Miniature Schnauzers: Great Family Pets

Are you looking for a family dog that is loyal, intelligent, and sturdy, with a personality you will respect and admire? If so, the Miniature Schnauzer is the dog for your family!

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, easy to train, and loyal little dogs that make excellent family pets. They are not usually aggressive but will protect their buddies. They love attention and will cuddle with you on the couch.

The Standard Schnauzer was a popular dog breed long before the Miniature Schnauzer came into existence. However, the Miniature became increasingly popular and surpassed the Standard Schnauzer, especially after World War II. By 1899, the Miniature Schnauzer was distinct from the Standard Schnauzer. However, the American Kennel Club did not recognize two dogs as separate breeds until 1933.

According to the AKC, miniature Schnauzers currently (2020) rank as the 19th most popular breed. The Standard Schnauzer is 89th, and the Giant Schnauzer is 78th in the 2020 AKC rankings.

Miniature Schnauzers Have Great Personalities

The Miniature Schnauzer is spunky, curious, and alert. These pets love being active during playtime, but they are well-behaved in the house when the play ends. They are less domineering or aggressive than Standard Schnauzers towards other people and strange dogs.

They are great with children and a fantastic watchdog. If your miniature schnauzer has not been around children as a puppy, they may be intimidated by them and should not be left alone with strange children. If your Miniature Schnauzer has not been around children since puppyhood, it may be intimidated by them. They do not like having their ears or fur pulled. So, they should be well supervised when toddlers are around.

When they feel cornered, they become fearful and may bite in self-defense.   Cleo, my dog, was not around children like she was when she was a puppy, and she bit one of my grandchildren when she felt cornered. Fortunately, it was only a warning nip and not very serious, but I did have a prolonged chat with Cleo.

Emotionally, a Miniature Schnauzer wants and needs to be with its family. Cleo did not like being left alone, and when I returned home, her greeting was most enthusiastic, even after a short absence!

Like most dogs, Miniature Schnauzers want and need exercise. However, a nice long walk on the leash or a romp in the yard each day is usually enough physical activity for this breed. They also do better living indoors with the family, although they can survive outside just fine. Emotionally, these animals must feel like they are part of their pack at all times. Cleo did not like being left alone, and her greetings were most enthusiastic when I returned home!

Miniature Schnauzers Need Grooming

The Miniature Schnauzer needs brushing at least once a week. They have a thick, wiry coat, and they shed very little. Consequently, they need to be clipped every two to three months. If you want to groom yourself, get a set of good-quality clippers and scissors. You can learn to do a proper Schnauzer clip with some practice.

I groomed my minis myself for quite a while before getting it done professionally. Many YouTube videos will help you learn the proper cut.

They are a hypoallergenic breed because they shed very little. Hypoallergenic means they are less of a threat to allergy sufferers than dogs that shed their fur. Of course, that does not mean someone with dog allergies will not be affected.

Miniature Schnauzers Are Good Watchdogs

They alert little dogs and sound the alarm when they hear strange noises or the doorbell rings. They have a rather powerful bark, unlike some small, yappy dogs.

They are watchdogs, not guard dogs. Because of their small size, they are not very intimidating dogs. Also, they are not aggressive. Once the alert barking is over, they are usually very friendly to the newcomer.

Every dog has its personality. I once had two Miniatures that came from the same litter.   They would both bark almost non-stop whenever the neighbor was in her backyard. Of course, this did not please her; fortunately, I did not live there for long. My next home had a high fence that the dogs could not see through.

Miniature Schnauzer Price

The cost of a miniature schnauzer can vary widely depending on whether you’re buying from a breeder or adopting from a rescue, as well as the dog’s pedigree, location, and health testing.

For most families, a well-bred Miniature Schnauzer from a reputable breeder typically costs $1,500–$3,000 in today’s U.S. market and offers the best balance of health, temperament, and predictability.

Miniature Schnauzers Are Easy To Train

House training my Miniature Schnauzers was not difficult at all. They all learned to ask to go outside to do their business after only a week or two.

My dogs seem to understand what I say to them. They can learn many voice commands if they put in the effort. I seldom taught them tricks such as sitting up, rolling over, or playing dead, but I am sure they would have quickly learned if I had tried. When I think about it, maybe they were training me.

Miniature Schnauzers Are Healthy Dogs

Minis are probably about average in terms of health issues. I didn’t have to take mine to the vet except for routine checkups and shots. The notable exception, of course, was Cleo. She developed diabetes at the age of nine.

I suspected diabetes because my daughter has a Pug who was diabetic. I noticed that Cleo began drinking much more water than usual and had to urinate frequently. Also, she did not have as good an appetite as before. After courageously fighting the disease for about a year, she lost her battle and died when she was ten.

Miniature Schnauzer Coat Colors

Miniature Schnauzers have four color variations: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black and white. However, the all-white coat is not acceptable for AKC standards.

Miniature Schnauzers Are My Favorite Dog Breed

I like most dog breeds and would not hesitate to get a German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, or Pekingese, all of which I have owned and enjoyed for their own unique qualities.

Each breed has something special to offer, whether it is the intelligence and loyalty of a German Shepherd, the cheerful affection of a Cocker Spaniel, the cleverness and elegance of a Poodle, or the charming personality of a Pekingese. Over the years, my experience with these dogs has taught me to appreciate different temperaments, sizes, grooming needs, and companionship styles.

However, if I had to choose one breed as my favorite, it would still be a Miniature Schnauzer. There is something especially appealing about their lively spirit, alert nature, and devoted companionship. They are small enough to be manageable in many living situations, yet sturdy, confident, and full of personality. I also admire their expressive faces, distinctive beards, and energetic but affectionate character. For me, the Miniature Schnauzer offers the perfect balance of intelligence, loyalty, playfulness, and charm, making it the breed I would most happily choose again.

The reason for my great affection for Miniature Schnauzers is because of Cleo. She had such a great personality and was so loyal, loving, and happy that I hold her first among the equals of all the dogs I have ever known.