Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer may be small, but don’t you dare to dismiss them! With the heritage of a watchdog, a clever mind, serious expressions, and uncompromising loyalty, their personality is huge.

Country of Origin

Germany
Breed Group

Terrier
Height

Male 12-14 In
Female 12-14 In
Weight

Male 11-20 Ib
Female 11-20 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

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In a Nutshell

The Miniature Schnauzer is a lively, energetic, and robust breed. It is simultaneously excellent as a guard dog and a loving, playful pet. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence and affection, making them wonderful companions with proper training and socialization. This breed is everything you’ve ever wanted in a dog, plus much more.

Life With a Miniature Schnauzer

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

Miniature Schnauzers are cute, with their square-shaped build, bushy beard, and expressive eyebrows. The breed’s thick double coat is typically found in black and silver or solid black. The Schnauzer has a robust, sturdy appearance, and its eyes are bright and alert, reflecting its intelligent and curious nature.

In terms of personality, Miniature Schnauzers are known for their spirited and friendly demeanor. This breed thrives on human companionship, making them excellent family pets. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but they may also be stubborn. The dogs’ alertness makes them effective watchdogs. What more can you ask for from a dog?

Common Health Problems

The combination of a muscular and athletic body structure with agility and intelligence makes the Miniature Schnauzer an excellent dog in various canine sports competitions. In the case of purebred Miniature Schnauzers, it's crucial to be very diligent with genetic testing of the parents before breeding to avoid incurable hereditary diseases affecting the digestive, nervous, and ocular systems. Additionally, there are several common acquired diseases in this breed, as detailed below.

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A tip from a vet

Dogs of this breed are prone to a hereditary liver condition called portosystemic shunt (PSS). Pay close attention to sporadic symptoms such as post-meal disorientation, growth setbacks, difficulty recovering from anesthesia, and more. This condition often requires surgery.

A tip from a trainer

Miniature Schnauzers are clever and aim to please, making them highly trainable. They need interesting new challenges and a lot of positive reinforcement. They can be slightly stubborn, though, so be consistent and patient.

Did You Know

The Schnauzer’s roots go back to the 14th century. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed many years later by German farmers who wanted a smaller dog for rat-hunting purposes.

Zendaya has a Miniature Schnauzer named Noon. She also raised a Miniature Schnauzer named Midnight and wrote an emotional farewell letter when her dog passed away, thanking Midnight ‘for being one of the most loyal men in my life’.

‘Schnauzer’ comes from the word ‘schnauze’, meaning ‘snout’ or ‘muzzle’ in German.

In The News

In a heartwarming story that demonstrates the loyalty of the Miniature Schnauzer, a dog named Sissy walked 20 blocks to find her hospitalized owner.

The History Behind the Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in 19th-century Germany from the Standard Schnauzer by crossing Standard Schnauzers with various smaller breeds. The goal was to form a smaller version of the loyal watchdog capable of hunting rats and other vermin. Still, it’s important to note that this is an entirely separate breed that belongs to a different group.

The breed won the hearts of many thanks to its friendly nature and many skills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Miniature Schnauzers in 1926, and their popularity has continued to grow. Today, they are cherished family pets worldwide.

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