Dog breeds / Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer breed originated in Germany in the 18th century and was designed for hunting rodents. Now, this small but well-built member of the terrier family is a playful addition to families, is well behaved indoors, and thrives on attention.

Covered with a double coat for protection from the elements, this breed is small but mighty and durable. With the quickness of the terrier, and bred for hunting, it is constantly alert, active, generally entertaining, and interested in everything that goes on in its surroundings. While not commonly aggressive, some may exhibit a tendency to bark, however, this can usually be controlled with proper training.

Miniature Schnauzers range in color from solid black to white, with variations that include black and silver and salt and pepper. While they are prized for their thick, lush coats, they do require regular grooming. There is also a fourth color – the pure white – but this is not an officially recognized variant of the breed.

Some Miniature Schnauzers are prone to various medical conditions such as diabetes and bladder stones. While they are extremely friendly, their genetic tendency to hunt smaller animals may be a problem if there are smaller pets in the home.