Miniature Schnauzer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Miniature Schnauzer?

Where does the miniature schnauzer come from? Well, they were originally bred to be guard dogs and ratters on farms. Developed back in. the late 19th century in Germany, they were made by crossbreeding a standard Schnauzer with a smaller dog. This varied from the Poodle, Minature Pinscher and Affenpinscher to name but a few.

According to the history books, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of records on how the miniature version of the Schnauzer was developed but the first one, a female named Findel was born in October of 1888. The first breed club was established in 1895 and thereafter, the breed had to struggle through the events of WW1 and 2.

The dog's popularity has grown despite its struggles and many households have one of these breeds in their home, providing plenty of fun and frolics in the process.

Whilst this breed is considered to be in the Terrier group according to the American Kennel Club, the Standard Schnauzer is a member of the Working group.

Who are Miniature Schnauzer dogs best for?

A Miniature Schnauzer makes for a great household dog, especially when they're given plenty of toys and you're within easy eyesight. They're very much velcro dogs that like being in your presence for most of the time.

Whilst he'll enjoy an outside space to roam, it's important to be active in taking them out on a daily. They'll love a good walk, meaning a household with an active outdoors life will be a perfect match for this breed.

They are an affectionate dog breed and will certainly be one that loves a cuddle, as well as playtime with the kids.

How much grooming does a Miniature Schnauzer need?

Grooming is an important part of any dog's routine and they rely on their owners to look after them appropriately.

For a lot of Schnauzer breeds, they'll often have a double coat. The top is fairly wiry and the undercoat will end up catching the loose hair. As a result, most don't shed that much, meaning it's great for your home - you're not going to have dog hair everywhere! It's good for those with allergies or those who may suffer from asthma.

However, it's important that they're getting groomed around every five to eight weeks, whether that's something you do yourself or get a professional to do it for you. They need to be hand-stripped, which is a process that can take a while and difficult for novices to pick up.

Brush your Miniature Schnauzer two to three times a week and brush their teeth at least two or three times a week. Trim their nails once or twice a month and check their ears for any redness or bad odours.

Do Miniature Schnauzer bark much?

Whilst they're not one to do much barking, they will do so when a stranger approaches the door or they hear or see another dog or person outside. This is part of their territorial instinct to guard and protect their human owners.

This isn't such a bad thing when it comes to protecting the home but you may want to curb some of this barking with training.

Do Miniature Schnauzer bite?

For biting advice, we'd always suggest that you replace any mouthing with a chew toy. Don't allow your dog to actively bite you without any consequence. Distraction is better than any shouting or aggressive reaction. Praise the good behaviour with a treat and always opt for praise when training.

What is the temperament & personality of a Miniature Schnauzer?

Miniature schnauzers are full of life and have an extrovert temperament, they're likely to get on with pretty much anyone they meet. This dog breed is one that often wants to be close by and within close contact too. They'll be more than keen to sleep by your side too in bed if given the chance.

As a terrier, they're a feisty breed but one that's all front when it comes to independence. They're very intelligent, meaning they can be a menace at times but with proper training, they can be well-rounded dogs. Early socialisation is key to making sure they get on with everyone.

What is the weight & size of a Miniature Schnauzer?

Miniature Schnauzers are usually between 30-35 cm tall and the weight ranges from 5-9 kg. Despite them being Mini Schnauzers, they're not as small as people think they are in comparison to toy size dog breeds.

How much training does a Miniature Schnauzer need?

When it comes to house training, try to be active on it from the beginning, especially if you get a puppy. Make sure that you're giving them regular training so that they pick up the commands and tricks fairly easily over time. Short sessions are good so that they don't get distracted easily.

This breed will need around 45 minutes of walking daily in order to get rid of all the energy that they'll likely have to burn.

Reward any good behaviour with treats as this is the best way for them to learn.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Miniature Schnauzer?

A Miniature Schnauzer is susceptible to certain conditions, just like any other dog. Here are a couple of problems that are common with the miniature schnauzer.

Cataracts - Loss of vision in the eye where the lens has a cloudy appearance. Typically appears with old age.

Urinary Stones - Straining whilst urinating and passing blood in the urine. These will usually pass on their own but may need to consult the vet.

What is the lifespan of a Miniature Schnauzer?

The Miniature Schnauzer can live up to 12-15 years if looked after properly. A long and healthy life is deserving for any dog and with this breed, they can live to a good age if they're active with dog sports and they eat the right amount of food every day.

How much should you feed a Miniature Schnauzer?

For a Miniature schnauzer, you can expect to provide around 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food that is divided into two meals. In regards to other dogs, they don't require as much food as most would need. For a small dog, it lives up to its size when it comes to feeding and with plenty of exercise, it's unlikely to become overweight.

What is the price of a Miniature Schnauzer in Australia?

Despite their miniature stature, they often come with a hefty price tag when it comes to costs. Of course, adoption is always going to be cheaper but as purebreds, they might be few and far between.

For a Miniature Schnauzer, you'll expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the breeders available in your local area and beyond.