Picture taken from www.dailypuppy.com
Hello and welcome!
This is Sharda with a Miniature Schnauzer newsletter!
Let’s have a look at Miniature Schnauzer Characteristics and what make s them a unique breed.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a distinctive dog in many ways.
Their unique appearance and their keen intelligence makes these small dogs very popular as companion dogs and watchdogs, and they will enjoy keeping your yard and buildings free of any rodents or other animals that may decide to move in.
They have a generally easy going personality, and love to be outdoors and participating in physical activity with their owners and other dogs.
TEMPERAMENT
The Miniature Schnauzer typically has a very good personality, and loves to play and spend time with people.
They are not a breed that does well when left alone; rather they enjoy the companionship of humans.
The Miniature Schnauzer can be socialized to interact appropriately with other dogs and animals, but does require socialization to start early and continue through life.
In their history the Standard Schnauzers were used as watchdogs and cattle dogs, guarding the livestock and the farms. The Miniature Schnauzer still has these instincts, and has to learn to accept other animals in their environment.
Miniature Schnauzers have a unique bark, and it is very distinctive. Rather than a high pitched yappy type bark, the Miniature Schnauzer sounds more like a deep grumbling or rumbling sound as opposed to a distinct bark.
With their thick eyebrows and beard they often seem like they are trying to sound like old men talking when they bark.
Miniature Schnauzer are good with children, but should be monitored for the first times together when the children or the dog are not used to each other. Once the children are able to interact with the dog appropriately, they will quickly become companions.
The Miniature Schnauzer loves to travel with the family, and the small size makes the dog easy to take in cars or other transportation even on long trips.
EXERCISE
The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for either a country home or an apartment in the city. They will exercise themselves in a small environment, but will still require a good walk in the morning and evening to investigate their territory. Even a small outside yard or securely fenced balcony can provide enough room to move about as long as daily walks are included.
They love to romp with family members, and are great at fetch and games like hide-and-seek. Many Miniature Schnauzers are entered in agility and other events, as they are a naturally athletic breed in addition to being easy to train.
CARE
The Miniature Schnauzer requires a minimal amount of special grooming or attention to their coat. The coat itself is longer on the beard and legs than it is on the rest of the body, and is wiry and fairly coarse. The longer hair will require daily grooming with a comb or pin brush, but this is not a long process and can be completed in a few minutes.
If not brushed frequently, the hair may have a tendency to mat or knot, and then the dog will have to be trimmed to get the mats out.
The long beard around the mouth needs a quick wipe after eating, as food particles can often be trapped in the beard. There are special dishes available that have a ledge around the inside of the bowl to keep the whiskers out of the food. If you are feeding a good quality dry food, a dry cloth can just be used to give a quick wipe.
The Miniature Schnauzer will require regular cleaning of the ears if they have not been cropped. The natural ears fold over, and this tends to trap moisture inside leading to possible ear problems if not kept dry. This is a simple process and is usually done in conjunction with the daily grooming.
FEEDING
The Miniature Schnauzer is not a difficult dog to feed or a picky eater. They do very well on a premium dry kibble, and generally do not require any special feeding or supplements.
The Miniature Schnauzer, like the Standard Schnauzer, is not prone to any digestive disorders, and is generally a very healthy dog. The Miniature Schnauzer does tend to eat more than it should if allowed free access to food, and may be prone to weight gain if the increase in food is coupled with little exercise or small areas to move around in the day.
AGING
One of the most endearing factors of owning a Miniature Schnauzer is its playful behaviour well into its life. A Miniature Schnauzer can live to be 15 years old or more, and often retains its puppy like behaviour and love of play well into its senior years.
The alert and attentive behaviour coupled with the good temperament makes the Miniature Schnauzer a great breed choice for individuals that are looking for a robust and playful dog that is smaller in size.
The Miniature Schnauzer dog is really a big dog in a small dog’s body, and won’t be mistaken for any other breed.
I hope I have helped you with knowing the special characteristics of these breed from today’s Miniature Schnauzer newsletter.
Thanks,
Sharda Baker