Minatare Schnauzer: A Companion In A Small Package

The Miniature Schnauzer comes packed with a lot of activity even in its small frame. If it comes to choosing a small dog breed then the Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect dog you can have at home. Being small in size doesn't make a dent in his confidence and he is always ready to take on any challenge including protecting his master's life.

A robust dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is a very active dog and his general appearance is remarkably similar to some of his bigger cousins: the giant and the standard Schnauzer. He is believed to have originated in Germany in the 1800's.

Compatibility and Usage: Originally developed as a farm dog, the mini Schnauzer although easily fulfills a double duty as a guard dog as well as a family dog. The mini Schnauzer is a born rat hunter and is also considered a natural prizewinner in any dog show competition because of its inherent intelligence. This breed is not a natural wanderer and as such can easily adapt to city life and become an excellent family dog.

Physical Appearance: The mini Schnauzer is distinguished by its thickset body, wiry coat and an abundance of whiskers and leg hair. It can be of several colors with salt-and-pepper as the most common; however, there are now a number of members of the breed that are blacks and black-and-silvers. They are very fond of children and of a small size.

The male of the breed stands between 17-19 inches tall and weighs up to 25 pounds while the female mini Schnauzer stands anywhere between 12-14 inches and weighs 22 pounds.

Caring & Health: With a lifespan of 15 years, they are usually a healthy breed but are also prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts and hereditary eye problems. Never overfeed the Schnauzer as they have a tendency to gain weight and become obese. They are also prone to hypothyroidism during the when they are between the age of 2 to 6 years old.

Caring & Health: The breed is susceptible to developing bladder stones, diabetes and pancreatitis. A close monitoring of their diet is therefore necessary so they do not eat too much, especially fatty food and sweets. Another susceptibility of the breed between the ages of 2 to 6 years old is hypothyroidism. Regular visits to the vet will certainly give your mini Schnauzer a health and long life. Regular grooming of the coat and the beard is necessary including clipping of the toe nails. To avoid periodontal disease, regular brushing of teeth is obligatory.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for city living and despite its active behavior indoors it can do without a yard and easily adapts to any kind of environment. If you live in the city and a family and guard dog is what you are looking for, then the Miniature Schnauzer is definitely a perfectly good choice to make.