Miniature Schnauzer
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
r, please consider rescue. If contact below is not in your area, please search for one closer. https://www.schnauzerrescuesouthafrica.co.za/
The Schnauzer type consists of three breeds - the Giant, Standard and Miniature. Their name was derived from the German word "Schnauze" which means "muzzle or mustache", indicating their distinctively bearded snout.
The Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany during the 19th century and is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. During the years around the turn of the century, both smooth- and coarse-haired pups appeared in the same litters. The smooth-haired pups were called German Pinscher and the coarse-haired pups Schnauzers (they would later be called the Standard Schnauzers). They were originally used to catch rats and as guard dogs for property, livestock and children. During World War I and II they were used as messenger dogs, and they have also been used to help the Red Cross (therapy work) and as police dogs. Today they excel at obedience, agility, tracking, herding, hunting, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, military work, and performing tricks.
Miniature Schnauzers were developed by crossing small Standard Schnauzers with the Affenpinscher and possibly the Poodle. They are the most common size Schnauzer in South Africa. They were originally bred for killing rats on farms, where their smaller size allowed them to get into spaces that the Standard size could not. Today these dogs do well in hunting, tracking, ratting, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks.
The Giant Schnauzer originated in the Wurttenberg and Bavaria sections of Germany where the Standard Schnauzer was crossed with the Great Dane and the Bouvier des Flandresto. They are largest of the three Schnauzers and were originally bred to assist on farms by driving livestock to market and guarding the farmer's property. They eventually moved into the city; where they guarded breweries, butchers' shops, stockyards and factories. They became popular as a military dog during World War I and II and were also used as a police dog. In modern times, they are still used as police dogs as well as trained for obedience, dog agility, herding, search and rescue, and carting.
Schnauzers solid square bodies, they have wiry, curly and very rugged looking double coats with distinctive beards and long feathery eyebrows. The most common colours are a mix of black, grey and white, salt and pepper.
Personality
Although the breeds differ in size; they share similar personality characteristics. They are intelligent, alert, obedient, affectionate, reliable, loving, playful, loyal, friendly, brave and bold. With a spirited, energetic and spunky nature
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Their sense of fun will keep you on your toes and laughing for hours - they love to entertain, and take great delight in showing off to your guests. They also love to be wherever you are and can be very loyal to their family, this is not a breed that can be left alone in the backyard without human companionship.
Be sure to provide your Schnauzer with plenty of exercise and mental stimulus. These dogs are very energetic and need a fair amount of exercise; they will take as much as they can get but a daily, long, brisk walk or jog is a must. They also enjoy playing (fetch being one of their favourite), swimming and running around off lead. A good way to exercise them both physically and mentally is to participate in dog sporting events like tracking, agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, disc dog and herding (for the Giant breed). If they are left with nothing to do and not given the outlet required for their energy they can become bored and destructive - digging up the garden or chewing the furniture.
Socialisation and training is very important with these breeds. They need to learn the rules they must follow as well as the limits of what they can and cannot do, if not they can be quite willful and hard-headed - becoming demanding, fearless, un-trusting of children, overprotective and dominant.
Miniature schnauzers
They readily adapts to a wide range of living environments thanks to their happy-go-lucky personality. Their compact size makes them an ideal apartment dweller, but they are equally at home in suburbia, on the farm, with just one owner or with the whole family. However, if they are kept in an apartment they need to be taken outside at least once a day for a walk. Because they are more delicate and less robust than their cousins, they should not live outside.
They make excellent watchdogs with a good territorial instinct, but they are more inclined toward barking than biting -so they are not the best guard dogs. These dogs do not have a yappy bark, but rather they make a sounds like a low, carried-out howl of a voice and they will often express themselves vocally - barking to greet their owner, to express joy, excitement or displeasure. With proper training you can make sure they don't bark incessantly.
These little dogs tend to latch onto a particular person, claiming that individual as theirs. It doesn't mean they don't get along with other members of the family or their person's significant other, it's just clear who'd they protect first if anything threatened them. And although they are adorable and will steal your heart it is very important not to baby them to prevent them from developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming demanding, headstrong, protective, aggressive towards other dogs, suspicious of strangers and bark excessively. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell, a Schnauzer is for you if you:
The Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany during the 19th century and is the oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds. During the years around the turn of the century, both smooth- and coarse-haired pups appeared in the same litters. The smooth-haired pups were called German Pinscher and the coarse-haired pups Schnauzers (they would later be called the Standard Schnauzers). They were originally used to catch rats and as guard dogs for property, livestock and children. During World War I and II they were used as messenger dogs, and they have also been used to help the Red Cross (therapy work) and as police dogs. Today they excel at obedience, agility, tracking, herding, hunting, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, military work, and performing tricks.
