Miniature Schnauzer pros and cons
Owning a Miniature Schnauzer has many pros and some cons. Pros of owning a Mini Schnauzer include the breed's people oriented temperament. Schauzers are very companionable and loyal to their family. Mini Schnauzers are great pets for active people who can provide the dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation every day. Miniature Schnauzers are great choices for people who want to try agility or obedience with their dog. Miniature Schnauzers make great watch dogs and will let the owners know about any strangers approaching their home by loud barking, which is another positive associated with this breed. Miniature Schnauzers are conveniently sized, yet sturdy and can be good family dogs for families with older children who can treat the small dog with respect.
Miniature Schnauzers are small in size but very active and need several daily walks and some playtime. Mini Schnauzers are the smallest of the three Schnauzer types and can live in an apartment, as long as they get to spend most of the day with the owner and plenty of exercise. A bored Schnauzer can quickly get into all sorts of trouble. Schnauzers are alert and tend to enjoy barking. Miniature Schnauzers can be trained to stop barking on command, which can be useful for dogs living in apartment setting.
Cons of owing a Miniature Schnauzer include high grooming needs of this breed. The Schnauzer's coat needs to be brushed daily. Clipping the coat once every four to six weeks will help to keep the Schnauzer's hair in best shape. Pet grooming appointments add to the expenses associated with Mini Schnauzer ownership, which is another drawback. Some owners choose to learn to groom the dog at home, which requires some initial investment, but in the long run grooming a Schnauzer at home is a lot less expensive and can save Schnauzer owners a small fortune. Schnauzers also have a beard that needs to be cleaned after each meal, which adds to the grooming requirements of this demanding breed.
Miniature Schnauzer size
Schnauzer breed comes in three sizes that include the Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzer. Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of three Schnauzer varieties and can reach up to 15 pounds in weight (around 7 kg) and up to 14 inches in height (up to 36 cm).
Miniature Schnauzer size
Miniature Schnauzer weight: 13 to 15 lb (6 to 7 kg)
Miniature Schnauzer male height: 13 to 14 in (33 to 36 cm)
Miniature Schnauzer female height: 12 to 13 in (30.5 to 33 cm)
Miniature Schnauzer colors: black, black and silver. White coat color is not recognized in the USA, but it is accepted in Europe.
How many puppies can a Mini Schnauzer have?
Miniature Schnauzer litter size: 1 to 8 puppies
Life span of a Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer lifespan: 13 to 14 years
Miniature Schnauzer other names: Zwergschnauzer
How much does a Mini Schnauzer cost?
Miniature Schnauzer price starts at $600 and up depending on many factors
Miniature Schnauzer temperament
Miniature Schnauzers are alert, fun and active pets that are suitable for owners who can spend lots of time with the dog every day and provide the pet with plenty of mental and physical activities during the day. Mini Schnauzers are adaptable and can live comfortably in the city or in a country, as long as they get to spend most of the time with the owners. Miniature Schnauzers are people oriented and enjoy to be included in all family activities. Lonely Schnauzers that are left alone frequently are not happy dogs and may develop different behavior problems if left alone often. Mini Schnauzers are sociable and affectionate towards family members, but can be suspicious of strangers. Miniature Schnauzers raised with other family pets are generally friendly to other family dogs, but can be territorial and even aggressive with strange dogs. Early socialization is important for this breed. Schnauzers of all sizes are active and this breed does well in agility or obedience work.
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and full of character and can adapt to their family's lifestyle as long as they get to spend most of the time with their family. This breed can be a fun and playful family companion for families with older children. Potential owners need to keep in mind the high grooming needs of this breed.
How to train a Mini Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers need a calm and firm owner who can be the leader in the relationship. Miniature Schnauzers are very trainable but can be stubborn. Fun and short training sessions work best for Mini Schnauzers. Start obedience training early, while the dog is most flexible and willing to learn new things. Older Schnauzers can also be successfully trained, but may take longer time to learn new things.
Housebreaking a Mini Schnauzer should start the minute you bring the dog home. Have an allocated dog potty area ready and as soon as you notice a Schnauzer pacing around in circles and sniffing the floor, take the dog to the designated dog toilet area where the Mini Schnazuer can complete his or her business. Never punish a Mini Schnauzer for accidents that are bound to happen during potty training. Use a good enzyme cleaner to remove any scent of dog's urine from the floor to discourage the dog from using this area as a toilet in the future. House training should be consistent and the owner needs to be present to help achieve successful results faster. That is the reason why it is a good idea to bring a Schnauzer puppy home when you have some time off from work so that you could be there to potty train the new family member in shortest time.
When you are training a Mini Schnauzer to wear a collar and a leash, be patient and use plenty of rewards for good behavior. Decide whether you are going to use a collar or a harness. Harness is more gentle on the dog's neck and may be more appropriate for Miniature Schnauzers.
Miniature Schnauzer shedding
Do Mini Schnauzers shed? Mini Schnauzers produce a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing a Miniature Schnauzer daily with a stiff brush and a comb for legs can help to remove most of the dead hair from the dog's coat, thus minimizing the amount of dead hair that can be found around your home. Investing in a good vacuum cleaner for pet owners can help quickly clean areas in the house where dog's hair can be found.
Mini Schnauzer grooming
Miniature Schnauzers are supposed to be hand stripped twice a year. Clipping is not acceptable for Schnauzers that participate in dog shows because clipping may change the coat structure. Pet Schnauzers are frequently clipped as many owners find clipping the dog easier.
Brushes for Mini Schnauzers
Bristle brush
If you are planning to groom a Miniature Schnauzer at home, you will need the right tools for best results. Grooming tools for Schnauzers include dog clippers, and scissors set to trim the coat and a dog grooming table that will keep you and the dog comfortable during grooming sessions.
Professional dog clippers
Scissors set
Grooming table for Mini Schnauzer owners
Miniature Schnauzers need their teeth brushed daily to keep the teeth healthy. Use canine toothpaste only because toothpaste made for humans is not safe for dogs.
Schnauzer's nails need to be trimmed once every four to six weeks or as soon as you start hearing clicking sounds whenever the dog is walking on a hardwood floor. Pay attention to Schnauzer's paws as well. In the winter it is important to wash the dog's paws off with warm water after each walk to remove any ice melting chemicals that are used on the streets and can be harmful to your dog's skin. Some Mini Schnauzer owners choose to put dog shoes on a Schnauzer's paws during winter time.
A winter coat for dogs will keep a mini Schnauzer toasty during cold weather.
Miniature Schnauzer health problems
Miniature Schnauzers are relatively healthy with few known genetic diseases that include various eye problems, bleeding disorders, heart problems and liver shunt.
Mini Schnauzers love to eat and it is important to keep your pet in a healthy weight. All kinds of health problems arise in overweight and obese dogs that can be prevented with healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
Mini Schnauzer origin
Miniature Schnauzer breed was developed in Germany during the 19th century. The original purpose of Mini Schnauzer breed was to be a companion pet and a skillful ratter dog. Miniature Schnauzers still have strong hunting instincts and may go after small animals given a chance. Be mindful when introducing a Mini Schnauzer to small pets.
|
