Little Pawz -- Miniature Schnauzer -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Miniature Schnauzer has a spirited temperament in combination with reflective composure. Affectionate and loving with its family, but mistrustful of strangers. Fearless, even when up against large dogs.

The Miniature Scnauzer has a powerful, stocky build. Compact rather than slender. The head is elongated. Oval, dark eyes with bushy eyebrows. Erect or folded ears, which are not clipped. It has rough whiskers on its jaws, and the tail is docked.

Size
Height: 12 – 14 inches (30 – 35 cm)

Coat and Colour
Double, with hard, wiry, outer coat and close undercoat. Head, neck, and body coat must be plucked. When in show condition the body coat should be of sufficient length to determine texture. Close covering on neck, ears, and skull. Faults: Coat too soft or too smooth and slick in appearance.

The recognized colours are salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black. The typical colour is salt and pepper in shades of grey; tan shading is permissible. The salt and pepper mixture fades out to light grey or silver white in the eyebrows, whiskers, cheeks, under throat, across chest, under tail, leg furnishings, under body, and inside legs. The light underbody hair is not to rise higher on the sides of the body than the front elbows.

The black and silvers follow the same pattern as the salt and peppers. The entire salt and pepper section must be black.

Black is the only solid colour allowed. It must be a true black with no grey hairs and no brown tinge except where the whiskers may have become discoloured. A small white spot on the chest is permitted, not to exceed one inch in diameter.

Exercise
The Miniature Schnauzer is good for keeping in apartments. Relatively long walks are important, as is firm and consistent training.

Grooming
Regular brushing and combing are sufficient, because the Miniature Schnauzer sheds few hairs. Bathing is necessary only in exceptional cases. Clean the whiskers after meals. Trimming should be done regularly too.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Miniature Schnauzer.

Origin and History
At the end of the 19th century the Miniature Schnauzer was exhibited for the first time in Frankfurt, Germany. It seems certain that the Affenpinscher, which was far better known at the time, exerted some influence on its outward appearance. People wanted to breed a small-scale image of the Schnauzer, with all its character traits.

Celebrity Owners
Bob and Elizabeth Dole own a Miniature Schnauzer named Leader.

Read more about the Miniature Schnauzer.