Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Germany/15th Century

The Miniature Schnauzer was Made in Germany with 100% German ingredients. About 1890 breeders crossed the larger Standard Schnauzer with an Affenpinscher to create a dog that was better able to catch rats than either ancestor. The Mini Schnauzers arrived in the United States in 1925 and became a very popular breed.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

Back to Top

Zwergschnauzer

AKC Group: Terrier

Breed Club: American Miniature Schnauzer Club

Rescue Club: American Miniature Schnauzer Club Rescue

Back to Top

Body Type:

  • A compact, stocky terrier with abundant face and leg furnishings
  • Height: 12-14 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 14-15 pounds
  • Ears are cropped to stand erect in the United States
  • Tail is docked short

Personality:

  • A German sensibility instead of the fiery nature of the British terriers
  • High intelligence
  • Excellent with both children and elderly people
  • Alert nature and natural protective instincts make the Mini Schnauzer a good watchdog

Coat:

  • Double coat: harsh and wiry outer coat and soft, close lying undercoat
  • Beard and bushy eyebrows
  • Acceptable colors are solid black, black and silver, or salt and pepper. The gray salt and peppers are the most common. The grizzled colors are the result of hairs with unique light and dark banding instead of a mixture of light and dark hairs
  • Requires professional grooming

Health Concerns:

  • General good health
  • Genetic eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Diabetes
  • Liver diseases common
  • Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder
  • Bladder and kidney stones reported
Back to Top
Tasty Tidbits:
  • The most popular terrier, it is the only one that is not of British origin
  • One of three sizes of the Schnauzer. There are two larger varieties: the Standard and the Giant
  • Non shedding coat is good for people with allergies
  • Not as prone to wandering as other terriers
  • Does not enjoy to dig, unlike most other terriers