Originally bred as farm dogs, Miniature Schnauzers also make great family pets – from cuddling on the couch to running in the park, your dog will always be by your side.

67-miniature-schnauzer

Friendly, loving, and with their distinctive bearded snouts, Miniature Schnauzers make for adorable pets. They are protective, alert and good watchdogs. However, their vigilant nature can lead to relentless barking, so the right training is essential.

Miniature Schnauzers’ generally affable disposition makes them good playmates for children and the family. They were originally bred as rat-catchers though, so they tend to chase smaller animals. Your pet guinea pig is likely to be tormented by a Schnauzer. Ideally keep them as the only pet in the house.

Fun fact: Miniature Schnauzers can hear frequencies

twice as high as humans can.

They are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, but can be quite independent, stubborn and dominant if they do not have a firm and patient owner. They need to be socialised and obedience-trained as early as possible. Your Miniature Schnauzer also needs to be kept entertained, as they bore quite easily and may get up to mischief if not stimulated.

These energetic dogs don’t necessarily require a large yard, but they do need a daily long, brisk walk or jog. If you provide long play sessions without a leash, you’ll have one very happy bestie. Remember that your Miniature Schnauzer will follow you – even as you enter and exit a door.

They have a double coat – a wiry top coat (usually in salt and pepper, black, white or silver) and a soft under coat. A miniature Schnauzer’s coat sheds very lightly and doesn’t moult. A daily routine of combing and brushing, especially their beard and leg hair, will prevent matting. A complete clipping twice a year is a good idea. Trim around their eyes and ears and clean their whiskers after each meal. The coat is hypoallergenic, so a Miniature Schnauzer is suitable for family members that suffer from fur allergies.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Some potential health problems are present in this breed, such as fatty tumours and skin issues like dermatitis. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

A Mini Schnauzer is a small-sized breed weighing between 7-8kgs, with a height between 33-35cms.

Space

A Miniature Schnauzer is a great apartment pet.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a gym-bunny. They love a good workout, but also love napping. Daily walks and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.

Difficulty of Training

They are intelligent and eager to please. With consistent training, they are great pets.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions.

Compatibility with other Pets

They prefer being the only pet, but will befriend your cat if they grow up together.

Need for Company

Miniature Schnauzers have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family. They may also follow you from room to room.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

Yes 

Coat and Grooming Needs

This breed requires moderate maintenance. They have a short-to-medium coat, usually a salt and pepper colour or black or white. Brush them weekly and trim their hair regularly.

Shedding

They shed little.

Tendency to Bark

A Miniature Schnauzer has a moderate tendency to bark, so expect some conversation.

Similar Pets You May Like

Border Terrier

Poodle Miniature

Bedlington Terrier