Dog's Help

If you are looking for an active and alert dog which is not too big in size then dogs of miniature schnauzer breed are an answer for you. They were bred as a cross between their bigger counterparts the Standard Schnauzer and between smaller breeds such as Affenpinscher or Poodle.

Dimensions

The size of a full grown miniature Schnauzer reaches up to 14 inches. With a proportionate and strong body, the small size of the dog does not betray a sense of fragility. The dog is small yet strong. Males can weigh up to weighing 18 pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kg) while females have a weight in between 11 to 15 pounds (5.0 to 6.8 kg).

Appearances

Coat: The miniature Schnauzer has a double coat of fur. The internal coat is soft but the external one is wiry. The color of the coat comes in black, salt & pepper, and black & silver. The coat is usually cropped close to the body but is retained on the head and ears for ornamentation purposes. The shedding of the coat is minimal, if not negligible.

Body Parts: Miniature Schnauzers have a long head and a strong jaw which is covered by hair. The eyes are dark and oval in shape whereas the ears are v-shaped and pointed forward.They have rigid and straight front legs. Their feet are short and have thick black pads.

Temperament: The temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer can be summarized in the following manner: Spirited, friendly, intelligent and alert. Further, the breed is more than willing to please their masters due to which it becomes easy to train them. This makes them perfect for watchdogs.

However, their responsibilities should end there because they are not big enough to be attack dogs. Even otherwise the miniature Schnauzer tends to be more of a vocal rather than a physical attacker. Any attempt to intrude into its space (and that of its masters) is met with stiff vocal resistance. Hence they can be good guard dogs.

Their attitude towards children is very friendly and playful. Being intelligent, they know how much force is to be used upon children. Hence, they can be good playmates. However, any unfamiliar person can evoke their sense of watchfulness and this can create a racket. Hence, it is important for their owners to help them socialize with guests.

A word of caution!

Full grown miniature Schnauzers are usually prey driven in their attitude. This can create a problem for you if you have pets such as rodents, cats and birds in your house. They can chase and attack them. To avoid it, it is best that they are reared in the company of these pets since their puppyhood.