Whether your dog is a purebred miniature schnauzer or a miniature schnauzer mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a miniature schnauzer and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
You might be surprised to learn that schnauzers come in three sizes: miniature, standard and giant. However, we’ll focus on the pint-sized version of this dog breed. These pups are known for being friendly, smart and full of energy, but there’s still so much more to learn.
Miniature schnauzers are about four times smaller than their giant counterparts, weighing only 12 to 20 pounds, Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains. However, when fully grown, these dogs can reach about 12 to 14 inches tall, making them perfect apartment dogs.
“Teacup miniature schnauzers aren’t a separate breed,” Dr. Singler says. “They’re miniature schnauzers who have been purposely bred to be very small. Breeding can increase the risk of health problems such as heart problems, low blood sugar, tracheal collapse, digestive problems, liver shunts and other problems.”
Miniature schnauzers generally come in three color varieties: black and silver, salt and pepper and solid black. However, there are some rare colors, which include white, red and chocolate.
These pups shed very minimally and have wiry topcoats and soft undercoats that need special care. Although no breed is truly hypoallergenic, this minimal shedding makes these dogs a good choice for most people with allergies. Still, we recommend checking with your allergist before bringing a mini schnauzer home.
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Miniature schnauzers make great family dogs because they're intelligent, trainable and have an affectionate nature that often matches well with children. However, even though these pups are playful and adaptable, they may be vocal sometimes.
"In addition to being good companions, they're naturally protective and have watchdog tendencies," Dr. Singler adds. "Some can also be on the nervous side."
Socialization is a great way to ensure your pup is well-adjusted and to curb some nervous behavior.
According to Dr. Singler, mini schnauzers are susceptible to patellar luxation (where the kneecap slides in and out of place), pancreatitis, diabetes, heart disease, liver shunts, clogged hair follicles (also known as “schnauzer bumps”), bladder stones, various eye diseases that may cause blindness, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism.
Talk to your veterinarian at your dog’s first vet visit to learn how to prevent these health issues in the future.
Are you interested in adopting a miniature schnauzer, miniature schnauzer mix or any pet at all? We think every pet deserves a home and encourage you to check out our shelter partners.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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