Miniature Schnauzers were developed by crossing small Standard Schnauzers with the Affenpinscher and possibly the Poodle. They are the most common size Schnauzer in South Africa. They were originally bred for killing rats on farms, where their smaller size allowed them to get into spaces that the Standard size could not. Today these dogs do well in hunting, tracking, ratting, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks.
The Giant Schnauzer originated in the Wurttenberg and Bavaria sections of Germany where the Standard Schnauzer was crossed with the Great Dane and the Bouvier des Flandresto. They are largest of the three Schnauzers and were originally bred to assist on farms by driving livestock to market and guarding the farmer's property. They eventually moved into the city; where they guarded breweries, butchers' shops, stockyards and factories. They became popular as a military dog during World War I and II and were also used as a police dog. In modern times, they are still used as police dogs as well as trained for obedience, dog agility, herding, search and rescue, and carting.
Schnauzers solid square bodies, they have wiry, curly and very rugged looking double coats with distinctive beards and long feathery eyebrows. The most common colours are a mix of black, grey and white, salt and pepper.
Personality
Although the breeds differ in size; they share similar personality characteristics. They are intelligent, alert, obedient, affectionate, reliable, loving, playful, loyal, friendly, brave and bold. With a spirited, energetic and spunky nature
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Their sense of fun will keep you on your toes and laughing for hours - they love to entertain, and take great delight in showing off to your guests. They also love to be wherever you are and can be very loyal to their family, this is not a breed that can be left alone in the backyard without human companionship.
Be sure to provide your Schnauzer with plenty of exercise and mental stimulus. These dogs are very energetic and need a fair amount of exercise; they will take as much as they can get but a daily, long, brisk walk or jog is a must. They also enjoy playing (fetch being one of their favourite), swimming and running around off lead. A good way to exercise them both physically and mentally is to participate in dog sporting events like tracking, agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, disc dog and herding (for the Giant breed). If they are left with nothing to do and not given the outlet required for their energy they can become bored and destructive - digging up the garden or chewing the furniture.
Socialisation and training is very important with these breeds. They need to learn the rules they must follow as well as the limits of what they can and cannot do, if not they can be quite willful and hard-headed - becoming demanding, fearless, un-trusting of children, overprotective and dominant.
Miniature schnauzers
They readily adapts to a wide range of living environments thanks to their happy-go-lucky personality. Their compact size makes them an ideal apartment dweller, but they are equally at home in suburbia, on the farm, with just one owner or with the whole family. However, if they are kept in an apartment they need to be taken outside at least once a day for a walk. Because they are more delicate and less robust than their cousins, they should not live outside.
They make excellent watchdogs with a good territorial instinct, but they are more inclined toward barking than biting -so they are not the best guard dogs. These dogs do not have a yappy bark, but rather they make a sounds like a low, carried-out howl of a voice and they will often express themselves vocally - barking to greet their owner, to express joy, excitement or displeasure. With proper training you can make sure they don't bark incessantly.
These little dogs tend to latch onto a particular person, claiming that individual as theirs. It doesn't mean they don't get along with other members of the family or their person's significant other, it's just clear who'd they protect first if anything threatened them. And although they are adorable and will steal your heart it is very important not to baby them to prevent them from developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming demanding, headstrong, protective, aggressive towards other dogs, suspicious of strangers and bark excessively. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell, a Schnauzer is for you if you:
- Want a dog that will do anything and go anywhere with you
- Are willing to let the dog be part of your family and give them the attention they need
- Are prepared to give them the daily mentally as well as physically exercise they need
- Have experience with dogs and can be firm with the rules.
- Are willing to spend time and money on training, socializing and grooming them.
- You want good watch/guard dogs
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Schnauzer?
These dogs will get along with most other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age.
The best option is a dog that is not very dominating or challenging; like a Pitbull or Staffie; as a Schnauzer will not back down from a challenge.
Good breeds to go for will be one that is hardy and playful with a high-energy temperament; like another Schnauzer, Boxer, Labrador, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females or to have 2 females of a simaliar age. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or a KUSA affiliated breed club.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Schnauzer?
