Miniature Schnauzer picture
Miniature Schnauzer

Zwergschnauzer

Overview

The miniature schnauzer is a robust, sturdily built terrier of nearly square proportion. It was developed as a ratter and is quick and tough. Its gait displays good reach and drive. Its coat is double, with a close undercoat, and hard, wiry, outer coat which is longer on the legs, muzzle and eyebrows. Its facial furnishings add to its keen expression.

The miniature schnauzer deserves its place as one of the most popular terrier pets. It is playful, inquisitive, alert, spunky and companionable. It is a well-mannered house dog that also enjoys being in the middle of activities. It is less domineering than the larger schnauzers and less dog-aggressive than most terriers. It is also better with other animals than most terriers, although it will gladly give chase. It is clever and can be stubborn, but it is generally biddable. It enjoys children. Some may bark a lot.

Size Small
Height Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm)Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm)
Weight Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg)Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
Lifespan 12-14 years
Colors Black Black & Silver Salt & Pepper
Origin Germany
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life and will be calm indoors so long as it gets enough exercise.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk, walks or jogs, and love play sessions off the leash. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans.

Trainability

Easy Training: Though the Miniature Schnauzer learns fast, it has a slight stubborn streak. Training must be fair and consistent and should not be overly repetitious. Miniature Schnauzers are responsive to the sound of their handler's voice. They are versatile, and can learn a variety of activities such as hunting, retrieving, and herding.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

High Maintenance: The Miniature Schnauzer’s grooming needs are fairly extensive. He needs regular clipping or hand stripping. Pets are usually clipped because hand stripping is a time-consuming effort typically reserved for show dogs. Clipping will soften the coat, though, so if you like the hard texture, resign yourself to stripping it.

Shedding

Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes.

Vocalization/Barking

Occassional

Miniature Schnauzer Pictures