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Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzer (Black & Silver, Face)
Black & Silver, Face

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #17

2021: #18

2020: #19

2019: #18

2018: #19

2017: #18

2016: #17

2015: #16

Name Miniature Schnauzer
Other names Zwergschnauzer
Origin Germany
Breed Group Terrier (AKC:1926)(UKC)
Size Small
Type Purebred
Life span 12-14 years
Temperament

Alert

Fearless

Friendly

Intelligent

Obedient

Spirited

Height

Male: 14 inches (35.6 cm)

Female: 13 inches (33.0 cm)

Weight

Male: 11-18 pounds (5.0-8.2 kg)

Female: 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)

Colors

Black

Black & Silver

Salt & Pepper

Litter Size 3-6 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1200 - $2500 USD

Usually, the average cost of purchasing a pet quality puppy from a reputable breeder is about $1,200 to $2,500. However, for a Miniature Schnauzer puppy with top breed lines and a superior pedigree, you may need to pay between $3,500 and $5,000.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

4 stars

The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life and will be calm indoors so long as it gets enough exercise.

Barking Tendencies

3 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

3 stars

Exercise Needs

3 stars

These energetic little dogs need daily, long, brisk, walks or jogs, and love play sessions off the leash. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans.

Grooming

4 stars

High Maintenance: The Miniature Schnauzer’s grooming needs are fairly extensive. He needs regular clipping or hand stripping. Pets are usually clipped because hand stripping is a time-consuming effort typically reserved for show dogs. Clipping will soften the coat, though, so if you like the hard texture, resign yourself to stripping it.

Health Issues

3 stars

Hypoallergenic: YesA UK Kennel Club survey puts the median lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers at a little over 12 years. About 20% lived to >15 years. While generally a healthy breed, Miniature Schnauzers may suffer health problems associated with high fat levels. Such problems include hyperlipidemia, which may increase the possibility of pancreatitis, though either may form independently.

Intelligence

5 stars

Ranking: #12 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

1 stars

Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes.

Stranger Friendly

3 stars

Trainability

5 stars

Easy Training: Though the Miniature Schnauzer learns fast, it has a slight stubborn streak. Training must be fair and consistent and should not be overly repetitious. Miniature Schnauzers are responsive to the sound of their handler's voice. They are versatile, and can learn a variety of activities such as hunting, retrieving, and herding.

Watchdog Ability

5 stars

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Miniature Schnauzer Puppy (Black, Face)
Black, Face

Miniature Schnauzer Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Rocky Daisy
02 Duke Lola
03 Bear Chloe
04 Jack Lulu
05 Tucker Zoey
06 Diesel Ruby
07 Oliver Roxy
08 Riley Gracie
09 Marley Molly
10 Dexter Abbie
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust, sturdily built terrier of nearly square proportion. It was developed as a ratter and is quick and tough. Its gait displays good reach and drive. Its coat is double, with a close undercoat, and hard, wiry, outer coat which is longer on the legs, muzzle and eyebrows. Its facial furnishings add to its keen expression.

The miniature schnauzer deserves its place as one of the most popular terrier pets. It is playful, inquisitive, alert, spunky and companionable. It is a well-mannered house dog that also enjoys being in the middle of activities. It is less domineering than the larger schnauzers and less dog-aggressive than most terriers. It is also better with other animals than most terriers, although it will gladly give chase. It is clever and can be stubborn, but it is generally biddable. It enjoys children. Some may bark a lot.

History

The Miniature Schnauzer is a German breed. During the years around the turn of the century, both smooth German Pinscher and coarse-haired Schnauzer pups appeared in the same litters. The German Pinscher Schnauzer Club initiated a policy requiring proof of three generations of pure coarse-haired Schnauzer coats for registration. This quickly helped set type and made them a distinct breed from the German Pinscher. These Schnauzers were given the name Standard Schnauzer. Miniature Schnauzers were developed by crossing small Standard Schnauzers with the Affenpinscher and possibly the Poodle. The Schnauzer name derived from the German word "Schnauze," which means "muzzle." It was used as a ratter and still retains the ability, but is mostly a companion dog today. Some of the Schnauzer's talents include: hunting, tracking, ratter, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks.

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