About Schnauzers
ABOUT MINI & TOY SCHNAUZERS
There are many articles and books written on Schnauzers and lots of info on the web. Some of the links are:
www.animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/selector www.akc.org/breeds You will find the breed standards, origin and lots of history on these wonderful dogs on the informative sites listed above.
AKC states: “ The Miniature Schnauzer is an alert, spirited, friendly dog who is as much as home in a city apartment as he is in the country. It is a robust, active dog of terrier type, resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, in general appearance, and of an alert, active disposition.
Animal Planet states: “The Miniature Schnauzer deserves its place as one of the most popular terrier pets. It is playful, alert, spunky and companionable. It is a well-mannered house dog that also enjoys being in the middle of activities. It is less domineering than the larger Schnauzers and less dog-aggressive than most terriers, although it will gladly give chase. It is clever and can be stubborn, but is usually biddable. It enjoys children. (My Note: I don't consider them stubborn, just so smart they try to out smart YOU.)
The remaining information is from me and is not meant to be the rule. It is just my thoughts from research and living with these wonderful dogs since 1990. I hope to share with you the joy I have found in these dogs:
Coats: Schnauzers have an under and outer coat. Usually, the fuller the undercoat the softer and thicker the appearance, hence the new and popular “mega” and “super” coats. Some are easier than others to keep. In general, most need brushing during the week and grooming every 6-12 weeks according to the length of the coat you want to keep. They do not shed and have very little if no “doggey” body odor.
Colors: AKC only allows three colors to be shown: Black and Silver; Salt and Pepper; and solid Black. However, all colors and sizes can be registered with AKC. The different colors from these basic colors are sometimes called the “lost colors” or the colors of the smaller dogs that were used to downsize the Standards to the minis. I personally love the variety of the colors that we have here at Twin Oaks. We currently have the basics, white, liver (chocolate) and all colors in the partis.
Size: Many breeders are currently working with AKC to include the Toy Schnauzers in a separate registry than the Minis. I have a range of sizes too. I do breed moms and dads of the same size to provide as much uniformity as possible in my litters. Again, this is how I group my Schnauzers as to their size:
- Minis - 14 to 16 lbs / Small Minis - 11-13 lbs / Toys - 10 lbs and under. My personal favorite is a 9-11 lb Schnauzer. Just the right size and you still get the robustness and shape I love, especially for children to play with.
A Schnauzer should be as nearly square as possible in proportion. Leg length equals back length. Robust and sturdy built. Some of the toys are more petite in build, but should still have the Schnauzer look and conformation.
Training: I find that they learn quickly and do not forget easily. Using treats, praise, and consecutive training methods with positive reinforcement is the best route in training. I do use crates to help keep them safe and help with potty training too, when I am away. But I do not recommend leaving them in the crates for long periods of time.
Socialization: You new pup is handled daily by me from the time he is born. I groom them at five weeks and start them in the house for additional play time too. After they have had their lst shot my grandchildren ‘think’ they take over and train them. Which, in reality they do - giving them lots of love and the pups thrive on this. When you pick your pup up, the fun begins. Introduce him to everyone you can and lots of different situations and environments. I do not recommend a lot of contact with other animals unless you know they are safe and completely vaccinated. I at least like for my pups to have their 2nd vaccination before meeting lots of other animals. Your vet is the best advisor on this.
Food: I use Eukanuba Small Breed (Lamb)bites for the pups and Iams Small breed (lamb) for the adults. There are other good brands of food....like Nutra Max or Pet Smart's Advantage. Check the contents for appropriate comparisons. You should not change your pups food until he is well adjusted and then you can slowly add a little of the new and increase every day a little more until you are totally feeding the new. More info on this in my Puppy Notes placed on the Available page as a link on the left side.
NEVER feed them milk, also raisins, grapes, or chocolate - can poison them. Also, many house plants and outside shrubs can poison them.
I have had many dogs in my lifetime. At home, we always had cockers and my dad’s hunting dogs. This carried on into my adulthood and with my family. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a breed as I do these. The love and devotion that I have found in them; the joy of raising pups and seeing them reach their potential and become devoted family pets has been a delightful journey. I also strive to find great family homes for my adults as I retire them around 4-5 yrs of age or earlier. When I can do that, I know that I have given back to them. Because I don’t over breed them and keep them healthy and happy so they can have a new life with a family too. They do love their babies, but sometimes I think they may love their human family a speck more, if possible. They are meant to be a family member and that is when they are their happiest.
I hope you have enjoyed our site and that your search for a pet and new family member is a delightful one. I would not rush in to it and know everything you can about the breed you choose, talk with your breeder and vet in depth, check references, and be ready for a commitment of 12-17 yrs or so with your choice of dogs. The early months can sometimes be trying, but if you prepare and devote the right resources to this relationship, a lot of happy and sweet “puppy” memories and devotion will be yours.
I hope you do consider sharing you home and family with a very, special dog of your choosing.
Wishing you happy puppy paws and wagging tails,
Diane
PS. My contract, puppy notes and Male vs. Female article are found as links on the left side of my Available page and will provide additional info.
