The Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzer means “muzzle” or “beard”

Description: The Miniature Schnauzer is an energetic, active dog who has a bearded face and expressive eyes, clean habits, is neat in size and makes a delightful companion for apartment dweller or someone with a small house and yard. Charming and attractive, the perky Miniature Schnauzer is devoted to his home and family. He is an excellent family pet, tenaciously devoted to the family and a child’s companion .

Average Height: 13 - 14 inches

Height: (Toy) 8 -12”

Average Weight: 13 - 15 lbs

Weight: (Toy) 6 - 11 lbs

Color: Black, Salt & Pepper, Black & Silver, Silver, Chocolate, White and Parti-color. AKC allows Black, Salt & Pepper, and Black & Silver to be shown. Although all colors can be registered through AKC.

Coat: Harsh wiry outer coat, dense short undercoat. Sheds very little

Health: Hardy

Temperament: Lively, very friendly, affectionate, intelligent

Good With Children: Yes absolutely

Good With Pets: Yes

Watch-dog: Very High

Guard-dog: Low

Special Skills: Family pet, watchdog and

vermin destroyer.

Popularity: 13th among 137 AKC breeds.

Care and Exercise: Brush or comb the wiry coat daily or it will become matted. Clip out knots. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean whiskers after meals. Regular grooming is required to keep the beard and legs tangle-free; professional grooming is needed to maintain the “Schnauzer" look, unless you learn to do it yourself. DVD's are available on line. Needs long, brisk, daily walks and loves to play off leash.

Training: Needs a confident handler who is fair and consistent. Schnauzers have a mind of their own and need variety as opposed to repetition. Once a schnauzer sits in the CEO chair, it may be difficult to convince him to revert to being just another family member.

Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - Medium

Activity: High

Living Environment: City or country… he is an ideal pet for any setting.

Health Issues: Bladder stones, liver diseases, skin disorders and cysts.

(Keep them on vitamins and a good nutritious, healthy diet, chances of problems much less)

Life Span: 12 - 14 Years

Litter Size: 3 - 6

Country of Origin: Germany

History: His actual roots are uncertain, but there is speculation that the Standard Schnauzer and other mixing of Affenpinschers, Poodles, the wolf-spitz and a rough coated German terrier are some of the breeds which may have played a part in his early development... He was primarily used for herding, protecting the flocks as well as a watchdog. There are (3) sizes of schnauzers recognized by American Kennel Club. Miniature, Standard and Giant. The Schnauzer is recognizable in pictures of the 15th century. The Miniature Schnauzer was exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899.

FOR FULL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THIS MAGNIFICANT BREED, GO TO: www.akc.org

First Registered by the AKC: 1926

AKC Group: Terrier Group

Class: Terrier Group