’ of both breeds is without merit. There is no control over which genes the parents give and it could just as well be the worst of both parents. They claim the mix will be healthier than purebreds because it is not doubling up on genes of both breeds. It is just as possible that both parents happen to have the same bad gene for cataracts, for example, whether they are Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle. There is also the claim by many, including some veterinarians, of ‘hybrid vigor’. This again, is not scientifically accurate. The term hybrid refers to the crossing of two different species, not two different dog breeds. They are still canine familiaris. And please remember that veterinarians are not trained in school to be genetic or breed experts. However, if they are a serious breeder an individual may have gained practical experience.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why not a Parti-color Miniature Schnauzer?

As with the White Miniature Schnauzer, this pattern did not represent the ideal the originators of the breed had in mind. The first developers of the breed informed breeders who came up with parties to not breed them. Again, serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why not a White Miniature Schnauzer?

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed to be an identical version of the Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer has never come in the white color. Our history of the evolvement of the breed indicate that there probably were introductions of other breeds to reduce the size of the original breed. The originators of the breed recommended not breeding the whites and parti-colors that appeared. This was to preserve the breed as it was intended. The original German standard for the breed did not include whites; thus, the US standard stays true to the wishes of the originators of the breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Is there such a thing as a Silver Miniature Schnauzer?

When the Salt and Peppers are machine-clipped, the characteristic banded hairs disappear and they become a solid shade of gray, which can vary from a very light gray to dark slate gray. Some people will refer to Miniature Schnauzer that have a very light gray undercoat as ‘Silver’, but they are officially Salt and Pepper. When a lighter Salt and Pepper is machine-clippered, the resulting undercoat can look almost silver. Once the dog has been clippered, what is left is the solid undercoat.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Is there such a thing as a ‘Toy’ Schnauzer?

No. There is no recognized breed called the ‘Toy Schnauzer’ or ‘Micro-Mini’. The breed was developed to be a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, but not so small as to be a toy breed. Some commercial breeders are producing Miniature Schnauzers that are less than 10” tall. This is a disqualification according to the breed standard. Sometimes the term ‘Toy’ is used to describe them. The ‘Toy’ Schnauzer is not a separate breed; it is simply an undersized Miniature Schnauzer. Serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Where can I find a Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

Not all breeders are knowledgeable or have the good of the breed at heart. Your best bet to find a healthy, well-adjusted puppy is from a serious breeder who is knowledgeable of the breed and the health problems commonly seen. Neither the AMSC nor the AKC (American Kennel Club) regulates breeders. An AKC registration does not guarantee quality. It certifies only that the animal is purebred and the offspring of the parents shown on the AKC registration certificate. Even then, its accuracy depends on the honesty of the breeder registering the litter. Visiting local dog shows is also a good way of meeting serious breeders in your area.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What size and weight are Miniature Schnauzers?

The breed standard calls for the height at the withers or shoulder blades to be at least 12" and no more than 14". It does not specify any particular weight for the breed. That will depend on size and bone structure. A dog measuring 12" to 14" will be 11 to 20 lbs. Some breeders are producing Miniature Schnauzer that are under 10" tall. This is a disqualification according to the breed standard. Sometimes the term 'toy' is used to describe them. The 'Toy' Schnauzer is not a separate breed, it is simply an undersized Miniature Schnauzer.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Does the Miniature Schnauzer shed or cause allergies?

Miniature Schnauzers shed very little. They tend to cause fewer and less severe reactions in people allergic to dogs than breeds that shed more. Of course, anyone allergic to dogs should spend time around the breed before buying a Miniature Schnauzer because individual reactions vary widely.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What kind of personality does the Miniature Schnauzer have?

The standard says it all: "the typical Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. He should never be overaggressive or timid." The Miniature Schnauzer is generally sweet, loving and loyal. They often have a favorite person, even though they will love the whole family. They will bark when someone comes to the door. Properly trained, though, they will stop when the owner indicates that the person at the door is welcome and not a threat. Miniature Schnauzers are generally intelligent and learn quickly. Many have excelled in formal obedience trials and are seen more and more in agility competitions. Though the breed was not originally bred to 'go-to-ground' for prey, he will gladly chase rodents wherever they go, including under ground. Miniature Schnauzers are eligible to participate in earthdog trials and some excel at them.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Aren't there different sizes for the Schnauzer?

The Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are distinct breeds though their conformation is very similar. The Standard Schnauzer was bred to keep the vermin population down on the farm, herd and guard the farm. The Giant Schnauzer was bred to do all those things plus pull carts and also has been used for police work. The Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers have similar but distinct personalities.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER AND CHILDREN

The Miniature Schnauzer is a calm dog that is good with children and other dogs. Miniature Schnauzer is devoted to home and family. Miniature Schnauzer is an enthusiastic barker, thus an excellent guard dog. The bushy beard does get messy with meals and needs extra care.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

TRAINING

The Miniature Schnauzer is naturally well mannered and obedient, however needs training. Miniature Schnauzer can be very demanding and if left alone, they can become somewhat of a tyrant. Consistency and a firm yet gentle hand is required. A variety of training methods work best with this breed. Obedience training must be started at an early age as they have the tendency to be stubborn. The Miniature Schnauzer is very eager to learn and is fairly easy to housebreak if the right techniques are used.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

FEEDING

Feeding the Miniature Schnauzer sounds very complicated, but a lot of it falls back on common sense. You want Miniature Schnauzer to have a diet high in nutrients that will help him to grow as healthily and disease-free as possible. Many of the dog foods are made of "fillers". When checking the ingredients of the dog food you are considering purchasing, make sure one or more of the first 5 ingredients listed are some kind of meat. By meat(proper meat) - not meat by products.

Many dog food companies will list one meat, then corn, then wheat, then soy. What you have in the first four ingredients consists of one quarter meat and three quarters grains (grains are corn, wheat and soy, and these are fillers). They may fill your dog up and make him think he's full but he's not getting the nutrition he needs. Your local vet can probably help you in choosing a food that is good for your Miniature Schnauzer.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

HEALTH INFORMATION

Miniature schnauzers are a healthy breed, and are not usually plagued by very many health problems. One of the biggest problems with miniature schnauzer seems to be controlling their weight. But regular exercise and proper nutrition will easily control this problem. One particular nutrition related problem that is occuring with increasing frequency in miniature schnauzers is pancreatitis.

It is not clearly understood, but appears to be associated with the fact that many miniature schnauzers have high blood serum lipids (fats). Symptoms generally include lack of appetite, repetitive vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy and depression. It is very much an emergency situation which requires immediate veterinary care to prevent more serious illness or even death. It can be prevented by maintaining your adult miniature schnauzer on a lower fat diet.

Another potential life-threatening problem is hyper-sensitivity to vaccines. Symptoms include facial swelling and extreme itchiness, and possible breathing problems. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

TEMPERAMENT

Temperament of Miniature Schnauzer:

The Miniature Schnauzer can have troubles with other dogs, however if properly trained and socialized, this breed can do all right. This breed should be supervised around small children, and does best with older children and more respectable children.

The Miniature Schnauzer can be combative with other dogs, however if raised with them this breed can do well. They are not recommended for a home with smaller animals such as the cat as they have the tendency to chase them.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

GROOMING

When it comes to grooming you will need to put some work in to keep the Miniature Schnauzer's coat in good condition. You should clean his beard on a daily basis for hygiene reasons and ensure that the hair around his bottom is kept trimmed. Brush the coat several times a week. For show dogs, the dead coat will need to be stripped every three months or so, or standard clipping can be used for pet dogs. This breed is a low shedder when groomed properly, and is therefore well suited to allergy sufferers.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

COAT AND COLOR

Coat of Miniature Schnauzer is double, with hard, wiry, outer coat and close undercoat. The head, neck, ears, chest, tail, and body coat must be plucked. When in show condition, the body coat should be of sufficient length to determine texture. Close covering on neck, ears and skull. Furnishings are fairly thick but not silky. Faults - Coat too soft or too smooth and slick in appearance.

The recognized colors of Miniature Schnauzer are salt and pepper, black and silver and solid black. All colors have uniform skin pigmentation, i.e. no white or pink skin patches shall appear anywhere on the dog.

