Miniature Schnauzer: Lifespan, Grooming, Training

Q: Do Miniature Schnauzers shed?

Miniature Schnauzers don’t tend to shed, making them an ideal choice for those who suffer from allergies. Their short coat is also relatively low maintenance but certain areas, such as their signature “beard”, may need a little more attention to prevent knotting and matts.

Q: Are Miniature Schnauzers affectionate?

Miniature Schnauzers’ gruff appearance and tendency to bark can make these dogs look less cuddly than other breeds. However, the Miniature Schnauzer’s appearance couldn’t be more deceptive, and this breed is incredibly affectionate and thrives when in the heart of the family.

Q: Are Miniature Schnauzers good with cats?

Miniature Schnauzers can get on well with cats, provided they are introduced carefully and from an early age. However, this tends to be the exception and not the rule; Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive and will often chase smaller animals, including cats. As this is an instinctive behaviour, it can be difficult to train out and is likely to be distressing for other pets.

Q: Can Miniature Schnauzers be left alone?

Miniature Schnauzers are very sociable and outgoing dogs and don’t tolerate being left alone very well. If you do have to leave your Miniature Schnauzer alone for a few hours, make sure they have plenty of toys available to keep them occupied and consider having someone come round and check in on them.

Q: Where to buy a Miniature Schnauzer

Whether you’re looking to adopt a Miniature Schnauzer or buy a puppy, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your pet from a reputable organisation or breeder. If you’re looking to adopt, you can use Petplan’s rehoming directory to find an organisation. If you want to buy a puppy, make sure you find a reputable breeder.

Q: How to train a Miniature Schnauzer

As an intelligent and outgoing breed, Miniature Schnauzers love to learn tricks and spend training time with their owners. However, they can be headstrong and can be known to have selective hearing. For this reason, Miniature Schnauzers need clear and consistent training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them engaged. Short and fun training sessions will also help to keep your playful Miniature Schnauzer engaged.

An enthusiastic extrovert with plenty of personality

The Miniature Schnauzer’s distinctive ‘whiskers and beard’ give it a wise appearance – and it is indeed a clever and alert breed. They are robust and fairly vocal, as well as adaptable and family-friendly, with a personality twice their size!

Vital Stats

Size:	Small
Coat:	Medium and wiry with a thick undercoat, requires grooming at least twice a week.
Exercise:	Around 1 hour a day for adult dogs
Life span:	12+ years
Breed group:	Utility
Temperament:	Intelligent, obedient, friendly

Size small Coat medium
coat Exercise 1 hr Life span 12+years

Miniature Schnauzer Temperament & Personality

With boundless energy and a flair for mischief, there’s never a dull moment with the fun-loving Miniature Schnauzer.

As an out-and-out extrovert, Miniature Schnauzer needs plenty of attention.
This fun-loving breed is happy to meet new people but can take a while to warm up to other dogs, so early socialisation is really beneficial.
Miniature Schnauzers are highly intelligent and usually easy to train, but their stubborn streak requires a firm and patient hand.

Due to their playful nature, these breeds make great family pets and usually get on well with children (but always keep dogs under close supervision around young children).
It’s important to remember that Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive and aren’t well suited to households with cats or smaller mammals and birds.

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Miniature Schnauzer Training & Exercise

Intelligent and alert, Miniature Schnauzers are relatively easy to train, but their stubborn side makes them best suited to more experienced dog handlers.

Training

Due to their high intelligence, Miniature Schnauzers love to learn tricks and will relish the attention from you.
Miniature Schnauzers tend to be strong-willed and are known to have “selective hearing” when it comes to obeying commands, so it’s important to introduce recall training early on.
Their strong personalities mean that Miniature Schnauzers can also lose interest quickly in lessons, especially if you don’t establish yourself as the pack leader.

Keeping them happy

As a “people person” your Miniature Schnauzer will be happiest in the heart of a busy, active household. This means they won’t tolerate being left alone very well.
Miniature Schnauzers are incredibly loyal and will normally choose a favourite amongst the family.

Exercise

With a strong terrier streak, Miniature Schnauzers need more exercise than their small size might suggest – around one hour a day should suffice.
Miniature Schnauzers also love to roam so should have plenty of space to explore in a secure, well fenced garden.
As a lively and playful breed, Miniature Schnauzers also need plenty of mental stimulation, so earmark plenty of time for games as well as walks.

Game ideas

Natural born diggers, Miniature Schnauzers will love finding buried treasure, in the form of their favourite toy, in a sandbox or on the beach.
These versatile dogs also excel at obedience and agility training. Earthdog trials, in which dogs are judged on their underground hunting, seeking and retrieving skills, are a perfect activity for Miniature Schnauzers to channel their penchant for digging!

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Miniature Schnauzer Grooming

Miniature Schnauzers’ double coat is both low maintenance and low-shedding, which may make them more suitable for allergy sufferers.

Miniature Schnauzers’ main coat doesn’t need too much maintenance, brushing once a week will suffice. However, their wiry “beard” and ears will need more regular attention to prevent matting.
Some owners choose to wash their Miniature Schnauzer’s beard after they eat to keep them looking spick and span, but this isn’t always necessary.
The Miniature Schnauzer needs regular grooming – at least twice a week. The dog’s ‘beard’ should also be combed every day to avoid matting.

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Miniature Schnauzer Nutrition

Miniature Schnauzers love their food, but don’t be taken in by their puppy-dog eyes as they can quickly put on weight if over-indulged.

Keep an eye on portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.
Miniature Schnauzers can be more prone to diabetes than other breeds so their diet should be closely monitored by you and your vet.
Make sure your Schnauzer also has access to plenty of water as this breed can also be prone to urinary conditions.

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What to know before you buy or rehome a Miniature Schnauzer

Considering welcoming a fun and feisty Miniature Schnauzer into your home? Before you buy or adopt one, here are a few important things to remember.

Miniature Schnauzers are not the most dog-friendly dogs and can be very vocal, although they are rarely aggressive.
This intelligent breed loves to learn tricks but needs a firm and patient owner when it comes to training.
Miniature Schnauzers tend to get on well in a busy, family household.

Choose a licensed and reputable Miniature Schnauzer breeder if you’re buying a puppy. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are illegal.
Like all dogs, Miniature Schnauzers can suffer from a range of health conditions so always look carefully at the veterinary cover provided when shopping around for pet insurance as not all policies are the same.

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FAQs

Do Miniature Schnauzers shed?

Are Miniature Schnauzers affectionate?

Are Miniature Schnauzers good with cats?

Can Miniature Schnauzers be left alone?

Where to buy a Miniature Schnauzer

How to train a Miniature Schnauzer

Help & Support page

FAQs

Do Miniature Schnauzers shed?

Are Miniature Schnauzers affectionate?

Are Miniature Schnauzers good with cats?

Can Miniature Schnauzers be left alone?

Where to buy a Miniature Schnauzer

How to train a Miniature Schnauzer

Help & Support page

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Miniature Schnauzer insurance considerations

Most Miniature Schnauzers live long and happy lives, but they can suffer from specific health problems, such as diabetes and liver conditions. That’s why it’s important that when choosing dog insurance, you consider the length of time policies cover different conditions. Petplan’s Covered For Life® plans refresh the veterinary fees each year allowing you to claim for ongoing conditions for the rest of your pet’s life providing there is no break in cover.

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An enthusiastic extrovert with plenty of personality

Vital Stats

Miniature Schnauzer Temperament & Personality