Miniature Schnauzer Information

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Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer came from the Standard Schnauzer being mixed with Affenpinscher's and Poodles. The purpose for the Miniature Schnauzer was to rid the homes and farmland of rodents.

Miniature Schnauzers make absolutely wonderful companions. They get along well with nearly everyone, however are more than capable of determining friendly strangers from those who are unfriendly. They are excellent watch dogs and will alert you to any odd sounds or sights. They do great with children and other dogs, however the Miniature Schnauzer tends to always have to be the boss of the other dogs, they are usually dominant over even much larger dogs.

Though the Miniature Schnauzer resembles the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer, they are actually three separate breeds, not one breed with three size varieties. The Miniature should be no less than 12 inches in height, and no more than 14 inches tall. They are very sturdily built, nearly square in proportion with plenty of bone. Weight usually weighs from 14 to 18 pounds, depending on height. The toy Schnauzer is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and is simply a bred down version of the Miniature. These toys tend to be more prone to health and temperament problems and the breeding of such small Schnauzers should not be encouraged.

Miniature Schnauzers can be several colors, salt & pepper is the most common. They can also be solid black and black and silver. The White Miniature Schnauzer is being seen in increasing numbers however is not able to be shown in AKC conformation events. Some other colors are beginning to come up from a handful of breeders, however the lineage of these dogs comes into serious question since the other color patterns have never been associated with the breed. Reputable breeders do not breed for the other colors such as chocolate and parti-colorings.

The show coat of a Miniature Schnauzer differs from their pet coat. The show coat is a thick wiry coat that is obtained through a procedure called stripping. Stripping is plucking out the hairs so that the wiry coat will come through. This is not an easy process for the pet owner to perform, and finding a groomer who is familiar with the proper procedure may be difficult. It is also very expensive to have the procedure done, costing $150+ each time.

The pet coat is what is recommended for pets. This is simply having the coat clipped, and is much easier to do and far less expensive. Typical cost for this grooming is $25-$35, depending on the groomer. The clipping should be done every 6 - 8 weeks, depending on coat growth. Combing and brushing the legs, beard and chest should be done at least twice a week to keep them tangle free.

Health concerns with the Miniature Schnauzer include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Diabetes, bladder stones, Cataracts, Panosteitis and heart problems.

Miniature Schnauzers are also very prone to Hemorragic Gastroenteritis due to Switching Dog Foods too quickly. Always be sure to switch your Schnauzers food gradually over a 10-14 day period if you are switching them to a different brand of food or even a different formula of the same brand.

A reputable breeder will screen for inherited health problems and will be able to discuss if there has been any problems in their lines.

Miniature Schnauzer ears can be cropped, natural and some naturally standing ears are even seen. Ear cropping typically takes place around six weeks of age, depending on the individual puppy. The cropping should be performed by a veterinarian, and the owner/breeder should be very aware of the care that the ears will require after the procedure is done. It will take several weeks for the ears to stand correctly after the surgery, and during that time the puppy will be healing and the ears will also need to be set. Setting the ears begins after the ears are fully healed from the surgery, and the puppy will need to have the ears taped up so that they begin to stand that way on their own.

Some claim that the ears should be cropped in order to prevent ear infections, however as the owner of dogs with all types of ears (cropped, floppy and naturally standing) there have been no incidents of ear infections at all. As long as the ears are kept clean and the hair plucked from inside the ear, your dog will be fine regardless of the way the ears stand.

Schnauzer Ears

Naturally standing ears
Miniature Schnauzer ears

Cropped ears
Miniature Schnauzer ears

Natural ears
Miniature Schnauzer ears

The majority of Schnauzers have docked tails, which is performed around 3 days of age. This procedure is very quick and easy, and in most cases the puppy doesn't even realize what is happening. The puppy does not need to be sedated for the procedure.

Docked tail
Miniature Schnauzer tails

Natural tail
Miniature Schnauzer tails

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