- Where did the Miniature Schnauzer come from?
The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany, during the late 1800’s, as a smaller version of the standard schnauzer – making it more suitable as a house pet – but still able to hunt vermin.
- What is the size and shape of the Miniature Schnauzer?
The Miniature Schnauzer breed standard calls for 12” to 14”. A typical miniature schnauzer weighs between 11 to 20 pounds and is described as a robust dog with a strong body, sturdy build, whiskers and leg furnishings.
- What are the different sizes of the schnauzer?
The schnauzer comes in three sizes: Standard Schnauzer; Miniature Schnauzer; Giant Schnauzer
- The Standard Schnauzer – known as the original schnauzer, were bred to guard the farm and keep the vermin at bay.
- The Miniature Schnauzer – because of its more compact size was able to ‘go to ground’ for prey.
- The Giant Schnauzer – which had added jobs of pulling carts and used for police work.
- What about toy Schnauzers or teacup Schnauzers?
Reputable breeders do not under-size schnauzers, for breeding purposes – nor do they market them as ‘toys’.
Responsible breeders of purebred schnauzers 'Breed to Improve'.
Responsible Breeders do not breed to make money! The so–called 'toy schnauzer' or 'teacup schnauzer', simply does not exist. i.e. there is no recognized breed named a toy schnauzer or teacup schnauzer.
That is not to say, they are not available to buy, (and usually with a ridiculous premium price), but they are not within the breed standard which is 12" to 14" inches tall.
If you are looking for a smaller dog, you should consider another breed.
- What about the Schnoodle?
The Schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle. It is simply a mixed breed. Crossing 2 dog breeds does not create a new breed.
- What color is the Miniature Schnauzer?
Miniature Schnauzers come in 3 colors: black, salt and pepper, and black and silver. These 3 colors are the only ones accepted under the breed standard .
- Salt and Pepper - eyebrows, beard, and legs are gray or silver white. The gray is in various shades from almost silver white to almost black.
- Solid Black – entirely black (may sometimes have a small white chest patch).
- Black and Silver - follow the same pattern as the salt & pepper, except the topcoat and undercoat are solid black.
White Schnauzers have more recently been granted admission to many show rings in some countries, but ‘white’ still remains a disqualification in the USA.
Brown, chocolate, liver, or parti-color schnauzers are not purebreds. Like the so-called toy schnauzer, these dogs are available because of cross-breeding.
Again, ethical breeders do not under-size or change the schnauzer colors or size to market them as a rare color, or teacup size for profit – as no such thing exists!
Serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.
Miniature Schnauzer FAQ colors
Miniature Schnauzer FAQ con't
- What is the Schnauzer personality like?
Miniature Schnauzers are alert and spirited. They are very intelligent, obedient dogs, and extremely loyal and loving to their family.
- Do they get along with other pets? Children?
As far as other pets – it depends. If you have hamsters or birds, Schnauzers should be introduced to them slowly, if at all. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to rid the home of vermin. So it is probably not a good idea to have your Schnauzer unsupervised around these types of pets. However, Schnauzers get along fine with other dogs and even cats.
When it comes to children, the Schnauzer does well with older children or teenagers. The Miniature Schnauzer usually does not do well with very young children and may display or demonstrate an instinctual reaction to their high pitched screams and running. However, Miniature Schnauzers who have been raised among small children from the onset, seem to do well with them.
- How much grooming does the Miniature Schnauzer require?
In order to look his best, your Miniature Schnauzer will need to be groomed every 1 to 2 months. You can go to a professional dog groomer or learn to groom your Miniature Schnauzer yourself.
- Are Miniature Schnauzer tails always docked?
The official breed standard states –
So, most Miniature Schnauzer breeders will have the tails docked, since a natural or undocked tail is considered a deviation from the breed standard.
- Are Miniature Schnauzer ears always cropped?
The official breed standard allows for the Miniature Schnauzer to have either cropped or uncropped ears. So it is therefore a matter of preference.
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer okay with apartment living?
Yes! The Miniature Schnauzers does well living in an apartment. Just make sure to get your Miniature Schnauzer outside for daily exercise and walks.
- I have a nice yard. Can I leave my Miniature Schnauzer outside?
Miniature Schnauzers were not meant to be ‘outside’ dogs. Miniature Schnauzers are family dogs who want and need to be with family members throughout the day. Miniature Schnauzers also, overheat quite easily, so all day outside is not a good option for your Miniature Schnauzer.
- I suffer with allergies. Is the Miniature Schnauzer a good dog for me?
The Miniature Schnauzer sheds very, very little. They have hair instead of fur – so less dander. Most people with allergies have no reactions with this breed, making the Miniature Schnauzer one of the top 10 hypoallergenic dogs .
- What’s the best way to potty train my Miniature Schnauzer?
There are lots of different methods of potty training or housebreaking a new Miniature Schnauzer puppy. I have great success with my
2 week housebreaking method - which combines both paper training and crate training.
- What are the health concerns of the Miniature Schnauzer?
Miniature Schnauzers are overall very healthy dogs, but they are prone to schnauzer diabetes, schnauzer pancreatitis, schnauzer bladder stones, schnauzer bumps, and tend to gain weight easily.
CLICK HERE to read about the best Dog Food for your Miniature Schnauzer and keeping him healthy!
- Do Schnauzers bark a lot?
In a word – YES!
But Miniature Schnauzers bark ‘at’ things. Like a stranger, UPS truck, etc… They do not bark for no reason. They bark to alert you that there is something going on and want to make you aware of it.
If you have a dog that barks incessantly, then you have a whole other problem all together.
- Miniature Schnauzers FAQ on the AKC
Just because a breeder has AKC papers it is important to remember that the AKC is simply a registry. It is not a guarantee of quality, good health, or temperament of a dog.
