The Miniature Schnauzer is a popular little dog with a big personality. They are energetic, playful, intelligent, loving and affectionate. If you have a Mini Schnauzer or are thinking of getting one these Miniature Schnauzer facts you should know may interest you.
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The Miniature Schnauzer is not a terrier
Often you will hear people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as a terrier. The American and Canadian Kennel Clubs categorizes them in the terrier group. However, the UK and Australian Kennel Clubs have them in the utility group.
The term terrier refers to the ratting and vermin hunting breeds descended from British Isles’s bloodlines. The Miniature Schnauzer is descended from Continental European breeds being the Standard Schnauzer, Affenpinscher, and Poodle.
To read more about Are Miniature Schnauzers terriers see here.
Miniature Schnauzers are the smartest of the three Schnauzer breeds
The Miniature Schnauzer is ranked 12th on the list of dog breed intelligence. They are ranked the smartest of the three sizes of Schnauzer with the Standard Schnauzer ranked 22nd and the Giant Schnauzer ranked 35th.
These rankings are based on obedience and working intelligence tests created by well-known dog psychologist Stanley Coren. This is just one of the three types of dog intelligence with the other two being adaptive intelligence and instinctive intelligence. Even those these intelligence types are more subjective, Miniature Schnauzers are high in these also.
To learn more about Miniature Schnauzer intelligence see here.
Miniature Schnauzers often exceed life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. However, it is not uncommon for a Miniature Schnauzer to live well beyond this. Being a small breed dog they tend to live longer than larger breeds.
No one knows for sure the age of the oldest Miniature Schnauzer to ever live. A study conducted in 2010 found a Miniature Schnauzer that lived to 18 years old. There are numerous stories on the internet of Miniature Schnauzer that are or have lived to 19 or 20 years.
By feeding a quality diet, regular vet check-ups, and keeping your Miniature Schnauzer active will all help to give them a long and happy life.
A Miniature Schnauzers coat is unique
The Miniature Schnauzer has a thick wiry double coat. This naturally keeps debris off. This can be useful as they can often be diggers due to their ratting heritage. For more about Miniature Schnauzer digging see here.
Their coat also is low shed meaning they leave less fur around the home and are better suited to owners that have allergies. Regular brushing is still important to remove dead coat and to keep them looking good. For more on brushing and bathing a Miniature Schnauzer see here. They also need regular trips to the dog groomer for haircuts.
Miniature Schnauzers have excellent hearing
The Miniature Schnauzer has a keen sense of hearing and the ability to detect frequencies that are two times higher than those that the human ear can. This is likely due to their original purpose of hunting rats and vermin. As a result, they make excellent watchdogs and can hear anyone approaching the home long before you do.
Loved by many celebrities
The Miniature Schnauzer has been the choice of dog for many well-known personalities. These include
- Bob and Elizabeth Dole have a Miniature Schnauzer called Leader.
- Errol Flynn had a Miniature Schnauzer
- Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxing legend has a Miniature Schnauzer
- Katherine Heigle, the actress has a Miniature Schnauzer
The list goes on and on. Check out the Pinterest board Celebrities and their Schnauzers here.
White is a controversial color for a Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers usually come in three colors. They are solid black, black and silver, and salt and pepper. They also can be solid white. This color is not recognized by kennel clubs or international canine breeding federations. This is due to speculation that the color is a result of gene modification.
All this really means is that a white Miniature Schnauzer can not compete in official kennel club dog shows.
Miniature Schnauzers make excellent guard dogs
In addition to their excellent hearing as mentioned above, they also will bark very loudly to alert you someone is there. They are a big dog in a small body and will even stand up to dogs twice their size. They are excellent with children and will protect the kids with their lives.
Farmers would often use German Shepherds and Miniature Schnauzers together to protect their livestock from predators. With their excellent hearing and loud barking, they could alert the German Shepherd when back up was needed.
Miniature Schnauzers are high energy
The Miniature Schnauzer, despite being a small breed of dog, is no lap dog. However, they will be content to curl up and cuddle as long as their exercise needs are met. Failure to provide the exercise and mental stimulation needed can result in unwanted behavior issues. For more on Miniature Schnauzer behavior problems see here.
They require daily exercise to burn up pent up energy and plenty to occupy them. Due to their intelligence, they also require plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment to challenge their minds. For a guide to Miniature Schnauzer exercise and enrichment see here.
Miniature Schnauzers make excellent family dogs
A Miniature Schnauzer is a great addition to any family. They are affectionate and social and love to be included in any family activity. Due to their high energy they will play with your children for hours. They are also good watchdogs and will protect your children.
These dogs live to express their loyalty and please their family members. By providing them with proper living conditions, good training and a lot of love will lead to a happy family dog. In return, they will bring so much joy into your life.
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