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Facts about Miniature Schnauzer Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for Miniature Schnauzer puppies, or just want to learn more about this breed?
Maybe you are thinking about buying a dog and want to know if this is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Breed History
The breed, also known as a Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer), originated in Germany sometime in the mid-to-late 19th century.
It was developed through the crosses of a Standard Schnauzer and some smaller breeds, such as a Miniature Poodle and an Affenpinscher. It was originally used as a ratter and a general-purpose farm dog.
The American Kennel Club groups a Miniature Schnauzer with Terriers because this breed was developed for a similar purpose. Of the three types of Schnauzers, this is the only one classified as a Terrier. It's also the only Terrier whose roots don't go back to Great Britain.
Physical Characteristics of a Miniature Schnauzer
The breed looks like a small version of a Standard Schnauzer.
It has a small and square body, a rectangular head and a blunt muzzle. The eyes are small and brown. The ears are either naturally folded or cropped erect. The tail is docked and erect.
Miniature Schnauzer puppies have a double coat that consists of a short and dense undercoat and a hard outer coat. The coat comes in solid black, black and silver or salt and pepper.
The breed's most distinctive features are heavy arched eyebrows and long whiskers and beard.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 12 to 14 inches | 12 to 15 pounds | |
| Female | 12 to 14 inches | 11 to 13 pounds |
Temperament
This is an alert, energetic, even-tempered and an intelligent dog. It's loyal and devoted to its family. It also craves for lots of attention from its owner and tends to be a one-person dog.
It gets along well with most other dogs and people but is not trustworthy with smaller prey animals.
Schnauzers are very reactive to sounds and movements, making them excellent watchdogs.
If there is anything negative about them, Schnauzers bark a lot. Luckily, their bark does not sound annoying. It sounds more like the dog is talking to you in a low pitch voice.
Overall, Miniature Schnauzer puppies make good companions and family pets.
Best Owner
Schnauzers are very adaptable and will do equally well in suburban and city apartment settings.
They love to play and will do best with an owner who can provide them with extra attention that they crave for.
Some Miniature Schnauzer breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.
Great gift ideas for Miniature Schnauzer lovers
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Large selection of Schnauzer gifts including shirts, address labels, calendars, socks, jewelry, mousepads, ornaments, mugs and many other dog gifts
Activity and Exercise
The Miniature Schnauzer is a moderately active breed. Provide it with plenty of exercise, including long walks.
Allow them to play and run off leash in a safe place.
If your yard is not fenced, consider getting an electronic dog fence. There are a lot of systems that are cheap (a lot cheaper than a physical fence), easy to install and will keep your pet well protected.
Grooming
To keep its coat mat free, brush your pet daily with a short wire brush. If you find any knots, just clip them out. You also need to clip the hair around eyes and ears and clean the whiskers after each meal.
For best appearance, take your pet to a professional groomer in the spring and fall for a full body clipping. Usually, the coat is clipped all over to an even length.
Wash only when necessary and make sure to brush thoroughly when done. If your pet has uncropped ears, make sure to dry them out thoroughly after swimming.
Health Concerns
Like all dog breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.
Additional health concerns include allergies, eye problems, diabetes, urinary stones, and PRA. For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.
Schnauzers tend to gain weight quiet easily, so don't overfeed your pet.
To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Miniature Schnauzer breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).
No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.
To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for a Miniature Schnauzer puppy is between 13 and 15 years.
Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?
If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Miniature Schnauzer rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.
Not happy with your pet's behavior? Need help with training your dog for obedience? Then check this Schnauzer Behavior and Obedience Training Guide.
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