These dogs will get along with most other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age.
The best option is a dog that is not very dominating or challenging; like a Pitbull or Staffie; as a Schnauzer will not back down from a challenge.
Good breeds to go for will be one that is hardy and playful with a high-energy temperament; like another Schnauzer, Boxer, Labrador, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females or to have 2 females of a simaliar age. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
They generally get along well with other pets. But due to their breeding they have a high prey drive, which means they may attack other small pets such as birds, snakes, and rodents. Many will also attack cats, but this may be curbed with training, or if the dog is raised with cats. However, this is not the case with the Giant Schnauzer as they were not bred as varmint killers - so they don’t have that hunting instinct and won’t run off after anything that moves.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They can be fairly reserved with strangers and should be socialized extensively with people (especially the Giant Schnauzer), preferably starting when the dog is a young puppy. They will naturally guard the people they loves the most but if their owner welcomes the guest, they will happily accept them.
The Miniature Schnauzer does well with children who know how to treat and respect them. Because of their size young children tend to roughouse them a bit while trying to play, this can cause an injury to the dog or the child if the dog nips.
One of the things that the Standard Schnauzer were bred and used for is as caretakers for children. They are very good with children and were once known in Germany as "kinderwachters".
In general all varieties of Schnauzers can be boisterous and can accidentally knock children over during play, so supervision is a must - especially with small children.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
They are quite the intelligent dog, eager to learn new things and willing to please; but despite their even temperament they have a stubborn streak too.
However they are generally easy to train if the training is kept consistent and firm. They respond quite well to sound of their owner's voice but require a fairly strong-willed owner that is consistent, firm and calm with a positive attitude who rewards good behaviour.
Obedience training is very important, especcialy with the Giant breed.
Grooming
Whether you choose a Miniature, Standard or Giant Schnauzer, all three need careful and regular attention paid to their coats. Generally, the harsher the coat of your Schnauzer the less grooming required, but all will need to have their coats either hand stripped or clipped by you or a professional groomer.
Maintaining a Schnauzer in show coat is a lot of hard work, but the results are dazzling. Getting this coat often takes three to five hours using a stripping brush to strip the hairs individually from the coat. This must be performed two to three times a year to keep coat the in optimum condition and needs to be done by a professional groomer.
Most pet owners choose to keep their Schnauzer’s coat in a simple summer clip. This will need to be performed by you or a groomer every six to eight weeks. Hair around the face will also have to be trimmed to stop hairs growing into the eyes and mouth. If you do choose to keep your Schnauzer in a pet clip, you may find that your dog’s harsh outer coat becomes a lot softer over time.
Schnauzers are often described as non-shedding dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable. They have a double coat, the top or guard coat is wiry, while the undercoat is soft. It needs daily combing to prevent matting and if any mats appear they should be cut out. They should also only be bathed when necessary and make sure that their ears are dry afterwards to prevent infection.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Of the three the Standard has the least amount of health problems, some of the health issues they can have include:
Miniature Schnauzers
Life expectancy
Miniature - about 15 years or more
Interesting Facts
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/schnauzer.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnauzer
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/differences-between-a-miniature-schnauzer-standard-schnauzer-and-giant-schnauzer-2695123.html
http://pets.thenest.com/behavioral-differences-between-miniature-standard-giant-schnauzer-5782.html
http://www.dogslife.com.au/breeds?cid=7745&pid=145542
They generally get along well with other pets. But due to their breeding they have a high prey drive, which means they may attack other small pets such as birds, snakes, and rodents. Many will also attack cats, but this may be curbed with training, or if the dog is raised with cats. However, this is not the case with the Giant Schnauzer as they were not bred as varmint killers - so they don’t have that hunting instinct and won’t run off after anything that moves.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They can be fairly reserved with strangers and should be socialized extensively with people (especially the Giant Schnauzer), preferably starting when the dog is a young puppy. They will naturally guard the people they loves the most but if their owner welcomes the guest, they will happily accept them.
The Miniature Schnauzer does well with children who know how to treat and respect them. Because of their size young children tend to roughouse them a bit while trying to play, this can cause an injury to the dog or the child if the dog nips.
One of the things that the Standard Schnauzer were bred and used for is as caretakers for children. They are very good with children and were once known in Germany as "kinderwachters".
In general all varieties of Schnauzers can be boisterous and can accidentally knock children over during play, so supervision is a must - especially with small children.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
They are quite the intelligent dog, eager to learn new things and willing to please; but despite their even temperament they have a stubborn streak too.
