Overview
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds and one of the most popular small dogs in the world. Its bushy beard and eyebrows, wiry coat and square outline give it a distinctive, cheeky look.
It is bright, adaptable and devoted to its family. A good watchdog, it is more likely to bark than bite, and it enjoys training, play and company.
History
The breed was developed in Germany in the late nineteenth century as a small farm ratter. It probably came from the smallest Standard Schnauzers, possibly crossed with breeds such as the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher or Poodle.
The Schnauzers share their roots with the Pinscher, and the rough-haired type was renamed Schnauzer in 1917. The Miniature was accepted by the FCI in 1955. Dogs reached the United States in 1924, and a breed club formed in 1925. In North America the breed sits with the terriers, although it has no common ancestry with British terriers.
Appearance
A compact, almost square dog with a rectangular head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows, oval dark eyes and folded ears. The tail is short and may be docked where permitted.
The double coat is wiry on the outside with a soft undercoat, and is usually trimmed short on the body with longer furnishings on the legs and face.
Temperament
Alert, cheerful and people-oriented, with a spirited streak. It is aloof with strangers until the household welcomes them, and it makes an excellent watchdog.
It is intelligent and usually easy to train, calmer and less scrappy with other dogs than most terriers. Early socialisation helps keep barking in check.
Care and exercise
Needs a daily walk and some play, and it adapts well to apartment or house life if it gets enough activity and mental stimulation.
The wiry coat needs brushing a few times a week and professional trimming or hand-stripping every few months. Beard and legs need regular cleaning.
Health
Predisposed to pancreatitis, gallbladder mucocele, urinary stones, von Willebrand disease, congenital portosystemic shunt, atopic dermatitis and the skin condition known as Schnauzer comedo syndrome. Eye checks and a measured diet are advisable.
