Introduction

The Miniature Schnauzer, also known as the Mini Schnauzer, the Dwarf Schnauzer and the Zwergschnauzer, is a stocky, spirited German breed that dates back to the 15th century. These dogs were used to eradicate rats and other vermin on German farms for many centuries. They also were beloved family pets, a role which continues today. Unlike most other terriers, the Mini Schnauzer is not known to be a fighter, but certainly he will stand up for himself if necessary. The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds (the others being the Standard and the Giant). They do not shed and are considered to be hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies or asthma. Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, and actors Mary Tyler Moore, Bill Cosby and Bruce Lee, have all owned Miniature Schnauzers. The Mini Schnauzer was admitted to the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed in 1933, as a member of the Terrier Group.

The average Miniature Schnauzer stands 12 to 14 inches high at the withers. There is no weight standard for this breed, but an adult bitch of about 13 inches should weigh about 14 pounds. Their wiry double coat, prolific whiskers and leg furnishings require frequent grooming and must be hand-stripped several times a year. Miniature Schnauzers have the bushy eyebrows, bristly mustaches and shaggy beards of their larger relatives. Many owners prefer to keep their Mini Schnauzers in a short-clipped cut for easier care. Acceptable colors include salt-and-pepper (gray), black-and-silver and solid black. The Schnauzer’s ears may be cropped or left natural under the American standard, and its tail is typically docked.

Miniature Schnauzer - History and Health

The Miniature Schnauzer descends from the slightly larger Standard Schnauzer and is believed to also include Affenpinscher and Poodle in its ancestry. Some authors speculate that Miniature Pinschers, Wire Fox Terriers and Zwergspitz may also have contributed to the mix. While paintings suggest that Miniature Schnauzers date back to the 1400s, they were not recognized as a distinct breed until the late 1800s. Georg Riehl and Heinrich Schott, both fanciers of Schnauzers and Affenpinschers, are

Miniature Schnauzer - Temperament & Personality

Miniature Schnauzers pack a lot of personality into a tiny package. Like other terrier breeds, they believe they rule the roost and soak up as much attention as they can possibly get. They are sturdy little balls of spunk who love nothing more than to run and play outside with the people they love. Miniature Schnauzers are clowns who enjoy making mischief. They are incredibly smart and will use that intelligence to do things like

Miniature Schnauzers - Appearance & Grooming

Miniature Schnauzers are small, but sturdy and squarely built dogs. They have the distinctive Schnauzer beard and a wiry coat that may be black, black and sliver, salt and pepper, and in some cases, white. Their bushy eyebrows and the keen expression of their small, deep-set eyes give them the impression of grouchiness at times. The ears, which are set high on the skull may be cropped or uncropped. When uncropped, the ears are small

Miniature Schnauzer - Pictures

The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Miniature Schnauzer Pictures and Miniature Schnauzer images. Get an in depth look at the Miniature Schnauzer and see the many things that this breed has to offer.