The Miniature Schnauzer also known as Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer) is a small dog that is recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Terrier group along with several other organizations such as the Continental Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, United Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Great Britain, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, Zealand Kennel Club, American Pet Registry Inc., and the American Canine Registry. Even though all these clubs recognize the breed, they do place it in different classifications and breed standards such as the terriers or utility, thus standards may vary according to the Dog clubs rules of recognition.
He does look like his cousin the Standard Schnauzer, and has some of this attributes such as his alertness and activity. You will of course be able to recognize the miniature schnauzer from his masculine stature, moustache, and beard that are one of the most unique and beautiful traits of even the standard Schnauzer.
The miniature schnauzer do not shed which makes them great for many families that wish to have the love and affection from a pet, but do want all the hassles that come with the upkeep of long coats. However, this does not mean you can just let them go, their coat will need to hand stripped if you wish to place them in dog shows.
Appearance
The miniature schnauzer stands at 12 to inches high and weighs between 11 and 20 pounds. They are distinguished by their long beard, eyebrows, and feathering on their legs. In most cases, in the United States the ears are cropped and stand erect with the tails docked short. In Great Britain, the ears are not cropped.
The coat color is normally salt and pepper, black and silver, or black. With the salt and pepper coat and the black and silver the coat color has a tendency to fade to a light gray or silver underneath the throat and across the chest.
They have a double coat with a hard wiry outer coat and a close-knit undercoat. The coat should also be close on the neck, ears, and skull. Their eyes are deep set and dark brown with an oval appearance and showing an enthusiastic expression. Their head is rectangular with the width growing slightly smaller in width from the ears to the eyes and then to the tip of their nose. The Miniature Schnauzers muzzle is strong and blunt with thick whiskers. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite.
The miniature schnauzer has a strong and well-arched neck that blends with his shoulders. The body is short and deep with ribs that are well sprung and deep. Their backline is straight and does decline just a bit from the chest to the buttocks. The tail is erect and is set high. It is normally docked so it is only visible over the backline of the body.
Personality
The Miniature Schnauzer is known for being quite lively, exceptionally obedient, a fast learner, spunky and fearless but not to the aggressive stage. The do have a voice and love to use it, which makes them good at being a guard dog. They do tend to guard new comers to the home until they know they are friends.
They love children however, they do not do well with rough housing, and they enjoy more gentle ways of playing. They are very loyal, affectionate, sweet, and in most cases, they love the entire family but will have their favorite. They are also very active and high spirited as you might imagine from any terrier breed.
Care
The miniature schnauzer does quite well living an apartment or in the country. He can adapt to any condition or climate change, but does need exercise. A daily walk or even a romp in the park will allow him the exercise he needs.
He does not shed which makes him a great companion for those with allergies. The miniature schnauzer should be groomed every five to eight weeks to keep them looking their best. The grooming is really hand stripping and most people opt for professional groomers to do this task. However, you can brush the beard, the legs, and bathe them on a weekly basis. You can use a wire brush on the rest of his coat to ensure he does not have knots or mats in his hair. If he does have knots, you can cut these out rather easily with scissors.
History
The miniature schnauzer does quite well living an apartment or in the country. He can adapt to any condition or climate change, but does need exercise. A daily walk or even a romp in the park will allow him the exercise he needs.
He does not shed which makes him a great companion for those with allergies. The miniature schnauzer should be groomed every five to eight weeks to keep them looking their best. The grooming is really hand stripping and most people opt for professional groomers to do this task. However, you can brush the beard, the legs, and bathe them on a weekly basis. You can use a wire brush on the rest of his coat to ensure he does not have knots or mats in his hair. If he does have knots, you can cut these out rather easily with scissors.