History and Origins
– Developed in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century
– Possibly descended from the smallest specimens of the Standard Schnauzer or crosses with smaller breeds
– First recorded Miniature Schnauzer appeared in 1888
– American Kennel Club accepted registration in 1926
– Considered one of the most popular Schnauzer breeds worldwide
– Descendants of Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers
– Different from Terriers in personality, being more laid back and friendly
– Miniature Schnauzers may have been developed by crossing with Affenpinschers and other small breeds
– Miniature Schnauzer is a product of Continental stock (Standard Schnauzer, Affenpinscher, and Poodle)
– Size reduction achieved by introducing Affenpinscher and Poodle blood
Appearance and Grooming
– Square-shaped build, measuring 11 to 14 inches tall
– Double coat with wiry exterior fur and soft undercoat
– Recognized coat colors are black, pepper and salt, black and silver, and white
– Oval and dark colored eyes
– Rectangular head with bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows
– Regular grooming recommended every six weeks
– Stripping or clipping methods used
– Stripping removes loose, dead coat
– Clipping produces a soft, skin-close trim
– All schnauzers often sport a beard
North American white coat controversy
– White variation not accepted for conformation showing by American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club
– Disputed origins of the white variation
– American Miniature Schnauzer Club chooses not to recognize white
– Other schnauzer types have never been available in white variation
– Original German standard never included white as an acceptable color
Temperament and Characteristics
– Alert and spirited temperament
– Described as spunky but aloof dogs
– Good guarding tendencies without predisposition to bite
– Known for their temperament and relatively small size
– Considered a hypoallergenic breed due to minimal shedding
– Friendly and intelligent breed
– Obedient and willing to please
– Good territorial instinct
– More inclined towards barking than biting
– Typically aloof with strangers until welcomed by owners
Training, Intelligence, and Health
– Usually easy to train
– Excellent watchdogs with a good territorial instinct
– Highly playful dogs
– Can become bored if not given enough outlet for their energy
– Enjoy playing with paper and may shred it when bored or seeking attention
– Ranked 12th out of 140 breeds in intelligence and obedience
– Grouped among excellent working dogs
– Ranked fifth among top 15 breeds for watchdog barking ability
– Can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, and tracking
– Have a high prey drive and should not be off leash in unfenced areas
– Median lifespan of a little over 12 years, with 20% living to 15 years
– Prone to health problems associated with high fat levels
– May suffer from hyperlipidemia, diabetes, bladder stones, and eye problems
– Prone to comedone syndrome, a condition producing pus-filled bumps
– Risk of infection in ears after swimming, especially for those with natural ears