Salt and Pepper - The typical salt and pepper color of the topcoat results from the combination of black and white banded hairs and solid black and white unbanded hairs, with the banded hairs predominating. Acceptable are all shades of salt and pepper, from light to dark mixtures with tan shadings permissible in the banded or unbanded hair of the topcoat. In salt and pepper dogs, the salt and pepper mixture fades out to light gray or silver white in the eyebrows, whiskers, cheeks, under throat, inside ears, across chest, under tail, leg furnishings, and inside hind legs. It may or may not also fade out on the underbody. However, if so, the lighter underbody hair is not to rise higher on the sides of the body than the front elbows.

Black and Silver - The black and silver generally follows the same pattern as the salt and pepper. The entire salt and pepper section must be black. The black color in the topcoat of the black and silver is a true rich color with black undercoat. The stripped portion is free from any fading or brown tinge and the underbody should be dark.

Black - Black is the only solid color allowed. Ideally, the black color in the topcoat is a true rich glossy solid color with the undercoat being less intense, a soft matting shade of black. This is natural and should not be penalized in any way. The stripped portion is free from any fading or brown tinge. The scissored and clippered areas have lighter shades of black. A small white spot on the chest is permitted, as is an occasional single white hair elsewhere on the body.

Disqualifications - Color solid white or white striping, patching, or spotting on the colored areas of the dog, except for the small white spot permitted on the chest of the black.

The body coat color in salt and pepper and black and silver dogs fades out to light gray or silver white under the throat and across the chest. Between them there exists a natural body coat color. Any irregular or connecting blaze or white mark in this section is considered a white patch on the body, which is also a disqualification



Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Miniature Schnauzers normally have a small, squarely proportioned build, measuring 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) tall and weighing 11 to 15 pounds (5.0 to 6.8 kg) for females and 14 to 18 pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kg) for males. They have a double coat. The exterior fur is wiry and the undercoat is softer. The coat is trimmed short on the body, but the longer hair on ears, legs, and edge of the body, a.k.a. the "furnishings", are retained.

They can be found with various colorations, including salt & pepper, black & silver, and black. White and parti may also be found, though these colors are not recognized in some countries. Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-shedding dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable. They are characterized by a long head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a "scissor bite"; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears. (When cropped, the ears point straight upward and come to a sharp point.) Their tails are naturally thin and short, and may be docked (where permitted). They will also have very straight, rigid front legs, and feet that are short and round (so-called "cat feet") with thick, black pads.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

START TO KNOW

The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle or Affenpinscher. The breed remains one of the most popular, and as of 2008 is the 11th most popular breed in the U.S.

The earliest records surrounding development of the Miniature Schnauzer in Germany come from the late 1800s. They were originally bred to be farm dogs in Germany, to keep the rats and other vermin out of the barn. In the breed's earliest stages, several small breeds were employed in crosses to bring down the size of the well-established Standard Schnauzer, with the goal of creating a duplicate in miniature. Crossing to other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher, Poodle and Miniature Pinscher, had the side effect of introducing colors that were not considered acceptable to the ultimate goal — and as breeders worked towards the stabilization of the gene pool, mismarked particolors (mixed colors) and white puppies were removed from breeding programs.

The first recorded Miniature Schnauzer was in 1888, and the first exhibition was in 1899. With their bold courage, the Miniature Schnauzer was originally used for guarding herds, small farms, and families. As time passed, they were also used to hunt rats, because they appeared to have a knack for it, and its small size was perfect to get into tight places to catch them.

The AKC accepted registration of the new breed in 1926, two years after they were introduced to the United States. The American Kennel Club groups this breed with the Terriers as it was developed for a similar purpose and has a similar character to the terrier breeds of the Britain and Ireland. The Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. The United Kingdom Kennel Club however, does not accept the Miniature Schnauzer as a true Terrier because it does not originate from the terrier breeds of the British Isles. Like the Tibetan Terrier and Boston Terrier it lists the Miniature Schnauzer in the Utility group for shows run under the UK Kennel Club rules such as Crufts. The FCI accepts the Schnauzer breeds but, again, does not list the Miniature Schnauzer as a Terrier.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my Miniature Schnauzer dog blog. Here you will learn about Miniature Schnauzer health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love Miniature Schnauzer.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover