Schnauzers originally came in two sizes, Standard and Giant.
German farmers, needing small, agile ratters to control vermin on their farms and in their barns and homes, bred Standard Schnauzers with Poodles and Affenpinschers, to create a size perfect for the task at hand.
As an added bonus, they also got a loyal companion and effective watchdog! Standing approximately 14 inches high and weighing between 10 - 15 pounds, this little bundle of energy is unexpectedly in the Terrier group.
They have been grouped with Terriers because of their extraordinary vermin controlling skills.
Alert, fun-loving, high energy, unassuming, intelligent, eager to please, loyal, playful and obedient is how most owners describe their dogs.
Not typically aggressive, the sturdy Miniature Schnauzer is generally good with children, which makes them a wonderful family pet for an active family.
Active, older people are also drawn to these little clowns.
They do need a couple of daily brisk walks and plenty of interactive playtimes to help get the edge off their energy level.
Plan to engage in lots of Frisbee, flyball, and fetch.
Sign up for agility competition.
These miniature dynamos meet most challenges with unbridled enthusiasm, making them fun to share adventures with.
They also tend to be quite active indoors too.
Don't expect this dog to be a sluggish couch potato.
Because of their high-prey drive, they need to be obedience trained and socialized as soon as possible, in order to peacefully co-exist with the smaller children and animals in the family.
Schnauzers are notorious for challenging larger dogs! Usually it's nothing more than drama.
They can be wary of strangers, but once properly introduced, they think of them as family.
Inherently territorial, especially about food and possessions you may need to work on their sharing manners, while still a pup.
Positive reinforcement Puppy Kindergarten and follow-up obedience training is a terrific and fun way to nip possessiveness in the bud, before it becomes a serious behavioral problem.
On the flip side, they are great watchdogs.
Schnauzers love to learn.
Allow them a bark or three, and then confidently let them know you're taking over sentry duty.
Your confidence will be respected.
Minimal shedders, their double coat consists of a soft undercoat, with a more wiry topcoat.
A good wire brushing daily helps keep it from matting.
Most family pets have a shorter, easier to keep cut, than those being shown.
That mustache and beard do need to be wiped after meals and trips to the water bowl.
Generally a healthy breed, they do have a few health issues to be aware of.
They include, kidney and bladder stones, problems with high fat levels, such as liver disease and pancreatitis.
They are also prone to inherent eye problems, obesity, diabetes, elbow and hip dysplasia, Cushing's Disease, von Willebrand Disease (VWD), ear infections and cysts.
It is not uncommon, for a Miniature Schnauzer to remain quite active well into old age.
Their lifespan is 12-16 years.
Bottom line: Do your homework.
As Miniature Schnauzers are so popular, avoid flea markets, backyard breeders and pet shops.
They only perpetuate dreadful puppy mills that are grinding out inferior quality dogs.
Find a responsible, trustworthy breeder.
Shelters and rescues often have Miniature Schnauzers.
Being a favorite of older people, they are more often surrendered because of life circumstances rather than behavior problems.
Who knows, perhaps your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you there.