Miniature Schnauzer
A small, sturdy and cheerful German companion with a beard, a big personality and a coat that barely sheds.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- Males 5–8 kg · Females 4–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 45–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Wire-haired, medium
- Colours
- Salt and pepper, Black, Silver, White
- Bred for
- Companionship, Terrier work
- Country of origin
- Germany
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 183 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 1/5 – Very low |
| Grooming effort | 4/5 – High |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 4/5 – High |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small but sturdy companion
- prefer a low-shedding coat
- enjoy a dog with character
Think twice if you …
- want a quiet dog
- dislike regular grooming
- have pet rodents
Care
Temperament
Friendly, spirited and confident, with a strong attachment to its family. Alert and sometimes noisy, but rarely aggressive.
Exercise
Daily walks and play; it enjoys agility, earthdog-style games, scent work and trick training.
Grooming
Brush a few times a week and have the coat clipped or hand-stripped every 6 to 8 weeks; it sheds very little.
Training
Bright and eager to please, though it can be bossy; reward-based training and early work on barking help.
Health
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to pancreatitis, high blood fats, urinary stones and inherited eye conditions. Ask the breeder for the parents' eye and DNA results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- PRA type B
- Myotonia congenita
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the Standard Schnauzer, probably with the help of smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher. It was used as a farm ratter and watchdog before becoming one of the world's most popular companion dogs.
It adapts well to city or country life and enjoys being involved in everything. It is affectionate and playful but also vocal and alert, announcing every visitor. Daily exercise, regular grooming and a careful diet help keep it healthy and content.
Did you know?
The FCI places the Miniature Schnauzer in Group 2 with pinschers and schnauzers, while the American Kennel Club lists it in its Terrier Group.