Judy Taylor
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, lively, but also docile dog whose extremely high need for exercise makes an active owner necessary. Couch potatoes are absolutely not for him. The Miniature Schnauzer loves long walks, and fetch and search games. He also enjoys learning tricks. The main thing is that his master offers him a lot of variety. In summer you shouldn’t push him too hard on particularly hot days, because Miniature Schnauzers don’t like extreme heat.
The Behavior of The Miniature Schnauzer
Due to its handy size, it can also be kept well in a city apartment, provided the daily exercise sessions are long enough. A house with a garden would be ideal for the Miniature Schnauzer.
He is very similar in appearance to his big brothers, the Medium Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. The first thing that catches the eye is the thick beard on his muzzle and of course his bushy eyebrows. Both give him the typical look of a schnauzer. Like the big ones, he is alert and intelligent. Consistency should not be lacking in its upbringing, because the miniature schnauzers have the habit of ignoring commands from time to time.
The Miniature Schnauzer used to be a popular guard dog and mouse hunter on many farms. The intrepid hunter reliably kept order at court and in the stable. Since working on a farm is hardly an option for the Miniature Schnauzer, he is in good hands with an active family instead. He wants to please his people and is devoted and loyal to them. Children are welcome as playmates, and other dogs in the house are accepted. However, he still has a hunting instinct, which is why he is better off walking in parks on a leash. With the necessary training, he can be retrieved from his prey, but it depends on how he is on the day. Sometimes the little rascal can also be quite stubborn and puts his ears to the wind.
The Breed Characteristics
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, powerfully built, and a stocky-looking dog that bears many resemblances to its larger brothers. Like her, he has a rough, wiry coat. Black, black, and silver, white Miniature Schnauzers are bred as color variants. In the case of the “pepper and salt” color, the dog wears a coat of black and white hair, a layman would say the dog is gray in color. In the spring and fall, the Miniature Schnauzer sheds very little hair.
His head is relatively long and immediately catches the eye with his bushy beard. Bushy brows also grow over the oval, dark eyes. The V-shaped, high-set folding ears are carried hanging down.
The Miniature Schnauzer has strong upper and lower jaws with a pure white scissor bite.
The neck is muscular, elegantly curved, and blends harmoniously with the withers. The short back slopes slightly backward. The chest is moderately broad, with a well-developed point of the sternum. The limbs of the Miniature Schnauzer are stocky and straight, they allow an elastic and expansive gait.
The tail of the Miniature Schnauzer is relatively short and thin. She is carried upright.
Nature and Character of the Miniature Schnauzer
Like all Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, normally obedient, and attentive dog. He is lively, playful, curious, and needs a lot of work. Since he likes to learn, but even prefers to play, his upbringing can be integrated into varied games. The Miniature Schnauzer is eager to please its master and will enthusiastically participate in the training sessions.
By nature, the Miniature Schnauzer is spirited, bold, and cheeky. Despite its small size, it guards the house and yard and reacts with a bark if something unforeseen happens. He behaves reservedly towards strangers and can sometimes react unfriendlily. When meeting other dogs, he is fearless and sometimes mistakes himself for a Giant Schnauzer. However, such situations can be mastered through consistent training, which must begin in puppyhood. The Miniature Schnauzer needs rules and clear instructions that should be followed. The clever fellow immediately notices negligence and then does what he wants.
Basically, the Miniature Schnauzer sticks closely to its family, adopts their lifestyle, and can therefore be kept well in a smaller apartment. A prerequisite, however, is always sufficient exercise and employment.
As a rule, he is well behaved and can therefore be taken anywhere without any problems.
