Basic Information To Know About The Miniature Schnauzer

A few of the Miniature Schnauzer's most recognizable features include their bold, spirited and highly affectionate character - which help make the Miniature Schnauzer a highly popular dog breed among active singles, seniors and families alike.

The Miniature Schnauzer was originally created in Germany during the late 1800s shortly after the Standard Schnauzer was recognized and their smaller size made them much more suitable for the task of catching rats around the house or barn. They are
believed to be a result of crossing the original Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds like the Affenpinscher and the Poodle. After their introduction they quickly became the most popular of all three Schnauzer breeds.

Miniature Schnauzers are classed as a small-sized dog. The recommended standard size for the Miniature Schnauzer male and female is 12-14 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 13-20 pounds.

The Miniature Schnauzer is well-known for their alert, spirited, playful and sometimes stubborn temperament. They are generally friendlier with strangers than their larger counterpart, which can make them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Miniature Schnauzer is also known to be extremely intelligent - ranking 12th compared to other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience commands. They are also known to be good with children - making them quite suitable as a family pet. The Miniature Schnauzer is usually compatible with other dogs when they're properly socialized at an early age.

The Miniature Schnauzer doesn't always need a yard to run around in, so they can be quite suitable for apartment living if they are exercised enough.

The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys activities such as playing games of fetch or running around in a safe area. They have a moderately high level of energy and need to be given daily exercise in the form of short walks to prevent excessive weight gain as well as destructive behavior that might result from boredom.

The Miniature Schnauzer can make the perfect dog for active owners, seniors or families that have plenty of time to look after a dog. They are suitable for anyone who is willing to commit to a regular amount of grooming and take time to give them early socialization and positive obedience training as well as take them for short daily walks and give a very high amount of companionship and attention - they are known to become depressed if neglected too regularly and are not an ideal dog to be left alone all day. Though they might be somewhat unsuitable for a guard dog, if you are able to meet their need for a good deal of patience and a lot of love and attention then the Miniature Schnauzer could make the ideal dog breed for you.

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