The
Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The thick,
prominent eyebrows and long mustache are often trimmed to accentuate the dog's square cut shape. The front legs are very
straight. The tail is usually docked. The oval eyes are dark colored, and the v-shaped ears fold forward when left natural
or are cropped to a point and stand erect. It has a long head, strong muzzle, a well-developed black nose and a scissors bite.
Coat colors include salt & pepper, black, white or a harsh black & silver outer coat with a soft undercoat.
Temperament
Very perky and bright-eyed. Loving and intelligent. Energetic, affectionate,
and obedient. Playful, happy and alert, they like children. The Miniature Schnauzer demands time and companionship from its
owner. It can be feisty and fairly dog-aggressive - putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight.
This can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, who will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble
on himself than he really wanted. Socialize this breed well with other dogs when it is still a puppy. If properly introduced,
the Miniature Schnauzer will get along with another dog, but will not accept every dog that comes its way. Since the temperament
of this breed can be quite variable, select a puppy from parents whose temperament you enjoy. They make good companions
and family pets. Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, but it does not have a yappy bark and is not as annoying as one may think.
Most of the time the dog's bark sounds like it is talking to you in a low carried-out voice. They make good guard dogs
and mouse catchers. They are excellent watchdogs and are great to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most
love everyone.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a
good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise
These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk walks, and
love play sessions off the leash.
Life Expectancy
About
15 years. It shows no signs of age until quite late in life.
Grooming
The
wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become
matted. Clip out any knots. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but
this is a job best left to an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers
after meals. On pet dogs the coat is usually clipped short on the upper body and left somewhat longer on the under-parts,
legs and head. Show dogs require trimming and hand stripping instead of clipping. This breed sheds little to no hair and is
a good dog for allergy sufferers.
