Miniature Schnauzer
Also known as Zwergschnauzer
- Height at the withers
- 30 to 35 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A small, sturdy, square-built dog with a wiry coat and the trademark bushy eyebrows and beard. Lively, attentive and sociable, it makes an excellent alert dog in a compact size.
History and origins
Developed in Germany in the late 19th century by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher and possibly the Poodle, to produce a more compact farm dog and ratter.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia
- Urinary stones
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Comedones (Schnauzer comedo syndrome)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Miniature Schnauzer FAQ
How big does the Miniature Schnauzer get?
The Miniature Schnauzer stands 30 to 35 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 8 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Miniature Schnauzer live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Miniature Schnauzer need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Miniature Schnauzer live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia, as well as urinary stones.
