Miniature Schnauzer: The Ultimate Guide

Miniature Schnauzers are a small, intelligent breed, that are friendly and easy to train. All of these traits make them extremely popular pets with people around the world. Here we take a look at the history of the Miniature Schnauzer and take a look at everything you need to know and all the essentials you’ll need if you’re going to choose one as your next pet! The Standard Schnauzer was first bred in Germany in the early 19th century with the miniature coming along around the late 1880’s. It is thought that the smallest of the Standard Schnauzer breed were crossed with smaller breeds such Miniature poodles to form what we know today as the Miniature Schanuzer. They were originally bred into a smaller form for ratting, but would soon become a popular pet around the world. Miniature Schanuzers are known for their square shaped build, double coat with wiry topcoat and soft undercoat and their signature rectangular head with bushy beard. They come in four coat colours; Black, White, Salt and Pepper, and Pure White.   Features  Breed  Miniature Schnauzer  Breed Group  Terrier  Breed Size  Medium  Height   12-14 inches  Length   18-21 inches  Weight Range  11-21 inches  Coat Length  Medium  Coat Colours  Black, Silver, Salt & Pepper  Coat Type  Wiry when hand stripped, soft and curly when clipped    Lifespan  12 - 15 Years   How Big Does A Miniature Schnauzer Get? Although miniature is in the name, Miniature Schnauzers are actually medium dogs. This means that when they’re fully grown they usually measure between 12 and 14 inches. We usually recommend either medium or larges in our L&L products for Miniature Schnauzers depending on how big they are but we always recommend checking the products individual sizing guide or speak to our customer care team who are always happy to help you find the paw-fect fit.   What Do Miniature Schnauzers Look Like? Miniature Schnauzers are instantly recognisable from their bushy beards, crazy eyebrows and rectangular heads. Their bodies are almost square shapes and they’re shorter than their standard cousins.   Are Miniature Schnauzers Easy To Train? Schnauzers are known for being obedient, fast learners who are devoted to their owners – this makes them easier to train. Schnauzers are also super easygoing, they’re adaptable meaning they are just as happy being city dogs with a walk or two a day as they are being countryside dogs with plenty of room to run. They make great family dogs as they are super playful and sociable.   Miniature Schnauzer Health Issues Miniature Schnauzers age gracefully, not showing signs of aging until their later years. The main things to watch out for with your Schnauzers are dental disease, obesity and ear infections. All of these are both easily preventable and treatable; make sure you are giving your dog dental treats, plenty of exercise and cleaning their ears regularly to help keep these health problems at bay.   How To Groom Miniature Schnauzers Miniature Schnauzers do require regular grooming; something to think about if you’re considering one as a pet. Their signature groom cut is achieved by either clipping or stripping and is recommended every 6-8 weeks or so. Your Miniature Schnauzer will need regular grooming as they grow up. When they are older you may well want to invest in regular trips to a professional groomer to keep them in tip top condition and looking their best. It’s important to get them used to grooming from puppyhood though, with daily brushing and regular bath times. Animology make a range of super puppy shampoos and conditioners. We’d also suggest buying a slicker brush and then maybe a double-sided slicker brush as they grow up.   How Much Exercise Should A Miniature Schnauzer Have? One of the most important parts of your puppy’s development will be lead training. Make sure you’re prepared by having a well fitted harness or collar and a lead. Also keep treats with you and some poo bags. When you first start lead training we’d suggest using a harness as it gives comfort to your pup and will distribute the pressure if your pup pulls in the early stages. The Hi & Light Harness is perfect for training puppies as it is so lightweight. We'd probably suggest the XXS, but do check the measurements and cross reference with your puppy - puppies, like humans, can vary a little a size!   Miniature Schnauzer Nutrition Feeding time will be one of your dog's favourite times of the day, so make sure they do it in style! We’d suggest crate bowls that can be attached to the bars of your dog’s crate and will help prevent spillages. For outside the crate we love the melamine pet bowls by Tarhong. They come in an array of wonderful colours and patterns and have coordinating scoops, treat tins and placemats too!   Miniature Schnazer Sleeping 30” Dog crate Crate training your puppy will really help them to settle in to their new home quickly and efficiently. Crating isn’t a punishment, but gives your pup a space of their own, away form the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. A 30” deluxe dog crate is ideal for a Miniature Schnauzer from puppyhood through to adulthood. To begin with you can put a puppy bed in one side and a puppy pad in the other just whilst pup is training, and then swap out to a full size bed once pup has grown and is fully potty trained. Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Bed Choose a puppy bed that will fit in one half of the crate. We’d suggest either the Grow with Me bed for a Miniature Schnauzer, or our Cosy & Calm Puppy Crate Bed - designed to fit exactly one half of the crate. When puppy is fully trained, you can use the bed elsewhere in the house as a stand-alone bed and buy a full size cushion for the crate. Puppy Blanket Puppies love to snuggle; it is comforting to nervous new pups and makes them feel safe. We’d suggest buying a scent blanket at first. Give it to your breeder a couple of weeks before you pick up your pup. It can be left with Mum for a while and then when you collect pup, you can bring the scent blanket with them. The comforting smell of Mum will come home with them and help them to feel content in their new surroundings. As pup grows up, size up to a full size dog blanket. Our luxury velvet blankets are lined in cosy sherpa or teddy fleece and make ideal additions to your dog’s crate or bed. They are also ideal to pop in your travel crate or carrier on trips to the Vet. Dog Crate Cover The perfect crate set-up for a puppy includes a dog crate cover. A crate cover is a really practical addition to the crate as it helps to make nervous pups feel safe, whilst also helping them adjust to their new night-time routine. They're washable too, so great for puppies!  Hopefully this guide will have given you some ideas of the key things to buy when getting ready for your new Miniature Schnauzer. even more suggestions, visit our Schnauzer breed page which has some must-have items for all Schnauzer owners. If you need any help or advice with your order don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always happy to help as best we can.

By Zac Girdlestone