If you are looking for information about the Miniature Schnauzer, here we tell you everything you need to know before adopting or going to a Schnauzer kennel, so that it becomes part of your family.
Origin, care, character, health, characteristics, and curiosities of this very special breed of dog. Get to know them better.
Origin of the Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzers were developed approximately in the 19th century, for this they made the cross between the Standard Schnauzer with other smaller breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Affenpinscher and perhaps the Poodle or Pomeranian.
Miniature Schnauzer dogs have their origin in Germany, more specifically in the region of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. This was a breed developed with the purpose of serving as company to the muleteers when they made trips.
In addition, they were kept to hunt mice and as guard dogs on farms. These dogs needed to be very resistant, with a robust coat, withstand in the face of strong weather, intelligent and alert to keep rats out of the house.
They also worked on farms and floats, as well as scaring away thieves and other unwanted guests from the homes where they lived. In Germany, they are originally known as Zwergschnauzer , whose translation is “dwarf”.
Characteristics of the Mini Schnauzer
Having a pet dog corresponds to being a very big responsibility, that is why we must be totally sure about our decision when adopting a dog, and in case we want to have a mini Schnauzer, then we must know the species very well. The Schnauzer is mini, as its name indicates, being the smallest specimens belonging to the three Schnauzer breeds. This animal is a beautiful companion that is usually in good health, is lively and with little detachment.
In addition, they have a super outgoing personality and have good stamina for sports, they are really an ideal species to have in the family. Some of its most outstanding characteristics are the following:
- These puppies are very robust, they can measure between 30 cm and 35 cm.
- The mini Schnauzers were created from their larger cousins, the standard Schnauzers.
- They have a long beard and bushy eyebrows.
- Their weight varies from 5 kg to 9 kg.
- Developed as a ratter, because it is used a lot as a buzzard.
- Their fur is hard and fibrous, with shades that vary very little and the most common that can be found is the mini black and white Schnauzers , which can vary between different shades of grey.
- They are dogs that were developed with the purpose of working on the farm, so they are usually tough, muscular and brave, without being aggressive.
- The Miniature Schnauzer is an excellent companion, friendly and very easy to train, thanks to its small size.
- Due to their size, these cute creatures can easily live in an apartment, however, living outdoors they can cover many hectares of cultivated land.
- The Mini Schnauzer gets along very well with other animals and children.
- They enjoy vigorous play and make excellent watchdogs.
The mini Schnauzer dog breed, despite their small size, are very complete and ideal dogs to have at home, since these beautiful animals have it all; an outgoing temperament, intelligence, affection, humor and a beautiful personality.
Other varieties and types
There are three different types of Miniature Schnauzer, which are the mini, medium and giant. All three types originated in Germany, with the standard or medium being the original dog, while the mini and giant are its next two variations.
Medium schnauzer
The standard or medium schnauzer is the original of this breed, being its giant and miniature variations. When these dogs reach adulthood, the standard male usually measures between 47cm and almost 50cm, while the female measures between 44cm and 47cm.
On the other hand, the weight of the males is from 15.85 kg to 22.67 kg, while the female standard schnauzer weighs between 13.60 kg and 20.41 kg.
Large Schnauzer – Giant
The giant schnauzer dog is a species that was used as a working dog, especially to monitor different types of businesses, warehouses or stables, until the time it was taken to participate in both world wars.
The females usually measure from 60 cm to 65 cm and their weight ranges between 25 kg and 34 kg, on the other hand, the males measure 65 cm and 70 cm, with a weight of 27 kg to 48 kg.
Education and Sociability
Minise Schnauzers can train very easily, in fact, they can prepare for obedience and agility competitions, due to the enormous intelligence they possess from birth.
In addition, miniature Schnauzers usually participate in land dog tests, being able to stand out among them. These dogs love to dig and are professionals at it, they can even make quite large holes.
The schnauzer dog is an ideal dog for loving families, who are willing to dedicate a lot of their time to them, because these little animals want nothing more than to be with their owners, being very affectionate.
It is important to always have them on a leash when it is not indoors or with fences. Because if he sees something and wants to grab it, then he will start chasing it and he won’t look back, even if you are calling out to them.
Like the vast majority of dogs, it is best to train them when they are puppies, as the Miniature Schnauzer needs early socialization. In addition to being in contact with many different people, images, sounds and experiences, which they can better assimilate as puppies.
Character of the Dwarf Schnauzer
The mini schnauzer are very active and alert dogs, sometimes even rebels, but they also have kind and caring qualities. They have many similarities to their siblings, the standard schnauzer and the giant schnauzer.
These dogs are very unhappy when they feel bored, so it is advisable to take them for walks and do sports with them, so that they exercise their small body. So smart that they are capable of learning almost anything you want to teach them.
It should be noted that they are excellent as a guard dog, they know how to warn their owners when there is a strange presence in the home, they alert about visitors, thieves and any type of noise they hear.
They feel the need to touch and be sitting next to their owners all the time, so much so that they will even want to sleep with them.
Diseases and Health
Dogs that are grown with responsible breeders are generally very healthy dogs and are less at risk of illness or health problems.
However, it is necessary to emphasize that there are some pathologies that these mini Schnauzers can suffer from or that they can inherit.
Some of these diseases can be diabetes mellitus, cataracts, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, urinary stones, comedo syndrome, von willebrand disease and myotonia congenita.
Breeding and price of the Miniature Schnauzer
These dogs are very easy to raise and educate, since they are very attached to their master and the rest of their family, so they do not represent any type of danger for children, and they are even distrustful only with strangers.
However, the prices of these species are a bit high, both for food and veterinary medicine, as well as for accessories and care in general, and they also vary according to their origins, age and sex.
An approximate price is calculated between 4577.38 dollar and 17165.17 for the purchase and breeding of these animals. However, the Giant Schnauzer is the most expensive above the Miniature Schnauzer and the standard.
10 Curiosities about the mini Schnauzer
- Miniature Schnauzers are smart, mischievous, and also very stubborn.
- They have little hair, but require a lot of maintenance in terms of grooming.
- It is loud, protective of home and family.
- Formerly part of their ears and tail were cut off, which was better for hunting, but nowadays these mutilations should not be done.
- Its fur has a particularity, it has two layers of hair. The external one is for protection, it is hard, while the internal one is softer.
- In general, they adapt easily to any climate, however, they tend to gain a lot of weight if they do not exercise.
- It has a way of rebelling and pretending he doesn’t listen to you.
- It is good with children and other dogs, making it ideal for families.
- It is a protective dog with his family and people it loves.
- It is usually necessary to take them to do different types of exercises, otherwise they can become very destructive and moody.