Miniature Schnauzer - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

There are three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature, Standard and Giant. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed by crossing the original Standard Schnauzer with Poodles and Affenspinschers. The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in 1800s and recognized in 1899.

2) Whiskers

The most distinct feature of the Schnauzer is its beard, mustache and whiskers. And they actually serve a purpose. Miniature Schnauzers were used as ratters and when the whiskers matted they created a thick armor which protected the dog from the bites.

3) Hearing

Miniature Schnauzers have great sensitive hearing. They can locate the vermin just by their hearing. It is impossible to walk around the Schnauzer without him knowing.

4) Protector

It seems that Miniature Schnauzers are not aware of how small they are. They are capable of protect you or themselves from any dog, and it does not matter that the dog is twice as big as they are. But they are rarely agressive, they are definitely more barkers, than biters.

5) Coat

The wiry, thick double coat that Miniature Schnauzer posses have a great feature, it keeps the dirt off. It is especially great when the Miniature Schnauzer is used as a ratter when they dug into the ground. The coat would naturally keep the debris off. And a great bonus is, that Schnauzer is a low shedding dog.

6) Barking

They might have small body but they like to talk. A lot. They are very vocal and they will bark to greet you, alert you, they will bark when they are happy or when they are bored. They will always find a reason for a good bark.

7) Color

If you want a Miniature Schnauzer for the AKC conformation shows, they must be in black and silver, pure black or the most common schnauzer color – the salt and pepper. White Schnauzers are not accepted, at least not in the USA.

8) Name

The breeds name Schnauzer comes from the German word schnauze, which can be translated as a muzzle or snout. It is reffering to the dog distinct snout with whiskers.

9) Size

Miniature Schnauzers are the smallest of all schnauzers. They have squared body and their height should be between 12-14 inches which is 30-36 cm and 12-20 pounds which is 5-9 kg. There are no big size differences between females and males.

10) Health

Miniature Schnauzers are relatively healthy breed, but they do suffer from some health issues. The most common are Diabetes, ear infections, skin allergies, Hepatitis and Pancreatitis.