Miniature Schnauzers are a happy-go-lucky, friendly and intelligent breed – we love walking them! They are generally not aggressive, but they are not timid either and will respond well to training.
This breed is territorial and loyal to their families, often mistrusting of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs with a bark that is far more fearsome than their bite!
Being quick and wiry, the original purpose of the Miniature Schnauzer was to catch rats on the farms, but their main purpose nowadays is to be a lovable and fun companion, whether their family is busy with outdoor activities, or lazing around watching TV – this little dog will want to be there with you!
Due to their small size, Miniature Schnauzers adjust well to life in smaller spaces such as Apartments as long as they are regularly exercised, and they are ideal pets for ea single person, or as part of a busy family with a garden to play in. They are, however, not suited to live outdoors and need to sleep inside (although, at Power Paws, we think that all dogs deserve a cozy spot indoors)
An interesting fact about Schnauzer’s fur is that it is considered hypo-allergenic, which is great news for people who suffer from allergies to pet hair. Schnauzers have a specific groom cut that is standard among the Schnauzer breeds and they do require regular grooming to keep their fur in optimum condition and silky soft.
Miniature Schnauzers are, overall, a healthy breed. Most health problems that do occur are generally associated with high fat levels, so feeding your dog low- or non-fatty and unsweetened foods combined with a regular exercise routine will all help to avoid these problems. Miniature Schnauzers can be prone to “Comedone Syndrome”, which are small skin bumps that develop when a pore becomes blocked with skin oil and dirt. A visit to your Vet for any health issues is always recommended, and treatment is likely to include an antibiotic, a mild shampoo and an application of a topical antiseptic or a combination of the three.
The Miniature Schnauzer breed ages gracefully, with its natural colouring of black, salt-and-pepper or black-and-silver not giving its age away until its later years, and you can look forward to 12 to 15 years with your Miniature Schnauzer companion.
Fun Fact 1: “Schnauzer” means “beard”
Fun Fact 2: Miniature Schnauzers are recognised as their own breed, separate from Standard Schnauzers