Miniature Schnauzer
Breed Profile
The Miniature Schnauzer is a German dog which was crossed with the Affenpinscher and the Miniature Pinscher to obtain its present appearance. The modern day Miniature Schnauzer was developed in the mid-to-late 19th century for the purpose of ‘downsizing’ the standard Schnauzer. The breed was initially used for guarding herds, farms, and homes, and to catch and kill rats.
Temperament
The American Kennel Club breed standard describes its temperament as “alert and spirited, yet obedient to command friendly, intelligent and willing to please, never over aggressive or timid”. Easily trained, this breed make outstanding excellent watchdogs due to a good territorial instinct, however its bark is louder than its bite.
Color & Coat
Coat: They have a double coat, with wiry exterior fur and a soft undercoat. In show trim, the coat is kept short on the body, but the fur on the ears, legs, belly, and face is retained.
Color: Recognized coat colors are black, salt and pepper, black and silver, and pure white; salt and pepper coloration is where coat hairs have banded shades of black, gray and silver, fading to a gray or silver at the eyebrows, whiskers, underbody and legs.
Health
Whilst generally known to be a healthy breed, Miniature Schnauzers may be confronted with health problems associated with high fat levels. Such problems include hyperlipidemia, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis, though either may form independently.