Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed… Everything That You Need to Know at a Glance!

The Miniature Schnauzer Dog is hard to miss with his large mustache and bushy beard, which covers most of his face. And while these guys may look like tiny little “toy” dogs, the truth is, these guys are quite stocky little athletes. Little athletes who are pretty relaxed and happy in human company. This is probably why so many folks have found that these little guys make a great addition to just about any family household.

It’s also probably why…

Celebrities seem to love this dog as well! Some of the biggest stars in the world, such as the famous martial artist Bruce Lee, Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, actress Mary Tyler Moore and comedian Bill Cosby were known to have a Miniature Schnauzer at home.

There’s just something about the little Schnauzer….

That seems to draw folks to him. And we at IndulgeYourPet are no exception to this rule. This is why, should you adopt a Miniature Schnauzer, you should prepare yourself for the fact that people can’t help stopping you on the street when you take him out for a walk so that they can pat him on his head.

But don’t fret because, while you may grow tired of introducing your little guy to everyone on the street, your little guy will undoubtedly love all the attention!

But is the Miniature Schnauzer the “right” kind of dog for you?

That’s the real question that we hope to help you answer for yourself in this article, where we will attempt to answer some of the questions you may have about what it will be like to own a Miniature Schnauzer.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Miniature Schnauzer Fast Facts

Country of Origin: Germany

Original Purpose:  Ratter

Height: 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 11 to 20 pounds

Dog Breed Classification:  Terrier group

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

Origin of the Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer has been around for a long time. This dog’s first mention can be found in paintings and writings from the early 15^th century. But it was only in the 18^th century when he was first recognized as a “bona fide” dog breed. And while it is true that with most “ancient” dog breeds, the actual origin of the species is usually a “bit” of a mystery, in the case of the Miniature Schnauzer,r, most folks agree that they most likely developed by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher and Poodle.

That said…

It’s also possible that other German breeds, such as the Miniature Pinscher, Zwergspitz, and Wire Fox Terriers, were added to the mix. But the real “credit” for miniaturizing the Schnauzer goes to Georg Riehl and Heinrich Schott. The first Mini Schnauzer was registered in a German stud book in 1888. He was introduced to the broader public at a dog show in Stuttgart in 1899.

From there…

It took about 30 years until the early 1920s when the Miniature Schnauzer made its presence felt in the United States. His unique looks and composed temperament aroused a lot of curiosity. Shortly after that, the Schnauzer Club of America was formed in 1926. This was further divided into the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and the Standard Schnauzer Club of America, created in 1933.

The Mini Schnauzer was then “officially” registered by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a part of the Terrier Group.

Physical Characteristics

Miniature Schnauzers are small, no more than 12 to 14 inches tall. But these are sturdy dogs with square-shaped, robust bodies. They are light enough to be carried around, weighing only 11 to 20 pounds. We should also point out that this dog has a distinctive wiry double coat with the color combinations Solid Black, Salt, Pepper, or Black and Silver. But ultimately, their bushy mustache, eyebrows, and shaggy beard will make them stick out. His ears are usually cropped.

Temperament and Personality

The Mini Schnauzer Dog is not the sort to get unduly aggravated. He is a calm, composed dog who is more of a lover than a fighter. In this regard, he is the complete opposite of his compatriot, the Miniature Pinscher. He also gets along well with everyone, even with other dogs. However, the Schnauzer Dog belongs to the Terrier Group. So he does have a prey drive, but it is not as pronounced as it is in many other Terrier dogs. He does feel uncomfortable around cats, but that doesn’t mean he will try to kill them.

What he is good at…

The Miniature Schnauzer is, above all, a farm dog. He was initially bred for his rat-killing skills. He can also be a good guard dog or watchdog because of his sharp hearing and a loud barking voice. He is noticeably intelligent and relatively easy to train because of this. He is also pretty responsive to the owner’s commands once he understands you’re in charge. And by this, we don’t mean you need to get aggressive with them because that’s just unnecessary. We suggest that you’re in order of the hugs and treats!

You see…

He is an affectionate dog and gets attached to his human family. He is as loyal as they get. He will stick with you, no matter what. He is not the sort of a dog that runs away the moment you let go of the leash.

Potential Health Concerns

The Miniature Schnauzer is a very healthy breed. His life expectancy is 14 to 15 years, so he is not the sort of dog that gets sick often. But even this little guy does suffer from specific health problems, such as…

• Allergies,
• Canine neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis,
• Cushing’s Disease,
• Diabetes,
• Epilepsy or seizures,
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis,
• Myotonia,
• Pancreatitis,
• Canine cutaneous histiocytoma,
• Schnauzer comedo syndrome,
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“Dry Eye”),
• Lens luxation,
• Cataracts,
• Progressive retinal atrophy,
• Patent ductus arteriosus,
• Renal dysplasia,
• Von Willebrand Disease,
• Pulmonic stenosis,
• Endocarditis,
• Portosystemic shunts,
• Retinal dysplasia,
• Hyperlipidemia,
• Melanoma.

And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.

Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?

No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?

For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.