Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

Description: The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, that is 12 to 14 inches in height and 10 to 15 pounds in weight. This dog is little but is built sturdily. The body is square and in proportion, with a strong head, that is a rectangular shape. The head gets slightly smaller from their ears to the eyes. Their jaw is scissor bite. They have a strong muzzle, with a black nose. With small eyes, that are deep-set and dark brown in colour. The ears are set high on the head and cropped to points in countries that permit this. When left naturally the ears are small and V shaped, folding close to the head. Their legs are straight, with pretty and small feet. The tail is docked, in countries that permit docking, and is seen over the back line of the dog. This is a double coated breed with a wiry outer coat, and a soft undercoat. The fur is cliped to give the appearance of a bushy beard moustache and eyebrows. Coat colours are; salt and pepper, black and silver, white and black. This breed's life expectancy is around 15 years.

History: This breed comes from Germany, about the turn-of-the-century. Smooth coated Miniature Schnauzers and coarse haired, Schnauzer dogs can appear in the same litters. This led to the ruling put down of three generations of coarse haired Schnauzer coats for registration. This quickly helps sort out and set the breed types. From there, the standard Schnauzers, Affenpinscher, and possibly the Poodle, were used in the genetic pool. This dog was used as a vermin exterminator, but nowadays is mostly a companion dog. Some of their talents include tracking, hunting, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Temperament: This breed likes to be with the family, in the hub of all activities. They are energetic and get on well with children. This breed is particularly devoted and affectionate. This breed needs socializing well. With proper leadership Miniature Schnauzers can get on with other dogs. Many of this breed will not listen to you if they sense they have a stronger mind. You need to be calm and firm, with an air of authority, to get the best from this breed. This dog makes a good watchdog and is a good dog to travel with. Do not allow small dog syndrome, this is where the dog feels they are in-charge of you, leading to problems for both, you and your dog. The problems that can arise with small dog syndrome are; separation anxiety, nervousness, disobeying you all the time and sometimes the temperament turns your dog into attacking much bigger dogs. This breed has lots of energy and needs good brisk walks daily. As this dog enjoys playing some energy could be lost with play sessions as well.

Health issues: The Miniature Schnauzer can be prone to diabetes, kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, hereditary eye problems and Von Willebrand's disease and cysts. This breed can gain weight easily, so care must be taken not to over feed them.

Grooming: It is best to brush your dog daily with a short bristle brush to prevent matting. This breed requires clipping twice yearly, all over their body in spring and fall. Show dogs will need hand stripping and trimming instead of clipping. This is best done by experts until you learn how to do this. This dog sheds little, and so could be excellent for allergy sufferers.

Living conditions: The Miniature Schnauzer dog is good for apartment life and is calm in doors, providing, they have adequate exercise.