Miniature Schnauzer

This jaunty, intelligent small dog has won more admirers than either of the other Schnauzer, the Standard and Giant.

Origin: All three Schnauzer breeds originated in the cattle and sheep farming areas of southern Germany. Records of a Schnauzer-type dog date back to the early 16th century. Their ancestors are thought to include the wire haired German Pinscher and the Schafer Pudel, and the first Schnauzers were probably similar to today’s Standard breed. They were all purpose dogs, being good ratters and excellent guards. Breeders used the Affenpinscher, a tiny, monkey-like, wire haired breed, to produce smaller dogs. Subsequent refinement resulted in the Miniature Schnauzer, also known as the Zwergschnauzer.

In America, the Miniature Schnauzer is classed as a terrier and was at one time the most popular terrier there. Whereas in United Kingdom, it is regarded in a utility group rather than a terrier.

Temperament: Full of good natured energy and very friendly towards children. Playful yet a fine guard.

Grooming: Use wire brush daily. Comb whiskers and long hair daily. Coat needs to be stripped and plucked at least twice a year.

Exercise: Needs a fair amount of exercise. Will follow horses.

Training: Easy and useful obedience dog which does quite well in show rings and obedience classes.

Physical Appearance of Miniature Schnauzer

Head: Strong looking with a gradual taper from the ears to the black nose. Muzzle powerful with abundant whiskers and mustache.

Eyes: Dark brown and oval, under full eyebrows.

Ears: Set high. V-shaped and falling forward. However in America, the ears are generally cropped to a point. (Cropping is illegal in some countries, which I hope in near future more countries would follow suit)

Coat: Hard and wiry. Long on legs and head but short elsewhere. Colors are black or pepper and salt (a mix of light and dark gray).

Body: Back sloping gradually towards the hindquarters. Quite a deep chest with a visible breast bone.

Tail: Set high and docked.

Weight: 6 to 7 kg / 15 to 15 lb

Height: 33 to 36 cm / 13 to 14 in