Miniature Schnauzer Dog
We elaborate the Miniature Schnauzer dog breed with Miniature Schnauzer temperament, training, appearance, weight, life spam and much more information about this breed.
Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Appearance
The Miniature Schnauzer is a muscular and robust dog of small size. The hair of the eyebrows, the beard and the legs, gives them a very peculiar appearance.
Weight
10-15 lbs.
Miniature Schnauzer Size/Height
Average life span
15 years
Miniature Schnauzer Temperament
They are known for their friendly personality and mischievous sense of humor, as well as their intelligence and energy that seems to have no limits. They are excellent family dogs as they adore children and get along well with other dogs. It would not be suitable for a family with small pets eg hamsters, gerbils etc, it will instinctively chase and catch them. These little dogs don’t shed, making them a good choice for dog lovers with allergies. Despite its size, the Miniature Schnauzer can also make a wonderful watchdog.
Training
They tend to have a long adolescent period so mental stimulation is essential to avoid behavior problems. They can be stubborn, therefore a firm hand is needed in training, but always positive and reinforced.
Cleanliness
They need to be brushed and peeled often because the long hair around their legs can easily become tangled. Daily brushing of the muzzle hairs is an essential care to prevent food debris from sticking.
Exercise
They need daily exercise to satisfy their high energy levels. They should be kept on a leash when walking, as they have a strong desire to hunt for rodents, thus preventing you from chasing them at any opportunity.
Health
Infecc ion Mycobacteriumavium: This is a relatively new but serious disease rarely found in this breed. Susceptibility to infection is the result of a dysfunction of the immune system. Contagion of this disease has been found to be caused by ingestion of infected meat, contact with infected soil or dead animals, or contaminated feces. Initial symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, tonsils, and poor appetite, other symptoms may include fever, vomiting, bloody stools, shortness of breath, and lameness.
Pancreatitis: Increasingly common in the Miniature Schnauzer, the exact cause is unknown, but it seems to be associated with the fact that many Miniature Schnauzers have elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood compound. Symptoms generally include vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and depression. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and diet control. The dog will probably need to be on a low-fat diet.
Cushing’s disease: Also common in this breed, it can be caused by overproduction of hormones from the adrenal cortex. Females are more affected than males, often manifesting between 6 and 8 years of age. Initial symptoms include increased thirst, urination, and body weight. Other symptoms include a swollen belly or uncontrolled thinning of the dog, as well as various skin changes. Sudden blindness is also associated. Various medications are available to treat it.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD): It is an inherited (non-sex-linked) autosomal bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged bleeding times (somewhat similar to hemophilia in humans) and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. The DNA test for Von Willebrand disease is now available. Reproduction between carriers can produce offspring that, in theory, will be 25% healthy, 50% carriers, and 25% sick. Ideally, the reproductions are in healthy pairs or of healthy and carrier where the disease would not affect any of the puppies. Not all dogs affected with VWD will have serious bleeding problems, but they are at risk every time they need to undergo surgery or have an accident. Only some unlucky dogs affected by the disease will seriously bleed from a minor puncture or injury.
Hypothyroidism: It is an endocrine disease that results in abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain, and a tendency to seek warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.
Urinary tract infections: They occur at a higher rate in the Miniature Schnauzer than in other breeds. Symptoms include frequent urination and even blood in the urine. If left untreated, it can lead to bladder stones and if it is severe enough it can cause urinary obstruction which is a medical emergency. Treatment consists of prescription diets, antibiotics, and or surgery.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): It is a group of diseases that involve all the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by retinoscopic examination using an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs begin to suffer from night blindness and lack the ability to see in low light, and later day vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs can adjust to their disability very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Some breeds are affected early in life, while in other breeds, PRA develops much later.
History
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German origin and is a cross between the Affenpinscher, the German Terrier and the Poodle. Although it has the same conformation as the Standard Schnauzer, it is an independent breed of dog. The breed’s name was taken from the winning dog in the WireHaired Pinscheren class of the International Show in Hanover in 1879. Schnauze means “snout” in German.
These dogs were known as Terriers or Rattersratting and were used in farms, warehouses, or factories to hunt down and kill rats. Miniature Schnauzers have been popular dogs in Germany for a long time, and have been portrayed and carved by many artists on various artistic supports.
