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The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy, muscular dog with an alert outlook. Their eyebrows, moustache and leg hair gives them a very distinctive appearance.
The Miniature Schnauzer can be prone to:
- Urolithiasis which is when stones form in the urinary tract and can cause pain.
- Schnauzer comedo syndrome which is an inherited skin disorder where blackheads and bumps can develop on the skin.
- Congenital hereditary cataract which is a condition where a dog is born with the a cloudy lens in the eye, and this can result in blindness.
- Hereditary cataracts which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Atopy¹ where the skin reacts to allergens in the environment and becomes sore and itchy.
- Diabetes mellitus² which is a condition where dogs develop very high sugar levels because they do not produce a normal amount of insulin.
- Hypothyroidism³ where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not product enough thyroid hormone. This can result in low energy levels, weight gain and skin problems.
- Hyperlipidaemia which is a disorder where the levels of fat in the bloodstream become too high.
- Pancreatitis where the pancreas becomes inflamed, this can result in serious illness.
- Mycobacterium avium complex which is where the immune system doesn't work properly which can result in overwhelming infection. This condition can also affect humans.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- DNA testing for mycobacterium avium complex, which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by this condition
- Eye screening scheme
¹C. A. Sousa, 'The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (II): genetic factors', 2001, Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
²R. Buvik, 'Genetics of endocrine diseases in Miniature Schnauzer:(Review of literature)', 2014, Institute for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, Szent István University
³A. M. W. Y. Voorbij et al, 'Central hypothyroidism in miniature Schnauzers', 2016, Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine
The Miniature Schnauzer is a lively, active little dog and can make a fun, rewarding companion. They can be very much a terrier at heart however, and do need consistent reward-based training and socialisation. A natural watchdog, they are quite vocal and will be quick to alert the family of any strangers approaching their territory.
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 5/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
The Schnauzer has been a working farm dog in Germany since at least the 14th century where it took the role of a fearless terrier largely employed to kill vermin but could also turn their paw to flock-guarding, property guarding and cattle driving.
The ancestry of the Miniature Schnauzer is not quite so clear although we know it dates from the end of the 19th century - with some saying that the Schnauzer was crossed with the Affenpinscher to create this miniaturisation, while other claim that Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Scottish Terriers and Miniature Pinchers could have contributed to the breed.
The original idea was to produce a smaller vermin killer but they soon became far better known as companion dogs.
Mini Schnauzer people will have a strong sense of humour, the ability to provide plenty of exercise and training, and some grooming skills. A Schnauzer without the trademark eyebrows, beard and trousers is, well, some might say sacrilege! However keeping those longer areas clean, mat free and tidy will require some effort You should have some terrier experience, as although Mini Schnauzers are in the Utility group, their ancestry is quite heavily terrier based. If you can supply the entertaining, socialisation and training then the Mini Schnauzer makes a fun and active companion who can take part in most of the dog sports, for either the child-free family or those with older/sensible children.
While the Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, they are an active breed who will enjoy long walks and will need over an hour a day’s exercise - plus will enjoy games, training, interactive toys and being involved in all family activities at the rest of the time too.
This is a small dog who doesn’t need much space - although will appreciate a garden. As they can be noisy - especially if left or bored - they are unlikely to do well in a flat or where neighbours can be easily disturbed, unless well stimulated and with constant company.
Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
The coat of the Miniature Schnauzer is harsh, wiry and short with a dense undercoat. All-over grooming is required at least twice a week. Hand stripping is a must for the show ring, but clipping is straightforward and easy for a family dog, although the body colour does pale over the years.
This is an active dog who is smart and busy - and occasionally noisy - who will need training if you want any hopes of a quiet life! They are however a joy to train as they are intelligent and fun - but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing. Special attention should be paid to training a reliable recall.
Some Miniature Schnauzers enjoy agility and even heelwork to music so they make great companions for anyone interested in fun dog sports.
If they are to live with cats, it’s best to find a puppy from a cat-owning breeder. Usually they will live happily with their own cats although may well chase others and not be reliable around other small animals.
The Miniature Schnauzer can make an excellent family dog where there are older children.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
