Miniature Schnauzer: all about the breed, photo, character of the dog

Characteristics

Brief information

History of the breed

The birthplace of the breed is Germany. The name is made up of two German words: “zwerg” (“dwarf”) and “schnauzer” (“mustachioed muzzle”). The exact history of origin is unknown, but the breed is considered relatively young. These are the smallest representatives of the Schnauzer group. Scientists agree that the ancestors of miniature schnauzers were standard schnauzers. Through the efforts of breeders who sought to bring out an ideal appearance combined with an accommodating character, modern representatives of the breed appeared only in the 19th-20th centuries. Breeders used the genes of Spitz, poodles, some types of terriers and affenpinschers.

In 1890, mini-schnauzers began to appear at exhibitions and soon won the hearts of the inhabitants of Europe, as well as Canada and the USA. The first zwergschnauzers appeared in America in 1923, and in the USSR in 1974. Their breeding in our country began in 1980.

Character

For decades, German farmers have bred a versatile dog to guard the house, help with hunting, be pleasant to talk to and at the same time be small in size. As a result, in the middle of the 19th century, the miniature schnauzer was bred. The new breed combined the best qualities of the schnauzer and the smaller breeds with which it was crossed. Zwerg was devoted to the family, distrustful of strangers and hardy, like his “big brother”, proud and attentive, like a poodle, and independent, like an affenpinscher. In addition, even then he was quick-witted and did not have a tendency to bite, which cannot be said about most guard breeds.

Today, miniature schnauzers rarely guard herds or go hunting, but they have not turned into domestic couch potatoes. These brave and active dogs need an active life. For this reason, puppies must be trained, otherwise they can grow into completely naughty, aggressive dogs, constantly eager to sort things out with other animals. Thanks to their ingenuity, the zwerg are easily trained, but at the same time, they will only obey someone who is stronger and faster than them. The owner should be an authority for the miniature schnauzer, so a dog of this breed should not be started by those who are not sure that they can handle this role.

Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, they get along well with all members of their family, including children, with whom they play happily. At the same time, they can be jealous of other pets.

Description of miniature schnauzer

Small, strong, stocky, but graceful these are the main characteristics of the miniature schnauzer. Its proportions correspond to a square shape, and it looks like a copy of a regular schnauzer, only a small size. The height of the zwerg at the withers is from 30 to 35 cm, weight is from 4 to 8 kg.

The head is large with a flat forehead, the muzzle is decorated with characteristic long eyebrows and a beard. The skull is elongated, the occipital region does not protrude much. Strong teeth, scissor bite. The eyes are small, the iris is dark in color, the look is always lively and attentive.

The strong muscular neck of the miniature schnauzer smoothly passes into the withers. The line of the body in the direction from the withers to the loin is slightly falling. The back is strong and short, the chest is powerful. The limbs are muscular, set wide apart, with dark claws. The tail is shaped like a saber, set high and pointing upwards.

The coat of miniature schnauzers is thick and hard, there is an undercoat. Integumentary hairs coarse and long, shorter on forehead and ears. On the jaws, the hair forms a pronounced beard, above the eyes bushy overhanging eyebrows.

The following colors are prescribed in the breed standard: black with a black undercoat, “pepper and salt” (the presence of two-color and one-color hairs), silver-black (the predominant black color of the coat and undercoat, only some parts of the coat remained light) and white with a white undercoat. There are other non-standard colors that are not recognized by the FCI.

Care

Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in care. The miniature schnauzer has a hard, thick coat that needs to be washed as it gets dirty, at least once a month. The frequency of bathing depends on the dog’s lifestyle, the universal indicator of contamination is an unpleasant sensation when touching the coat. Also, under the zwerg coat lies a thick undercoat, which must be plucked 2-4 times a year.

Professional groomers determine the frequency of trimming individually. In order to maintain the characteristic appearance of a dog its beard, thick eyebrows on the muzzle and neat ears it is necessary to do a haircut as it grows. It is important to note that a show dog requires more care.

Conditions of detention

Tsvergs are small dogs that can easily fit in an apartment. However, they require active walks and games.

Miniature Schnauzers require long walks and outdoor exercise, such as jogging. You need to walk with them at least three times a day in any weather.

With timely trimming, the miniature schnauzer will not leave hair behind, and with harmonious relations with the owner and household members, it will become a wonderful companion.

Predisposition to disease

Miniature schnauzers are famous for their longevity, strong immunity and good heredity. And although they rarely get sick, they have a predisposition to certain diseases:

Regular check-ups at the veterinarian and timely prevention of diseases will ensure a full and long life for the miniature schnauzer.