Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 14-15 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Terriers
Overview
Miniature schnauzers are spirited yet obedient family dogs. They usually
enjoy, and are responsive to early socialization and obedience training.
Miniature schnauzers enjoy the company of children and other animals, especially
if raised with them from an early age. Some schnauzers are outgoing with
strangers and others are more reserved.
Excessive barking can become a problem if not corrected when the dog is
young.
Appearance
The miniature schnauzer has a dense, profuse beard and bushy, bristly eyebrows.
Its outercoat is hard and wiry; the undercoat is very short. Coat color
is salt-and-pepper, black and silver, or solid black.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The miniature schnauzer should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed
every two to three months. The beard needs to be cleaned daily. This dog
loves long walks but may forgo exercise on rainy days.
Origins
The bushy-muzzled miniature schnauzer, named after the German word for nose
or muzzle, was developed from affenpinscher, giant schnauzer, and miniature
pinscher bloodlines in the 19th century in Germany for its ratting ability.
Special Alerts
It is especially important to obtain a miniature schnauzer from a reputable
breeder.
Breed-related health concerns: bladder stones, follicular dermatitis
(inflamation of the hair follicles), kidney disease, allergies, high cholesterol,
seizures, pancreatitis, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy,
hypothyroidism, atherosclerosis, von Willebrand's disease (a common disorder
that causes excessive bleeding during or after surgery), Legg-Perthes disease.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