However they are generally easy to train if the training is kept consistent and firm. They respond quite well to sound of their owner's voice but require a fairly strong-willed owner that is consistent, firm and calm with a positive attitude who rewards good behaviour.
Obedience training is very important, especcialy with the Giant breed.
Grooming
Whether you choose a Miniature, Standard or Giant Schnauzer, all three need careful and regular attention paid to their coats. Generally, the harsher the coat of your Schnauzer the less grooming required, but all will need to have their coats either hand stripped or clipped by you or a professional groomer.
Maintaining a Schnauzer in show coat is a lot of hard work, but the results are dazzling. Getting this coat often takes three to five hours using a stripping brush to strip the hairs individually from the coat. This must be performed two to three times a year to keep coat the in optimum condition and needs to be done by a professional groomer.
Most pet owners choose to keep their Schnauzer’s coat in a simple summer clip. This will need to be performed by you or a groomer every six to eight weeks. Hair around the face will also have to be trimmed to stop hairs growing into the eyes and mouth. If you do choose to keep your Schnauzer in a pet clip, you may find that your dog’s harsh outer coat becomes a lot softer over time.
Schnauzers are often described as non-shedding dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable. They have a double coat, the top or guard coat is wiry, while the undercoat is soft. It needs daily combing to prevent matting and if any mats appear they should be cut out. They should also only be bathed when necessary and make sure that their ears are dry afterwards to prevent infection.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Of the three the Standard has the least amount of health problems, some of the health issues they can have include:
Miniature Schnauzers
- Hyperlipidemia.
- Diabetes
- Bladder/kidney stones
- Eye problems
- Comedone syndrome - a condition that produces pus filled bumps, usually on their backs
- Hip dysplasia
- Von Willebrand disease (vWD) - an inherited bleeding disorder that occurs due to qualitative or quantitative deficiency of a multimeric protein
- Obesity
Life expectancy
Miniature - about 15 years or more
Interesting Facts
- A Standard Schnauzers named George, recently made medical history by being the first dog trained to sniff out cancer. George was trained by a dermatologist to sniff out skin and lung cancer in patients and had a whopping accuracy rate of 99.7 per cent.
- Several European artist have depicted the breed in their paintings, including Rembrandt and Durer, who owned Standard Schnauzers.
- Biggles, who closely resembled a mini Schnauzer, was a much-loved member of The Rocks community. He could be seen on the back of a bike, travelling in a milk crate, with his daredevil pillion-riding owner keeping control. So well known was this dog that the NSW Minister for Planning and Housing recently unveiled a statue and memorial in the dog’s honour.
- Famous Schnauzers:
- Blu, Franklin's pet blue dog in Monica's Gang
- Colin, dog in the UK comedy series Spaced, became a regular feature in the middle of the first series.
- Shunaemon. dog from Fortune Dogs
- Asta, the dog belonging to Nick and Nora Charles, in the Dashiell Hammett novel The Thin Man, was a female Schnauzer (presumably a Standard, based on the size she's indicated to be). In the subsequent film series based on the novel, she was depicted as a male Fox Terrier.
- Errol Flynn had two Standard Schnauzers. His first, "Arno", was very well known in the tabloids of the day and was, according to Flynn biographers, loved by the actor more than any human being in his life. Arno was a constant presence on the movie set and on Flynn's yacht, "Sirocco." One night, the dog fell overboard and drowned, and Flynn mobilized the Coast Guard in a search. A gossip columnist, Jimmy Fidler, wrote a scathing piece on the dog's death and Flynn, enraged, tracked him down in a nightclub and beat him senseless. Flynn later obtained another standard, "Moody", which—like Arno before him—accompanied the actor onto all his movie sets.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
- Give them lots of physical and mental exercise
- Start training and socializing while they are puppies
- Make them part of your family and include them in family activities
- Keep them well groomed
- Give them lots of attention
Don’ts
- Leave them outside for long periods of time without human companionship
- Leave them unsupervised with young/small children
- Be lenient with them and let them run the house
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/schnauzer.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schnauzer
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/differences-between-a-miniature-schnauzer-standard-schnauzer-and-giant-schnauzer-2695123.html
http://pets.thenest.com/behavioral-differences-between-miniature-standard-giant-schnauzer-5782.html
http://www.dogslife.com.au/breeds?cid=7745&pid=145542