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The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust, active dog of terrier type,
resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, in general
appearance, and of an alert, active disposition. Believed to have
been derived from breeding the Standard Schnauzer with a small
Affenpinscher or possibly
Poodle, the intention was to retain the
same hunting skills as the Standard that could also be a house pet.
Originating in the early 1800s in Germany as a farm dog and
ratter,
it wasn't until 1899 that Germany recognized it as being a separate
breed from the Standard Schnauzer. It wasn't until 1933 that the AKC
separated the Miniature and Standard Schnauzer into two different
breeds. They are also the only Schnauzer remaining in the Terrier
Group. Following World War II, they gained popularity in the United
States, becoming one of the most popular breeds in America.
General Appearance
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a
long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The thick, prominent
eyebrows and long mustache are often trimmed to accentuate the dog's
square cut shape. The front legs are very straight. The tail is
usually docked. The oval eyes are dark colored, and the v-shaped
ears fold forward when left natural or are cropped to a point and
stand erect. It has a long head, strong muzzle, a well-developed
black nose and a scissors bite. Coat colors include salt & pepper,
black, white or a harsh black & silver outer coat with a soft
undercoat.
Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small and very popular dog breed,
enjoying an impressive top ten position on the AKC popularity list.
Loyal, devoted, and affectionate, the Miniature Schnauzer is an
excellent choice of a companion dog or family pet, and is suited to
both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. The Miniature
Schnauzer is a friendly and sociable dog with a pleasant
disposition. Although this breed can bark a lot, they will raise the
alarm if something is amiss, and this makes them effective
watchdogs. Intelligent and quick to learn, the Miniature Schnauzer
is easy to train and is very good at obedience training. These
versatile dogs are usually eager to please their owner, but can be a
little stubborn and headstrong at times. The Miniature Schnauzer is
a dog that likes to give and receive love and affection, and is not
suited to individuals or families with little time to devote to a
pet. He has plenty of energy, and enjoys exercise and joining in
with family activities. These mild mannered dogs will get along with
children when brought up with them, and also tend to get along with
other pets. The Miniature Schnauzer's attitude to strangers can vary
depending on his personality - some may be very welcoming and others
may be aloof or timid.
Grooming
Before purchasing a Miniature Schnauzer, you should consider what it
takes to maintaining their coat. Seeing as they do not shed, weekly
brushing is needed to prevent the hair from matting. Before bathing
and clipping, they need to be thoroughly brushed in case of any
mat-buildups. Brushing in an upward direction will help to avoid
missing any mats. First, start by brushing the leg hair in an upward
direction, starting from the top and working your way down. Be
careful not to forget the armpits, belly hair, and in between the
toes, as these areas tend to mat up easily. If you do find a mat,
place your hand between the mat and skin to minimize the discomfort
of removing the mat. The eyebrows are to be combed forward, while
the beard should be combed from the flat of the muzzle down and the
underneath combed forwards. It is a good idea to run a brush down
their back to help stimulate the skin, and remove any buildup of
dirt and natural oils.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Miniature Schnauzer is around 12-14
years. The breed has a number of health problems and disorders
linked to it, and this includes: vWD, liver problems, cataracts,
thyroid problems, inflammation of the pancreas, epilepsy, allergies,
and skin problems. Regular exercise is a must for all Miniature
Schnauzers. They gain weight very easily, which can result in major
health problems. With the proper diet and exercise, these can be
avoided.
Activity Level
The Miniature Schnauzer loves interactive play with his family, such as
playing fetch or tug-of-war. Mind-stimulating toys are a great
outlet for this breed when they are left alone, or the family is
busy. They tend to have a naughty streak in them when they are left
unattended for long periods of time, as they do get bored quite
easily. The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It
is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
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