The German Miniature Schnauzer is not just a funny dog, but a real service dog! Even the smallest in the world. Miniature Schnauzers are very quick-witted and intelligent, and also unconditionally charming with their shiny inquisitive beady eyes. Here's what you need to know about the breed before starting it!
Origin story
Now it is difficult to say exactly how the miniature schnauzers appeared. It is believed that their ancestors were pinschers with excellent hunting qualities and tough hair. It is these traits that still define the breed.
In the nineteenth century, the Pinschers began to be subdivided into subspecies and new categories were developed. Wire-haired dogs with a characteristic skull shape were separated into a group of rat-catchers and named schnauzers. Most of them were united by a funny beard on the face.
A little later, in Germany, schnauzers began to be bred separately, including dwarf species. It is not known exactly whose genes were involved in the process, but according to different versions they were poodles, pomeranians and even terriers. Gradually, by the twentieth century, breeders still managed to breed small city breed with the character of a schnauzer.
General information about the breed
Miniature Schnauzers are very intelligent, docile, calm and cheerful dogs for an apartment. They do not shed and almost do not smell, but they need active walking. The breed is quite miniature - up to 8 kg and up to 35 cm at the withers.
Appearance
The appearance of miniature schnauzers is deceiving - they are more powerful and stocky than fragile. With a shaggy beard, bushy eyebrows and a proud posture, the dog appears to be very serious and important. A powerful chest, narrow pelvis and long front legs help him develop high speed.
The shape of the head is in harmony with the body, the skull is strong, the ears are high, but lowered. Zwergs have very strong and even teeth, unusually large nostrils and alert, lively eyes. The high-set tail sticks up funny, even though they were docked before.
Miniature Schnauzers are especially good on the move, because they are agile and graceful. On the run, the dog is very collected, nimble, it seems very strong even with small dimensions. And the main feature is a tough and wire-like coat with a dense, dense undercoat.
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Character
In the character of the Miniature Schnauzer, all the features of a service and working dog have been preserved. They are excellent guards and hunters who still often serve in the police force. They are courageous, attentive, quick-witted and highly intuitive.
Although the miniature schnauzer is very tiny, it is not very well aware of its size, so it is bravely ready to defend its owner from any threat. In everyday life, he is enthusiastic and interested in any task. And zwergs are terribly curious, so it's better to walk them on a leash.
The dog is equally happy with a picnic, jogging or going to the store - he is interested in everything. She loves to be the center of attention in any company and at any event. But if the miniature does not like something, he can be very noisy and show character.
Health and disease
With good care and a balanced diet, active miniature schnauzers can live up to 15 years. Due to the thick and coarse coat, there are problems with the skin and hair follicles. There are eye diseases - cataracts, glaucoma, retinal rejection.
Epilepsy, diabetes, pancreatitis, lung and heart problems are more often hereditary, but less common. It is much more common to face serious disorders and infections of the digestive system due to food sensitivity.
Conditions of detention
A small miniature schnauzer feels great in a city apartment, regardless of its size.But he really needs activity, so the breed is not suitable for people who do not have time for long games and walks. It is important to understand that even though the zwerg is tiny, it is not a decorative breed, but an independent and freedom-loving dog with character.
At home, a miniature schnauzer definitely needs its own place. The dog can accustom to a diaper, but this does not negate the daily walks. Be sure to make sure that the zwerg has a lot of different and bright toys, otherwise he will start looking for leisure on his own.
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Food
Miniature Schnauzers are very active, so they need a rich and balanced diet. For such a small size, the dog eats quite a lot. She does not tolerate fatty foods and needs vitamin supplements.
Miniature schnauzers are well suited to a natural diet based on meat, offal and low-fat fermented milk products. You need cereals, fish, vegetables and fruits, and as nutritional supplements - bran, nuts and flaxseeds.
Care
The Miniature Schnauzer almost does not shed, despite its rather thick coat, so it is safer from the point of view of allergies. But it requires special care: regular haircuts, trimming, combing and other procedures are needed. You can go to a professional groomer or learn the skills yourself - it's not too difficult.
Be sure to check your ears regularly and trim their hair. After feeding, you will have to wash the dog's beard, and after walking in bad weather - paws and stomach. It is better to use special shampoos for coarse wool and treat it with oil balms.
Training
The Miniature Schnauzer is by nature a service dog, so it is an excellent learner. The breed is loved at exhibitions, in cynological competitions and in sports. She lends itself well to training, and moreover, she needs mental and physical exertion.
In training a miniature schnauzer, patience is needed, because a freedom-loving dog cannot be pressured. You need positive motivation and interesting training. So in planning the process you will have to sweat or contact the dog handlers.
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Miniature Schnauzer with the owner
The Miniature Schnauzer is loyal to the owner, always ready to protect and be close. In everyday life, this is a playful and friendly dog that loves attention and tactile contact very much. The Miniature is the very breed that will gladly keep a person company 24/7.
Miniature Schnauzer with children
A miniature schnauzer is unlikely to be a good nanny for very young children. But the dog gets along well with older children, with whom you can already play and frolic. She loves her family and will never offend her, but she can react sharply to aggression directed at her.
Miniature Schnauzer with other animals
The breed is very independent and suspicious of other people's dogs. They are owners, so they do not like to share the owner's attention with other pets. At the same time, if animals originally grew up together, they can become best friends.
