Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest and most popular of the Schnauzers, originated in the late 1800s as a small farm dog in Germany. It is the only terrier breed not from the European islands. The breed was developed by mixing the Standard Schnauzer with the Affenpinscher, and possibly the Poodle, to create a smaller dog better suited for protecting homes and farms from rodents. All Schnauzers are named after an individual dog named Schnauzer, who lived around 1879. The name is fitting, as "Schnauzer" means "small beard."

Miniature Schnauzers arrived in America much later than their Standard and Giant counterparts. However, after World War II, their popularity surged, and at one point in the 20th century, they became the third most popular breed in the country.

As a Mini Schnauzer owner, you must stay vigilant because these clever dogs will keep you on your toes. If you provide entertainment, socialization, and training, the Mini Schnauzer will be a fun and active companion, well-suited for family life, including families with small children.

Although the Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog, they are an active breed that enjoys long walks and needs over an hour of exercise daily. They also love games, training, and interactive toys to keep their minds engaged.

This little dog doesn’t need much space but will love having a small yard to explore. However, they can be quite the chatterbox, always ready to share their opinions with the world. If they’re left alone or get bored, their noise can make apartment living or close quarters a bit of a challenge. Think of them as your tiny, furry neighborhood commentator!

The Miniature Schnauzer has a harsh, wiry, and short coat with a dense undercoat. Grooming should be done twice a week. Their coat can be maintained by hand-stripping or clipping.

Training Miniature Schnauzers can be an absolute delight, although they're incredibly smart—sometimes to the point of being a bit cheeky. They have a knack for learning bad habits with lightning speed, so starting reward-based training early and sticking with it is key. A rock-solid recall command is a must-have. Some Minis really shine in agility and even heelwork to music, adding a touch of pizzazz to your training sessions. For owners who relish the world of dog sports, the Miniature Schnauzer is sure to steal your heart!

The Miniature Schnauzer can make an excellent family dog.

The cost of a Miniature Schnauzer from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.