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Miniature Schnauzer - Terrier


Miniature Schnauzer

Family:

terrier


Area of origin:

Germany


Original function:

ratting


Average size of male:

Ht: 12-14, Wt: 13-15


Average size of female:

Ht: 12-14, Wt: 13-15


Other names:

zwergschnauzer


  • ••••

    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Miniature Schnauzer Temperament

The miniature schnauzer deserves his place as one of the most popular terrier pets. He is playful, inquisitive, alert, spunky and companionable. He is a well-mannered house dog that also enjoys being in the middle of activities. He is less domineering than the larger schnauzers. He is also better with other animals than most terriers, although he will gladly give chase. He is clever and can be stubborn, but he is generally biddable. He enjoys children. Some may bark a lot.

Miniature Schnauzer Care

This energetic breed can have his exercise requirements met with a moderate walk on leash or a good game in the yard. He needs to share his life with his family inside the home. His wire coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus scissoring and shaping every couple of months.

Miniature Schnauzer Health

Major concerns: urolithiasis, PRA
Minor concerns: follicular dermatitis, esophageal achalasia, vWD
Occasionally seen: pulmonic stenosis, Legg-Perthes, cataract
Suggested tests: eye, DNA test for vWD, (cardiac)
Life span: 12-14 years

Dogs Related to the Miniature Schnauzer

American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Irish Terrier

Interested in the history of the Miniature Schnauzer breed?

Expand

The smallest and most popular of the schnauzers, the miniature schnauzer was developed in the late 1800s as a small farm dog and ratter in Germany. In fact, the miniature schnauzer is the only terrier not originating from European isle stock. He was derived from crossing the standard schnauzer with the affenpinscher (and possibly poodle). All the schnauzers get their name from one individual dog named Schnauzer, who was exhibited around 1879, an apt name, since schnauzer means "small beard." The miniature schnauzer was exhibited as a breed distinct from the standard schnauzer by 1899 in Germany, although it wasn't until 1933 that the AKC divided the standard and miniature into separate breeds. The miniature is the only schnauzer to remain in the terrier group in America. In England he joins the other schnauzers in the utility group. The miniature schnauzer came to America long after his standard and giant counterparts, but in the years after World War II, he far outpaced them in popularity, eventually rising to become the third-most popular breed in America at one time. He remains as a perennial favorite, a smart-looking and alert-acting family pet and competitive show dog.


Work With a Group

Some animal welfare organizations with Miniature Schnauzers ready for adoption:

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