Miniature Schnauzer

General Physical Description

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small sized dog. They are sturdy and muscular with an alert outlook. Their eyebrows, moustache and leg hair gives them a very distinctive appearance.
Height Min Max
Bitch 33cm 33cm

Dog 35cm 35cm
Weight Min Max
Bitch 7kg 7kg

Dog 8kg 8kg


Size Category Small
Weight Height Range Ideally dogs should measure 35cms at the withers and weigh 8kgs. Bitches should measure 33cms and weigh 7kgs.
Ailments There are several conditions that occur in the breed. Breeders are trying to reduce them by careful and responsible breeding and screening where possible.


History

A Schnauzer type dog has been represented in art and sculptures as early as the 1400’s. This breed is a result of crossing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher and other small breeds. The name Schnauzer was first associated with this breed in 1879. They were recognised as a separate breed in 1899 in Germany and first appeared in America in 1925.
Intelligence The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent dog that is easily trained and likes to please, although it does not enjoy repetitive training for its own sake. The breed is contented and not destructive when left alone.
Show Characteristics The head should be strong, being flat between the ears. They should have a powerful blunt muzzle and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size, dark and oval, with arched bushy eyebrows. The ears should be V shaped and high set. The neck should be strong and slightly arched. The chest should be deep and broad, and the topline strong and straight, slightly higher at the shoulder than the back end. A short-coupled breed, the body length should be the same as the height at the withers. The front legs should appear straight when viewed from all angles, the back legs should be well muscled. The feet should be compact, round and cat like. The tail is customarily docked to 3 joints, high set and carried high. The coat should be harsh and wiry with a dense undercoat however for the show ring this is stripped out to give a shorter and cleaner outline. The preferred colours for the show ring are salt & pepper, black with silver markings or solid black.
Country Of Origin Germany



Energy Medium
Overall Exercise 40 - 60 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone Low
Personal Protection Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying Low
Tendency to Bark Medium
Ease of Transportation High
Level of Aggression Low
Compatibility With Other Animals Medium
Suitable For Children
Medium
General Character And Temperament The Mini is a lively, active little dog. They can be stubborn and wilful and do need a firm hand when training. They do get on well with children and other household pets if they are introduced at an early age. The Miniature Schnauzer makes an ideal family pet and watchdog. They are quite vocal and will be quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching their territory. The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, it also is said to have the best temperament.
Grooming


Grooming Requirement > Once a week
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer True
Grooming The coat of the Mini is harsh, wiry and short with a dense undercoat. All over grooming is required at least twice a week. Hand stripping is a must for the show ring but clipping is straightforward and easy for the smart family pet although the body colour does pale over the years.
Colour They can be salt and pepper, black with silver markings, solid black or white in colour. White is not a common colour and is rarely seen in the show ring.
Shedding Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

Source: petplanet.co.uk