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 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

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

DOG FAQ - Are schnauzer dogs hypoallergenic?

Yes, the Miniature Schnauzer breed is hypoallergenic.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 ‘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 - 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

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

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