Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzer

Popular Breed
The Miniature Schnauzer is a dog with universal appeal. Just walk down the main street of any town in the United States and you are bound to see at least one trotting jauntily along with a proud owner in tow at the end of a trendy leash.

The Miniature – or Mini Schnauzer as it’s often called – is now the 11th most popular dog breed in America and number 7 in Canada.

While the breed has traditionally been less well known in the UK, it is becoming more popular year on year, as news of these little dogs with the big character spreads. It is currently 13th in the Top 20 Breeds, according to The Kennel Club (UK).

row of mini schnauzer faces
The different faces of the Miniature Schnauzer

Non Shedding
Incidentally, the most popular dog breed in all 3 countries is the Labrador Retriever. However, the Miniature Schnauzer has two big advantages over the hairy retriever -

The breed is non shedding and hypoallergenic

This makes Schnauzers popular with dog lovers suffering from pet allergies as well as people who don’t want to spend all their free time vacuuming the carpets and furniture!

It’s true. Our mini Max sheds almost no hair. When friends visit with their dogs, I find I’m cleaning up dog hairs around the house for months afterwards.

History
The Schnauzer originated in Germany in the 15th century. In those days tradesmen and farmers travelled the countryside with heavily laden carts selling their wares at markets. They needed a versatile dog which could guard the cart as well as keep down the vermin back at home. Thus the first Schnauzer was born.

The modern Miniature was recognized as a breed in Germany in 1880. The first ones arrived in the United States in 1924 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club two years later.

Read how the breed got its unusual name and its fascinating history.

Appearance
This is a small, robust dog with a smart appearance. Like all Schnauzers it is square in shape with the height at the shoulders being almost the same as length of the body. With its bushy eyebrows and trademark moustache and beard, the Miniature Schnauzer is an instantly recognizable breed.

There are a variety of colors including white - but many of these are not recognised.

There are only 3 colors accepted by the AKC and UK breed standard. These are:

Salt and Pepper - Solid Black - Black and Silver

Breed Characteristics
While the breed is known for its strong lines and bearded face, the breed standards vary from country to country.

In the USA and Canada, the Miniature Schnauzer is classed as a Terrier. In the UK the breed comes under the Utility Group.

In North America it is common to have both the ears and tail cropped. For showing, the dog must have a docked tail and can have cropped or natural ears.

Since April 2007 it has been illegal to dock any dog’s tail - except for working gundogs – in the UK.