Miniature Schnauzer breed information, pictures and more...

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely proportioned dog with a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. It is an energetic, active dog; it makes a delightful companion for apartment dweller or someone with a small house and yard.

It is charming and attractive; the perky Miniature Schnauzer is seldom addicted to wandering, being devoted to its home and family. It makes an excellent companion to children.

Pure black, or pepper and salt.

Harsh, hard and wiry, dense undercoat. Brush the wiry coat daily with a short wire brush to prevent matting. The coat should be stripped to prevent it from becoming soft and woolly. Pluck the coat twice a year -in spring and fall; trim around the eyes and ears with a blunt-nosed scissor and clean the whiskers after meals. It has no doggie odor and sheds little to no hair; it is good for allergy sufferers.

This is usually a healthy breed. Although some are prone to suffer from kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, liver ailments and cysts, also hereditary eye problems. Do not overfeed the dog, for it tends to gain weight easily. To minimize the risk of your Schnauzer developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable Mini Schnauzer breeder.

The Mini Schnauzer is very perky, loving and intelligent. It is playful, happy, alert, energetic, affectionate, and obedient. This dog loves children. This breed demands time and companionship from its owner. It can be fairly dog aggressive; putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight, which can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, it will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble on itself than it really wanted.

Socialization with other dogs at an early age is a must. If properly introduced it will get along with another dog, but will not accept every dog that comes its way. Some tend to bark a lot. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most love everyone. It is an excellent watchdog, and mouse catcher. This energetic little dog enjoys long, brisk, daily walks, and loves play sessions off the leash.

This breed is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.