Miniature Schnauzer
Temperament:
Little man big. This is the best way to describe the smallest representative of the Schnauzer family. The fearless dwarf with the strong character does not shy away from dangers and loves the active life with his owner. A self-confident splendor, which shines with high recognition value and is ideally suited as a family dog with its social traits.
Characteristics
The mini edition of the Schnauzer measures a shoulder height of 30 to 36 cm and weighs a proud 5 to 9 kilos. He has a slender body and his stature appears strong and compact. An elongated head and a short back characterize his stocky build.
The coat is typical Schnauzer wiry-stiff. The dense undercoat and the well-fitting grayish topcoat optimally ward off wind and weather. His most distinctive trademarks are his longer beard and bushy thick brows. The charming dog is available in four different Color variations: black, white, black silver and pepper salt. The latter is the most common coloration and is characterized by a fine gray with pigmented peppering.
The lively fellow is extremely agile. His endurance and fitness challenge you especially. The Miniature Schnauzer always wants to be outworked. He is a resilient and agile bundle of energy, that is not satisfied with a life as a couch potato. He needs non-stop employment and workload.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a absolute all-rounderwho loves variety and also demands it. Whether long extended walks, tricky search games or excessive retrieve training - the mini among the Schnauzers is for nothing to spare. In sports and games he always shows his dynamic, clever and adaptive side.
Inside the little rascal is a affectionate and loving nature. He will always follow you wherever you go and be a loyal friend for life. In families with children he also feels very comfortable, because here he can give free rein to his social and playful disposition.
When the Miniature Schnauzer is bored, he likes to act out. As is typical for small dogs, he then marks the big guy with unbridled yapping and dominant behavior. A clear and consistent education is therefore very important and indispensable with him. The little one needs a hand that guides him and patiently shows him his limits. Otherwise he takes command himself and dances around on everyone else's nose.
The Zwergi can be kept well in an apartment, but requires a lot of time for activity because of its strong guarding instinct. You must know how to deal with his fearless temperament. Because even if he is small, a cuddle dog is the little guy definitely not.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a dog that will accompany you on a long stage of life. His life expectancy is 12 years and more.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Miniature Schnauzer is Not a gourmet and also not a difficult eater. He does not make too high demands. Extra sausages do not have to be cooked up with him.
The passionate carnivore does not necessarily require a special feed. However, the quality of the food affects the health just as in other dog breeds. Varied and nutritious food is therefore always recommended. Healthy herbs and plenty of vegetables should always complement the meat and support a balanced diet. Make sure that important minerals are included in the food of your choice and that it is easily digestible for your busy dwarf.
Basically, wet food is always a bit messy and tedious with a Schnauzer. Because this food usually gets stuck in his beard. With kitchen paper, which you should always have at hand, you can quickly remove the food remains after eating.
The Miniature Schnauzer always needs something to do. That is why can Treats of any kind for him to be hidden in suitable toys made of natural rubber. Here your lively friend can let off steam by chewing. This loads him wonderfully and at the same time cleans his teeth.
Also all animal nibbles such as Pig ears, beef sticks or lamb rumen are delicious alternatives for the tireless Miniature Schnauzer. He'll be especially happy about the little morsels you hide in the apartment. Because here he can prove his talent as a sleuth.
Health & Care
The grooming of the Miniature Schnauzer sets weekly brushing ahead. The rough outer coat and the thick undercoat can otherwise easily become matted. Several times a year you also need to trim it. This is important for hair growth. Trimming requires some practice and experience, because especially on the muzzle is not easy for beginners. Visiting a professional groomer is almost a must with this breed.
Otherwise Miniature Schnauzers are low maintenance. They hardly shed and do not get annoying shedding. This makes this dog especially interesting for allergy sufferers.
To the delight of its owners, the Miniature Schnauzer hardly shows any susceptibility to certain diseases. Connoisseurs report a stronger tendency to Urinary stone formation and also to mild inflammation of the eyes. However, these are not life-threatening diseases. In addition, it is always dependent on the breeding family, whether these symptoms then actually occur.
Suitable accessories
For a regular and species-appropriate coat care you definitely need a resistant brush and a gentle comb. For even easier combing there are also fragrant oils, which at the same time still provide a beautiful shine of the coat. Because the coat of the Miniature Schnauzer is very resistant, he does not need a raincoat in the wet and cold season.
The hardworking and studious mini schnauzer likes to use toy, to be sufficiently engaged. Balls and other throwing toys he will gratefully accept. Also a Food dummy for retrieval can prove himself with him. At home, he can be with an exciting Intelligence Toys be kept mentally on their toes.
Origin & History
The fact that the Miniature Schnauzer is so hard-working and robust is due to its origin. In earlier times he was the working dog of ordinary people and farmers who need a reliable and uncomplicated Watchdog needed for their belongings. Also coachmen and mobile traders often put on the small Protector to. He brought enough stamina for the strenuous journeys, was practical to transport and bravely guarded the cart.
Its deepest origins probably lie in southern Germany, in Württemberg. There it was long considered a popular Cat replacement and more reliable Stable dog. Because he dutifully kept away or directly hunted vermin such as rats and mice. This is also the reason for the nicknames "Rattler" and "Stable pinscher.
Later, noble ladies from upscale homes developed a fondness for the bright four-legged dwarfs. From then on, they rose as valued companion dogs. From 1870 the first breeding attempts followed. At that time they were still called "Zwergpinscher". Especially in the Frankfurt area, the breed of Schnauzer was increasingly bred, from which ultimately comes today's Miniature Schnauzer.
The once so industrious companion does not put up with anything and is a brave and faithful companion. He goes with you through thick and thin and is up for any fun. Ball sports, water sports, jogging, cycling, cuddling - life with him is never boring.
