Miniature Schnauzer

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Resembling bearded dwarves from Snow White, the Miniature Schnauzer is a fun pup with great overall health. But there are a few health issues that could plague these pups because of their genetics. Miniature Schnauzers are prone to a few breed-specific health complications, but they are also apt to develop the common health issues that any dog of any breed could suffer from, such as heart disease and bone cancer.

A couple of the most common health issues that Miniature Schnauzers can encounter include:

Bladder Stones

This condition occurs when sodium and calcium harden in the ureters, bladder, or kidneys, causing stones that commonly pass through the urethra naturally. However, this process can be painful, and sometimes the stones get stuck due to their size. Surgery is often required to break the stones apart, making it easier for them to pass through the urethra with a healthy stream of urine. If left untreated, this condition can prove threatening to the life of your pup, because lodged stones can cause massive, very painful infections.

Pancreatitis

This condition is inflammation of the pancreas due to an influx of fatty foods and indigestible materials. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain coupled with violent vomiting episodes, loss of appetite, depression, dehydration, and abdominal bloat. Treatment-wise, the vet needs to pinpoint the cause first. If it is food-related, the vet will prescribe medicated food to relieve the swelling and combat symptoms. Other, more serious causes require more extensive treatments.

Other health complications that your Miniature Schnauzer could suffer from are skin allergies, diabetes, epileptic seizures, and juvenile cataracts. To ensure your Miniature Schnauzer remains as healthy and happy as possible, regularly keep scheduled semi-annual visits to the vet and make sure he gets lots of exercise, coupled with a nutritious, wholesome diet.

The average lifespan for a Miniature Schnauzer is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Miniature Schnauzer is an adorable, lively little pup with a friendly nature and a love of attention. These canines would love nothing more than to snuggle in their loved one’s arms for hours at a time. But, exercise-wise, these pups need lots of time to run and romp around on a daily basis. Whether it be inside with you, kids, and a few toys, or outside with other dogs in a fenced-in backyard or at a dog park. These pups are quick, clever, and energetic, so keep a close watch if you choose to let them run free with other dogs for a while. They might accidentally annoy bigger dogs with their rambunctious, in-your-face moods.

Training-wise, Miniature Schnauzers are some of the most fun purebreds to train. These pups are attentive and excited about what you have to teach them. So, play with your training methods a bit. Spice up sessions to include obstacle courses and rewards for compliance with relevant commands, such as housetraining and “sit.”

Grooming

While their coats may look smooth and slightly fluffed, the Miniature Schnauzer has dense, wiry fur that needs a good trim every 6-8 weeks. Trim around his eyes, nose, mouth, sanitary area, footpads, and armpits, to stave off mats. Their coats protect them from extreme temperatures, as well as inclement weather, like rain and snow. The inner coat is water-resistant, while the outer coat protects the inner coat. Quite a system!

Miniature Schnauzers need to be brushed daily with a firm-bristled brush and a mid-toothed comb. Use the comb to unkink any tangles and smooth out the fur. Then go back over, from head to tail, with the brush to remove any excess hair and free up remaining knots.

Diet

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs with big appetites. These pups are happy eaters, so expect them to want to eat a ton when they are in a good mood. To keep overeating at bay, feed them on a schedule—once when you wake up and once before bed. Usually, your pup needs ¾ to 1 cup of dry, good-quality kibble, divided into two meals as mentioned, to satisfy his hunger throughout the day.

Because of their dense coats, these pups are prone to heatstroke. Therefore, hydration is imperative, especially in the summertime. Invest in 1-2 automatic water dishes, and fill them to the brim each night. This gives your pup plenty of opportunity to load up on all the water he needs on a daily basis. Hydration is often the base for good overall health.
 

Find A Miniature Schnauzer Breeder

Miniature Schnauzer Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Miniature Schnauzer

Cost

Miniature Schnauzers are in high demand because of their small, adorable stature, which most pet owners fawn over. Breeders might be few and far between at first. But you should check your local animal shelter before investing in a reputable, reliable breeder. If you get lucky, an adoptable Miniature Schnauzer will be more than happy to be rehomed to your healthy, loving home. In which case, adoption fees vary by state and county, but the general consensus is between $250 to $350.

Some shelters take their services a step further with heartworm preventative, flea & tick medications, vaccination updates, and in-shelter health checks. There might also be opportunities for spay or neuter operations, which can rack up the adoption fees an extra $50 to $200.

When choosing a breeder for a Miniature Schnauzer, take the feelings and condition of the pups into consideration. You should ask to see the health histories of the breed parents, as well as the AKC registration and bloodline documentation. Miniature Schnauzer puppies, because of their rarity, often cost between $500 to $2,700. It is a wide range, but the end price depends on the overall health and good qualities of the litter as a whole.

You should also consider the long-term and short-term costs of owning a Miniature Schnauzer. Plan your pet funds for toys, kibble, vaccination updates, routine vet check-ups, and a just-in-case fund for medical emergencies.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Miniature Schnauzers are a 1 on the integration scale because of their friendliness and overall affection towards children and other dogs. These pups would make excellent companions and good family dogs. They are lively, playful, and sweet. But, above all, they adapt to the life of their loved ones, making them the perfect pets for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike.

 

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