Breed Profile: Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, is an alert and loving companion. His small size allows him to be well-suited for city life, yet his energy and stamina create a suitable rural companion as

well. He is intelligent without being too independent. He doesn't shed, making him a possible choice for those with allergies. These characteristics make the Miniature Schnauzer a wonderful pet.

Interesting Breed Facts:
Popularity:	11th in 2007; with 20,747 registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
First recognized as a breed:	The Miniature Schnauzer traces its origin back to the farm dog of Germany who functioned as a cart dog, herder, guard dog, ratter, and general purpose dog for the working family farm in southern Germany. Artwork and tapestries depict a schnauzer-type dog as early as the fifteenth century. These farm dogs came in both smooth and wire-haired coats, and ranged in size from 11-3/4" to 19-1/2". The smaller ones were mostly used as rat catchers and the larger ones to herd pigs and cattle and to drive wild boar. The smaller version of the Schnauzer (later called Miniature Schnauzer) was first defined as a breed in 1884. They were later imported into the United States and recognized by the AKC in 1926. The current breed standard was approved on January 15, 1991.
AKC Grouping:	Terrier.
Size:	Males and females both measure between 12" and 14" high at the shoulders. There is no standard for the breed's weight; however, their body must be proportionate. Typical specimens range between 13 and 18 pounds.
Appearance:	The Miniature Schnauzer is very similar to the Standard Schnauzer, but a smaller size. He is a solid-built, sturdy dog with a square proportion. The head is long, with a large black nose and medium-sized, oval, dark brown eyes. The ears are set high and can be cropped or uncropped. The tail is docked to about 1". Over the eyes and muzzle the hair forms eyebrows and a beard. The coat colors include salt and pepper, black and silver, or pure black. There are two methods of grooming the Miniature Schnauzer. Stripping the coat is usually done for show dogs and produces the correct harsh, banded black-and-white hairs. A more low-maintenance grooming method is to cut the coat short with clippers. This tends to soften the coat and turn it to a shade of silver.
#1 preventable health problem:	Miniature Schnauzers may be prone to bladder stones and pancreatitis. They may need to have their teeth cleaned yearly if their teeth are not brushed regularly. Responsible breeders screen for possible eye problems including cataracts and PRA, but there is not a high incidence in the breed.
Preferences:	The Miniature Schnauzer has a fair amount of energy, but is also very loving and wants to be with his owner. Although this breed is capable of living in urban areas and is well-suited for apartment living, daily exercise is recommended. This can be achieved through walks or games of fetch. The Miniature Schnauzer is an indoors dog, but can tolerate cold or hot temperatures for short periods of time.
Best features:	The Miniature Schnauzer is usually a breed tolerant of other dogs and pets, and will fit easily in a multi-dog household. He is good with children if raised with them from a young age. The Miniature Schnauzer is intelligent and easy to train. This breed serves as a good alarm dog and with this in mind, training on appropriate barking may be necessary. They are fairly long-lived, with an average life expectancy of 13-15 years.
Biggest challenge to owners:	There is a moderate amount of grooming involved for the Miniature Schnauzer owner. Weekly brushing or combing and a grooming every 2-3 months. In addition, the Miniature Schnauzer is playful and requires a fair amount of attention and will benefit from games in the yard and training sessions.