The breed takes well to obedience training; in fact, they appreciate being taught right from wrong which makes the dog fun to train. They are active and don’t like to be at rest for long periods of time nor do they like being left alone for long periods.
Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, affectionate, and cheerful dog. It is also energetic, playful, and gets along well with children. As a result, it makes a good companion and family pet, and with proper socializing and training, can get along with other dogs just fine. This breed can make a good watchdog too.
Exercise
Alert and lively, this breed requires daily exercise to maintain their mental and physical health. The Mini Schnauzer has a medium energy level and can easily adapt to city or country living. It will benefit the most from having a fenced area where they can run and enjoy playing safely with their owner. As with many dog breeds, the Schnauzer’s greatest joy is being with their family and doing activities together. However, due to the Miniature Schnauzer’s strong prey drive because of their history as a ratter, it is recommended they not be off leash when not in a fenced area, because they might not be able to resist the urge to chase small animals. Without the proper amount of exercise and training the Miniature Schnauzer can develop negative behavior problems, so be sure to train your puppy from a young age.
Training
Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, energetic, eager to please, and learn quickly. The breed’s intelligence makes it necessary to keep training fun and interesting, because they can get bored with repetition. Socialize and train your Mini Schnauzer from a young age to avoid negative behaviors as it grows older. The Schnauzer breed can do very well in a number of sports including agility, obedience, rally, and earthdog events.
Grooming
The Schnauzer’s wiry coat is not difficult to groom. It has a double coat, a wiry topcoat with a soft undercoat that requires regular brushing and grooming. This breed only sheds a little and therefore may be a good dog for those with allergies.
If showing the dog in a competition, some of the coat is regularly “stripped” by hand. However, most owners of companion Miniature Schnauzers choose to have the coat trimmed by a professional groomer with clippers. Do this every five to eight weeks for the Schnauzer to look their best.
The Mini Schnauzer should also get a bath about once a month depending on its surroundings. Trim their nails about once a month as well and check their ears weekly and cleaned as needed.
Origin
The Standard Schnauzer, one of Europe’s farm dogs, dates back to at least the 15th century. German farmers bred the Standard Schnauzer down to miniature size to better work as ratters. It has historically been used as a ratter and still has the ability, but today is mostly used as a companion dog. Some of the Schnauzer’s multiple talents include hunting, tracking, ratter, watchdog, and competitive obedience and tricks.
Clubs, Registries & Associations
(Based on breed recognition. See store for details on a particular puppy.)
- American Canine Association, Inc.
- The American Canine Registry
- American Kennel Club
- American Pet Registry, Inc.
- Continental Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
- National Kennel Club
- United Kennel Club
Additional Information
Group: Terrier
Average Weight: 10-18 lbs.
Personality Traits: Smart, friendly, obedient
Country of Origin: Germany
Coat: Double coat, Outer: curly, wiry, Inner: soft
Check out the Miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale we currently have in our stores. If there are none here, please contact us and we’ll be in touch.
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This article has been reviewed by Animal Kingdom’s expert team to ensure accuracy and reliable pet care guidance.
