Miniature Schnauzer FAQ

Miniature Schnauzer FAQ: Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about the Miniature Schnauzer. These are the questions most people want to know the answers to before deciding whether or not to purchase a Miniature Schnauzer.

Being informed about a dog breed that you are considering bringing into your home and making a part of your family, is a great first step as a responsible dog owner. So, read through each of the questions and answers below and see if a Miniature Schnauzer is the right dog breed for you and your lifestyle.

Miniature Schnauzer FAQ

1. 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.


2. 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.

Click on left growth chart to open PDF file.

See the first year growth and development of a Miniature Schnauzer puppy. Find out just how big your Mini Schnauzer will get to be.

note: Although each Schnauzer's weight and size will vary a bit, the general guidelines for the breed remain the same. Photos and explanation of puppy's first year of development including height and weight. Miniature Schnauzer Growth Rate Chart.


3. 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. It is the most popular of the three sizes.


• The Giant Schnauzer – which had added jobs of pulling carts and used for police work.


4. What about toy Schnauzers or teacup Schnauzers?..... Reputable breeders do not under-size Mini 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!
Neither the so–called Toy Schnauzer or Teacup Schnauzer are recognized breed names. That is not to say, they are not available to buy, (and usually at a premium price), but they are not within the breed standard which is 12" to 14" inches tall.

If you are looking for a toy-sized dog or one smaller than 12 to 14 inches, you should probably consider another breed. See list of AKC Toy Breeds.


5. 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. However, Schnoodles are wonderful dogs and have traits of both a Poodle and Schnauzer.


6. 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 - The eyebrows, beard, and legs on a salt and pepper Schnauzer are gray or silver white. The gray is in various shades from almost silver white to almost black. This is the most popular and common color of the breed.


• Solid Black – Just as the description implies, an entirely black Miniature Schnauzer from head to toe to wiggly butt. However, the solid black Schnauzer may sometimes have a small white chest patch.


• Black and Silver - The markings of a black and silver Miniature Schnauzer follow the same pattern as the salt & pepper Schnauzer, except both the topcoat and undercoat are solid black. Beautiful silver white color accents areas of face (beard and eyebrows) and on legs, feet, and furnishings.

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 do not meet breed standards. These dogs are not allowed to compete in the show ring, even if they are registered purebreds.

The breed standard is a set of guidelines used so breeders produce animals that conform to the specifics of the breed. Breed standards are devised by breed associations or breed clubs to help define the ideal animal or the blueprint of a breed.

Breed standards may vary from association to association, and from country to country, even for the same species and breed. There is no one format for breed standards across all species, and breed standards do change and are updated over time.

So 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 that is deviating from the standard. Serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.


7. 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. Those who own a Miniature Schnauzer state they can never imagine living a life without one.


8. Do they get along with other pets? Children?..... As far as other pets, it depends. If you have hamsters or birds, your Schnauzer 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 breed 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.


9. 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.


10. Are Miniature Schnauzer tails always docked?..... The official breed standard states: "the tail is to be set high and carried erect. It is docked only long enough to be clearly visible over the backline of the body when the dog is in proper length coat."
    So, most Miniature Schnauzer breeders will have the tails docked, since a natural or undocked tail is considered a deviation from the breed standard.


11. 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.


12. 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.


13. 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.


14. 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 .


15. What’s the best way to potty train my Miniature Schnauzer?.... There are lots of different methods of potty training or housebreaking a new puppy. I have great success with my own 2 week puppy house training method which combines both paper training and crate training.


16. What are the health concerns of the Miniature Schnauzer?..... Miniature Schnauzers are overall very healthy dogs, but they are prone to canine diabetes, pancreatitis, bladder stones in dogs, schnauzer bumps, and they tend to gain weight easily.

CLICK HERE to read about the best Dog Food for your Miniature Schnauzer and keeping him healthy!

17. 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. It could be your dog is totally bored and not getting enough exercise or it may be a disorder of some type. How to Stop a Dog From Barking".


18. 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. Hopefully by answering these most asked questions about the Miniature Schnauzer, you will be armed with the information you need to help you choose the perfect puppy for your family.

Miniature Schnauzer Breed Video Series

Miniature Schnauzer FAQ: Find out even more information on the Miniature Schnauzer by watching the following educational Schnauzer videos which further illustrate and talk about the breed standards.

• Mini Schnauzer Breed Introduction
• Miniature Schnauzer Head Video
• Miniature Schnauzer Body Video
• Miniature Schnauzer Coat and Color Video

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Related Topics:
★ Miniature Schnauzer Breeders
★ White Miniature Schnauzers
★ AKC Miniature Schnauzer
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