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Breeds 101: Meet the Miniature Schnauzer

By Clare Browning

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 31: Handlers prepare with their Miniature Schnauzer puppies ahead of a competition at the Japan International Dog Show 2018 on March 31, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. About 3,500 dogs took part in the country's largest dog show hosted by the Japan Kennel Club today. The event is taking place from March 31 to April 1, 2018. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 31: Handlers prepare with their Miniature Schnauzer puppies ahead of a competition at the Japan International Dog Show 2018 on March 31, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. About 3,500 dogs took part in the country's largest dog show hosted by the Japan Kennel Club today. The event is taking place from March 31 to April 1, 2018. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) /
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The Miniature Schnauzer was bred to be the ultimate all around farm dog and ratter. Today the Miniature Schnauzer is a popular family dog known for its friendly, obedient, and fearless personality in a compact size.

The smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, it was bred down from a Standard Schnauzer with other Continental breeds including the Affenpinscher and the Poodle. The Miniature Schnauzer is the only member of the terrier group to not include British roots. The Miniature Schnauzer was created as a superior barnyard ratter to their larger standard sized cousin.

According to the American Kennel Club breed standard the Miniature Schnauzer is a “robust, active dog of terrier type, resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, in general appearance, and of an alert, active disposition.” There are three recognized colors for the Miniature Schnauzer: Black, Black & Silver, and Salt & Pepper.

The compact size of the Miniature Schnauzer has made them popular family dogs, ranking at 19th out of 195 in the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list. Both male and females typically  stand 12-14 inches and weigh 11-20 pounds with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. They are also the most popular out of the three Schnauzer sizes: Giant, Standard, and Miniature.

The Miniature Schnauzer provides a sporty yet versatile dog in a compact size that were often seen on farmland but now frequents show rings & family homes.

Due to its double coat, made up of a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat, the Miniature Schnauzer requires professional grooming. Although they are very minimal shedders, they will need their coats hand stripped to stay in show condition or trimmed with clippers for a more low maintenance pet groom. Whichever route is chosen, grooming should ideally happen every 5-8 weeks to maintain the groom and reduce chances of matting in the undercoat.

Miniature Schnauzers require regular daily exercise but can easily adapt to different living situations. Just because they were bred to be farm dogs doesn’t mean they haven’t learned to thrive in apartment life. Frequent training can be a great way to help work their mind and body. Since they are very intelligent receptive training can easily bore them but mixing up activities is great because they are eager to please their humans.

Overall Miniature Schnauzers are a pretty healthy breed but they can be prone to getting overweight in addition to developing conditions related to that like hyperlipidemia. Additionally they are prone to some other conditions unrelated to obesity such as: cataracts, pancreatitis, liver shunts, and urinary stones.

Next. Breeds 101: Meet the Greyhound. dark

Famous Miniature Schnauzer owners include Senator Bob and Elizabeth Dole who had pup Leader and actress Mary Tyler Moore who had pup Shana. A few other famous names that have been Miniature Schnauzer owners are: actress Katherine Heigl, martial artist/actor Bruce Lee, boxer Sugar Ray, rapper 50 Cent, and actress Doris Day.

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