Miniature Schnauzer - Price, Temperament and Lifespan
The miniature schnauzer is a very characteristic breed with distinct, unusual looks. Peculiar bushy eyebrows are the most eye-catching element of a mini schnauzer. The breed derives from the medium variety. Just like the larger type, the miniature schnauzer is a highly attentive and resilient dog. Check what is a miniature schnauzer and how to take care of it. You should know it before you take the animal home.
What does a miniature Schnauzer look like?
The miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular type of Schnauzers. These small dogs are typically black, but there are also white and silver-black varieties. Adult dogs reach up to 30-35 cm at withers, and their typical weight is about 8 kilograms with a proper diet.
The miniature Schnauzer can adapt to living in small interiors, which is a big advantage for those who live in apartments. The dogs of this breed are sociable and perfect for families - they are energetic, lively and cheerful. Keep in mind, though, that this breed needs a lot of exercise and playtime, and the dog might be stubborn.
What are the types of Schnauzer?
The miniature Schnauzer is one of the three types of this dog. The two other two are:
- the giant Schnauzer,
- the standard Schnauzer.
The giant Schnauzer is from 60 to 70 cm tall at withers and might weigh 50 kilograms or more. Most dogs of this type are black. Just like mini Schnauzers, they love being active and playing. The average lifespan of giant Schnauzers is between 10 and 12 years.
The standard Schnauzer reaches from 45 to 50 centimeters at withers and weighs up to 20 kilograms. This type is no different from the giant and miniature Schnauzers - it requires a lot of exercise.
The miniature Schnauzer - temperament
Mini Schnauzers are very loving and loyal towards their owners. They show their affection whenever they can. The miniature Schnauzer doesn’t like loneliness, so it shouldn’t be left on its own for too long. Note that if you train the dog that nobody’s home during specific hours, it will get used to such a situation.
The miniature Schnauzer has a very brave personality and is confident, so it doesn’t fear large dogs. Such dogs are perfect guards, and they will quickly alert their owners if something is not right.
Despite its body type and petite size, the miniature Schnauzer is not a lapdog. This breed needs a lot of exercise - getting active and playing. Additionally, it’s a perfect companion for children - but these dogs dislike being treated in an indelicate way. If it happens, they will express their discontent - just like Maltese dogs.
What is the best diet for a miniature Schnauzer?
The mini Schnauzer requires proper feeding to retain its health and appearance. A poor diet and improper food might lead to worsening of the animal’s condition, which is apparent on skin and hair. Mini Schnauzers should be fed with balanced products - this way they can enjoy a good health and general well-being.
Dry dog food is the most convenient solution. But make sure to pick the right one for the animal’s size, age and activity levels. In addition to dry food, the miniature Schnauzer should have access to a bowl with fresh water. You can enrich the dog’s diet by adding some minced or chopped meat - it depends on the age of your pet. A Schnauzer’s diet should also consist of vegetables, fish and dairy. We encourage consulting such homemade dog food with a veterinarian.
Miniature Schnauzer - size and weight
The miniature Schnauzer is a small dog. Adult dogs weigh from 5 to 8 kilograms, of course provided that they are properly fed and walked regularly. One can find heavier dogs of this type, but it only means they are simply obese. Adult mini Schnauzers’ height can reach up from 30 to 36 centimeters at withers.
The measurements above are rough. Your miniature Schnauzer might be different - smaller or larger, depending on its physical activity levels, feeding and many other issues.
Are mini Schnauzers likely to get sick?
Schnauzer dogs are considered a long living breed. Typically, mini Schnauzers are quite healthy and can live up to 19 years. A proper diet and physical activities are the crucial aspects of caring for a dog of this type.
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to eye diseases. Typical problems concern retinal thinning and cataracts. Skin issues rarely occur - it’s typically a result of improper diet or grooming. Some mini Schnauzers suffer from kidney stone diseases.
Miniature Schnauzer grooming - how to take care of its hair?
The miniature Schnauzer has strong and very thick hair. That’s what protects the dog against unfavourable weather conditions. Brushing is the main hair treatment, in this case - it must be repeated at least once in 2-3 days. You can use a metal comb, but remember to be delicate and apply a detangling product if needed.
Don’t forget about the dog’s nails - if they don’t wear down naturally, they have to get trimmed. Additionally, make sure to give a teeth cleaning treat to your miniature Schnauzer regularly to remove tartar. Cutting your pet’s hair is another necessary treatment. It removes old hair and encourages fur growth.
Who is the miniature Schnauzer for?
The miniature Schnauzer requires a lot of attention and plenty of exercise. It’s a perfect breed for highly and moderately active owners. Those who decide to get this breed, should get themselves interested in animal training. Thanks to this, they will be able to control the pet and teach it many useful commands.
How to train a miniature Schnauzer?
The Schnauzer belongs to a highly intelligent group of animals. Miniatures are very obedient and eager to play and learn new tricks. If you want to train a mini Schnauzer, start the training while it’s a puppy. A young dog needs only 30 minutes of training per day. But we recommend splitting this time between several shorter steps with breaks e.g. for playing. When puppies are 8-12 weeks old, one can begin teaching them basic commands like sitting, returning to their place, lying down, reacting to their name or walking on a leash. Giving some treats to the dog is the best form of rewarding a good behaviour.
Under no circumstance use drastic punishments like leaving the animal alone. The dog will lose its trust in you.
Do mini Schnauzers get along with other animals?
Miniature Schnauzers are typically very calm. They keep their distance and reserve towards other animals. An adult miniature Schnauzer, especially a male, can show much more bravery. You can notice a provocative behaviour towards other dogs, regardless whether they are much bigger than your pet.
What is the best leash for a miniature Schnauzer?
You should familiarize your miniature Schnauzer to a leash and a collar as soon as it appears in your home. At first, get a regulated model. Thanks to this, you can easily adjust the size to your pet’s dimensions. Keep in mind the leash and the collar cannot be too heavy, otherwise they might be a problem for your dog.
The size of the leash and the collar should match the breed and size of the dog. If you don’t know which particular model to pick, ask a specialist for help. They will tell you which solution is the best for your miniature Schnauzer.
Miniature Schnauzer - price
The price of a mini Schnauzer depends on many issues. The cheapest puppies cost $500. But dogs with a rich lineage, bought at a professional breeder cost much more.
📍 How much should a miniature Schnauzer eat?
Feeding a miniature Schnauzer is crucial as it directly affects its health and appearance. Regularity is essential for the diet of these dogs. Up to 7 weeks old puppies should receive 5 meals a day. Adult dogs should eat two meals daily.
📍 What is the miniature Schnauzer's lifespan?
Animals of this breed live relatively long. The average lifespan of a miniature Schnauzer is between 12 and 19 years. Providing proper conditions and regular vet visits are crucial.
📍 How much does a miniature Schnauzer cost?
The prices for a registered pedigree miniature Schnauzer begin at $500. The better lineage, the higher the price for a pet.
📍 How long do miniature Schnauzers live?
The miniature Schnauzer grows for about 12 months. It is classified as a puppy for a year. It should receive balanced meals based on this.
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