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Schnauzer Dog Breed

andreas strauss

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June 15, 2022

Adopting a dog can bring you a new lease on life! Dogs have always been celebrated for their loving and loyal nature, which makes them a great pet for someone who needs a reliable companion. So, if you’re looking for a furry friend who can help bring a bit of sunshine to your life, consider adopting a dog.

Dogs can also help you to live a more active and responsible lifestyle. No more Saturday sleep-ins when your pooch is hungry and begging for a neighbourhood walk! If you adopt a puppy, you can also enjoy the process of nurturing it into an adult dog. You can enjoy the satisfaction of bonding with your pet and enjoying a well-trained dog. If you’re interested in adopting a Schnauzer, read more to learn all about the breed!

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If you’d like to learn more about the Schnauzer, please watch the video below!

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER CHARACTERISTICS

Life Span: 12–14 years Grooming: High Child Friendly: Yes Tendency to Bark: Average
Health Issues: Average Shedding Level: Low Apartment Friendly: Yes Tendency to Snore: Moderate
Energy Level: High Adaptability: Moderate Pet Friendly: Yes Tendency to Drool: Very low
Exercise Needs: High Social Needs: Moderate Affection Level: Medium Trainability: Easy

Happy Schnauzer dogs sitting on the grass in backyard

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER ORIGIN

There are three different types: the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer descends from the Standard Schnauzer dog, reportedly downsized to catch rats on farms and guard the property. (Many dogs were cross-bred with smaller versions to be “ratters”, dogs small enough to hunt and catch rats.)

The Miniature Schnauzer was also chosen to be a guard dog as these dogs are highly vigilant and excellent at alerting humans to potential dangers. While there are no formal reports documenting the development of the Mini Schnauzer, the first female dog was recorded in 1888. Throughout the devastation of World Wars I and II, the Miniature Schnauzer managed to survive as a popular breed throughout the affected areas.

While the Schnauzer has humble origins as a farm dog, it has become known as a fabulous family pet. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their friendliness, intelligence and obedience. This breed, categorised in the Terrier Group by the American Kennel Club, is recognised for its enthusiastic personality and boundless energy.

Energetic Schnauzer jumping to catch treat in backyard

SCHNAUZER PERSONALITY

The Miniature Schnauzer is no wallflower. It needs to be in on all the action – all the time! This pooch is particularly extroverted and lively. It loves to be with humans, even more so when it is the centre of attention. This breed’s love language is definitely physical touch, so get ready for snuggles, kisses and plenty of tail wagging.

While the Mini Schnauzer is a bundle of love and excitement, it is also incredibly smart. This intelligence, coupled with its Terrier characteristics, can lead Mini Schnauzers into some trouble. With the fiery side of a Terrier and its natural intellect, this breed can become highly mischievous and even manipulative if not socialised and exercised properly.

The Miniature Schnauzer is extremely energetic and needs daily exercise. If you want to experience the love and affection of this breed, it needs to have healthy ways to expend energy. Originally bred to be a guard dog, the Mini Schnauzer can be hostile to strangers, so it is important to socialise the breed from a young age to avoid aggressive and territorial behaviour.

Mini Schnauzers have the following key personality traits:

  • Intelligent
  • Fearless
  • Friendly
  • Alert
  • Obedient
  • Spirited

Happy Schnauzer sitting on bed for portrait shot

SCHNAUZER APPEARANCE

This breed is known for its friendly, teddy-bear-like appearance. Their faces are comically cute and often feature “eyebrows” and “beards” when theSchnauzer is multicoloured. The double coat of a Mini Schnauzer is wiry and of medium length. These dogs can grow from 30–35 cm tall (13–14 in) and can weigh from 5–9 kg (11–20 lb).

The MiniSchnauzer is one of the few dogs categorised as being a hypoallergenic breed. This means that this breed is suitable for people who experience pet-related allergies. Although the possibility of allergen problems can’t be ruled out altogether, the coats of these dogs are less likely to trigger allergies.

