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Kennel Clubs:

CKC  = Continental Kennel Club
FCI= Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC= United Kennel Club
KCGB= Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC= Australian National Kennel Club
NKC= National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI= American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR =American Canine Registry 

Pronunciation 

MINIATURE SCHNOW-ZER

Description 

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, squarely-proportioned dog with a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The thick, prominent eyebrows and long mustache are often trimmed to accentuate the dog's square cut shape. The front legs are very straight. The tail is usually docked. The oval eyes are dark colored, and the v-shaped ears fold forward when left natural or are cropped to a point and stand erect. It has a long head, strong muzzle, a well-developed black nose and a scissors bite. Coat colors include salt & pepper, black, white or a harsh black & silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. 

Very perky and bright-eyed. Loving and intelligent. Energetic, affectionate, and obedient. Playful, happy and alert, they like children. The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys time and companionship from its owner. Without the proper leadership, it can be feisty and fairly dog-aggressive - putting on a show of superiority without necessarily intending to fight. This can be fairly dangerous for the Miniature Schnauzer, who will challenge even large dogs, sometimes bringing more trouble on himself than he really wanted. Socialize this breed well with other dogs when it is still a puppy. If properly introduced, and if the dog does not see himself as pack leader, the Miniature Schnauzer will get along with another dog. They make good companions and family pets. Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, but it does not have a yappy bark it sounds like a low carried-out voice, howl of a voice. They make good guard dogs and mouse catchers. They are excellent watchdogs and are great to travel with. Some can be reserved with strangers, but most love everyone. Socialize well. Do not allow this little dog to develope Small Dog Syndrome, a human induced behavior where the dog feels he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems including, but not limited to Separation Anxiety,  willful, nervous, barky, guarding,  bold and sometimes temperamental, not hesitating to attack much bigger dogs. A mentally stable dog, who gets enough mental and physical exercise will  have a totally different personality. These are not Miniature Schnauzer traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated by the people around him. It is all up to the humans. As soon as the humans start being true pack leaders, the dogs behavior will change for the better. 

 

Height, Weight 

Height: 12-14 inches (30-36cm.)
Weight: 10-15 pounds (5-7kg) 

Health Problems 

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. Eyes of breeding stock should be checked for this. Do not overfeed the Schnauzer, for he tends to gain weight easily.  

Living Conditions 

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.  

Exercise 

These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk walks and love play sessions off the leash.  

Life Expectancy 

About 15 years. It shows no signs of age until quite late in life.  

Grooming 

The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become matted. Clip out any knots. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but this is a job best left to an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals. On pet dogs the coat is usually clipped short on the upper body and left somewhat longer on the under-parts, legs and head. Show dogs require trimming and hand stripping instead of clipping. This breed sheds little to no hair and is a good dog for allergy sufferers. 

ORIGIN

The Miniature Schnauzer is reportedly a result of crosses between the Standard Schnauzer, the  Affenpinscher and perhaps the Poodle. He is originally a German breed, named after the German word for muzzle, "Schnauze." The Miniature Schnauzer excels at killing rats, but today it is mostly a popular and esteemed companion. Some of the Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.  

Group 

Terrier, AKC Terrier  

 

Recognition 

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR 

 

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