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The
Schnauzer
This is the perfect dog for those wanting a sharp, crisp looking dog. The
Miniature Schnauzer is also a very smart dog and has been gaining popularity
throughout the world. With his pleasant temperament and handy size, he reacts
well to proper training and obedience work. He enjoys being clean and cared for
and he adapts well if kept in a smaller apartment with moderate exercise or a large
house with a fenced yard. He will defend his territory with a stout heart
because he is so hardy and tough. Schnauzer’s are known for their good sense of
humor and make wonderful hiking and jogging partners.
The Miniature Schnauzer matures quicker than its larger relatives, the
Giant and Standard Schnauzer and usually reaches full maturity by the end of the
first year. They can be high spirited and vigorous, but can be trained gently,
but firmly, at a young age, usually about eight weeks to four months.
Young children should be discouraged against hassling
the dog while it is a puppy. This will help to avoid hyper ness later on. The
Schnauzer overall is a family oriented and hardy dog. To bring out the best of
this breed he needs to be included in family activities and outings and not
alienated from them.
The Miniature Schnauzer evolved from breeding the smaller Schnauzers
from litters of the Standard Schnauzer. Somewhere along the way it is believed
the Affenpicher had been introduced to the breed to reduce the size but to
retain the terrier characteristics. He is recognized in the Terrier Group in
the
The word “schnauzer” translates in the German language as meaning snout;
hence the long, heavy beards that draw attention to the muzzle. The Standard
Schnauzer was formed by a combination of Black Poodles, Wolf Spitz, and a Wire
Haired Pinscher.
In 1899 the Miniature Schnauzer were shown as a separate breed and
registrations began increasing rapidly after World War II all over the world.
The breed still shows no sign of decreasing popularity.
Ear cropping for this breed is governed by individual laws in each
state. There were anti-cropping laws in
Early professional grooming is a must for this breed. If the owner
attempts grooming him at an early age and gives into the whimpering and
screaming that he does, this will set a
pattern that is almost impossible to alter later on. I recommend a professional
grooming no later than four months of age, Sooner if he has all his shots.