Mini Schnauzers need regular grooming to keep up their distinguished appearance. There are a variety of different ways your Schnauzers coat can be cut, check out some popular styles. You can choose to take your Mini Schnauzer to a professional groomer or learn how to clip its hair yourself. The breed also requires nail trimming and ear cleaning to avoid a build-up of bacteria.

The Schnauzer coat colour variations include:

  • Black 
  • Black and silver
  • Salt and pepper

Salt & Pepper miniSchnauzer sitting on a tree stump in park

ADOPTING A SCHNAUZER

If you would like to buy a Schnauzer for sale, you should consider these factors:

  • Work with a breeder who has a trusted history of breeding healthy pups.
  • Try to avoid buying from a breeder who offers a new litter often, as this could be a sign that the puppies arembeing provided by puppy mills.
  • A good breeder should have extensive knowledge about the breed you are buying – everything from personality to common health issues.
  • Your chosen breeder should have access to the puppy’s mom or dad and invite you to meet them, so that you can get a better idea of the family line you are buying into.

You can use this breeder guide to find a reliable breeder.

If you’d rather adopt than shop, there are three options across Australia. We found a very informative page on Schnauzer Rescue Organisations to look at. When you choose to adopt a dog, you may be saving a dog and improving its quality of life. There are various factors may lead you to adopt a rescue dog:

  • You are interested in looking at crossbred dogs.
  • You would like to adopt an older Schnauzer dog.
  • You are open to adopting other dog breeds.
  • You want to give a dog a better life.

You can also browse Facebook Groups for rescueSchnauzers. Just be aware of people using the internet for scams and fraudulent activities. Ensure that whatever Facebook group or page you are interacting with is authentic.

SchnauzerPuppy sitting on bed with blue background

HOW MUCH DO SCHNAUZERS COST?

While the costs of Schnauzer puppies will vary depending on the breeder, they generally cost $4,000 to $5,000. The puppies may cost more if they come from a show dog background or have unique features. If this is out of your price range, consider adopting.

girl with brown hair inside house cuddling withSchnauzer

SCHNAUZER FAQS

Is a Schnauzer a Good Pet? 

Schnauzers are great pets! They are especially loved for their non-shedding coat. They have an even-tempered personality and are kid-friendly. TheSchnauzer is also known for its intelligence and easy trainability, which makes it a pleasure to raise and live with.

What is the Personality of a Schnauzer?

Overall, theSchnauzer is a friendly and energetic dog that is eager to please its owner. These dogs are alert and can be very vocal guard dogs if trained and socialised well. These dogs are known for their obedience and fearless personality.

What are the 3 types of Schnauzers?

The 3 different types of Schnauzers are:

What are Schnauzers good for?

Schnauzers were bred as working dogs, and this explains why they require substantial exercise and mental stimulation. As a pet, a Schnauzer is a great fit for families. This breed is affectionate, compatible with children and highly alert. This means they will be a loving addition to the family and an attentive watchdog.

Are Schnauzers easy to train?

Schnauzers are one of the easiest dogs to train due to their high levels of intelligence and obedience. TheSchnauzers also love to please their owners, so they enjoy partaking in training and accomplishing tasks.

Do Schnauzers like to cuddle?

As we have mentioned, Schnauzers are widely affectionate and love to cuddle! This dog breed thrives off physical proximity to its owners and family. If you’re looking for a caring and devoted companion, theSchnauzer is a great choice.

BlackSchnauzer sitting elegantly on a footstool in family lounge

disclaimer

This blog does not replace a qualified veterinarian’s medical expertise or advice. Please consult a registered veterinarian for further information on the blog topic. The material and information on this blog are for information purposes only. Please note that any linked websites or mentioned products are not sponsored affiliate links or paid endorsements. Pet Insurance Australia does not accept liability for any damages arising from your interpretation of the information presented on this blog. This includes Pet Insurance Australia not being liable for: any false, inaccurate or incomplete information on the blog; any damages that arise from technical issues on the website and the blog being unavailable; any damages from clicking through a link in the blog to a different website.

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