Miniature Schnauzer
Dogs
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer |
Miniature Schnauzer with silver coat.
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Alternative names |
Zwergschnauzer |
Country of origin |
Germany |
Common nicknames |
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Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 2 Section 1 #183 |
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AKC: |
Terrier |
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ANKC: |
Group 6 (Utility) |
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CKC: |
Group 4 - Terriers |
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KC (UK): |
Utility |
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NZKC: |
Utility |
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UKC: |
Terriers |
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Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
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The Miniature Schnauzer is a
breed of
small dog of the
Schnauzer
type that originated in
Germany in
the mid-to-late 19th century. The dogs are believed to have developed from
crosses between the
Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the
Poodle,
Miniature Pinscher, or
Affenpinscher.
Appearance
Miniature Schnauzer pup at five weeks
Miniature Schnauzers are quite distinctive in appearance. They are compact,
muscular, and square shaped. Owners typically groom them with long bushy
eyebrows, beards, and long leg hair. Ears are sometimes
cropped to
stand upright, and the tail may also be docked. Their coats are wiry, and shed
very little, which adds to their appeal as house pets. The
AKC recognizes only three colors: black, salt and pepper, and black with
silver markings. Occasionally, they may be white, but this is rare; this
coloration is allowed in Europe but not by the AKC. Heights of about 13 to 15
inches (330 to 380 mm) are common, and they generally weigh 13 to 18 pounds (6
to 8 kg).
Temperament
The dogs are known for their friendly personality and mischievous sense of
humor as well as intelligence and boundless energy.
A Miniature Schnauzer's personality can develop based on the family with
which it lives. It can develop certain traits that other family members possess.
While very good with children and most other pets, the Miniature Schnauzer
does best when growing up with them. He does not respond well to new additions
after he is grown, and can go into a depressive slump at a new arrival,
sometimes causing health problems. This can be compensated for by lavishing him
with extra attention, but it is better not to induce this stress in the first
place.
Miniature Schnauzers are good guard dogs in spirit, though the most damage
they are likely to do is to bite the attacker's ankles.
History
Black Miniature Schnauzer with silver markings
The earliest recorded Miniature Schnauzer was in
1888, and the first
exhibition was in 1899.
With their bold courage the Miniature Schnauzer was originally used for guarding
herds, small farms and families. As time passed they were also used to hunt
rats, because they appeared to have a knack for it, and its small size was
perfect to get into tight places to catch them. The
AKC accepted registration of the new breed in
1926, 2 years after
they were introduced to the United States.
Miscellaneous
Miniature Schnauzers are often classified as "working
dogs," owing to their past as ratters. Currently, they are most often
employed as companion animals.
Health
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to
Diabetes and
Pancreatitis. With proper care, avoiding feeding sweet or fattening food, it
can often be avoided. Miniature Schnauzers with uncropped ears are prone to ear
infections and deafness later in life if the ears are not checked regularly or
dried out after swimming.
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