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Mini Schnauzer
Thinking about
a mini schnauzer as a companion?
Height: Males: 36 cm (14 inches);
Females: 33 cm (13 inches) Group Lifespan: 14-15 years Who is the Mini Schnauzer?A bold, alert, vigorous and intelligent dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is a loyal companion. Breed historyThe Schnauzer is a German breed that has been around since at least the 15th century. There are three dogs in the schnauzer group: the standard Schnauzer, the Giant and the Miniature Schnauzer. The mini version of the breed was first registered around the end of the 19th century. The Schnauzer was originally used as a herding dog and guard dog but the Miniature Schnauzer was also used to hunt vermin and as a general farm dog. The breed comes in three main colours: black and silver, solid black, and 'salt and pepper'. The coat is low-shedding (it does shed a little) and it may be suitable for people who have a minor allergy to dog hair. The other distinctive features about the breed are the long silky hairs about the legs ('furnishings'), and the long beard and bristling eyebrows that give the dog a gruff appearance. Today, the mini schnauzer is the most popular of the schnauzer group and it has become one of the most popular small dog breeds. With his low-shedding coat and devoted personality, he is well suited to life with city families. He excels in obedience work and loves to have something to occupy his intellect. Personality
Good with children?Yes - they will love all members of their family but should be introduced to children while still puppies.Exercise needsThe mini schnauzer does not need a great deal of exercise but will relish his daily walk. Given the chance, he can trot along for great distances. HealthIn general, these are a hardy breed of dog, with a long life span. Possible health problemsHeart defects (make sure the puppy comes from a good breeder who tests their dogs for heart defects before breeding) Cataracts Bladder stones Diabetes Pancreatitis and other problems associated with high fat levels (make sure you don't feed your schnauzer a high fat or high sugar diet) Comedone syndrome, a condition that produces pus-filled bumps (these can be treated with special shampoos or gels) GroomingThe mini schnauzer has a double coat, with a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. The wiry outer coat must be either stripped or clipped or it will grow very long and become matted. Stripping the coat is usually done only by people wishing to show their dogs. It is a labour-intensive activity and most owners simply have the coat clipped by a dog groomer about every 6 weeks. The long hair about the legs and undersides must be combed regularly. The breed has long ears (when left natural or uncropped) and the ears should be checked and cleaned regularly too. More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: Ideal ownerThe ideal mini schnauzer owner will involve the dog in family activities. His high intelligence means he can become easily bored and he should not be left alone for too long. The breed thrives on loving companionship but will also guard the home by alerting his family to intruders, though he is not a fighter.
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