Barberella Kennels

The schnauzer breed originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. It is believed that the miniature schnauzer was bred by crossing the standard schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds, such as the poodle and affenpinscher. It was bred for use in controlling vermin on farms and only later became popular as a house pet.

The breed remains one of the most popular worldwide, primarily for its temperament and relatively small size. The miniature schnauzer comes in many original colors, although the Miniature Schnauzer Club has limited the colors that can be shown at AKC sanctioned dog shows to salt and pepper, black and silver, and black. All of the colors can be registered with AKC. These colors include white, chocolate, liver and the various parti colors. Further, all of the colors (and sizes) can be shown in AKC sanctioned agility events and could go on to get an AKC agility championship.

Miniature schnauzers should have a squarely proportion build measuring 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders. The "toy" schnauzer is one under 11 inches at the shoulder. The breed standard does not specify a weight but schnauzers are usually 11 to 15 lbs, although it is not uncommon to see a 25 lb miniature schnauzer. The schnauzer is characterized by a rectangular head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; the teeth should meet in a "scissor bite"; the eyes should be oval and dark-colored (except for the liver colored schnauzer which has green/gold eyes); and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears (although it isn’t uncommon to see uncropped ears that stand straight up!).

In order to be shown, the schnauzer must have a wiry coat which is obtained by "stripping" the coat. For a family pet, electric clippers are used on the body to groom it instead of stripping it, which will make the coat softer over time. The beard, belly, and leggings are kept long and silky. The schnauzer puppy can be born with a wiry, soft, wavey, or sometimes curly coat. Miniature schnauzers are often described as non-shedding dogs. While this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable when the schnauzer is kept groomed.

The miniature schnauzer considers itself a "people" dog and is most happy when included in family activities.  This is definitely not a dog to put in the back yard and ignore!  The miniature schnauzer is adaptable to its family's lifestyle, enjoys traveling and hiking but is just as happy to become a couch potato as long as it is with his human.  The miniature schnauzer can be head-strong and want to take charge of the family.  The best thing you can do for your new schnauzer puppy is to take him to "puppy" school so he learns at least the basic commands of come, sit, and stay as well as being leash-trained.   Knowing and obeying these commands could well save his life when your schnauzer suddenly darts after a squirrel and  into the road and won't stop.   The miniature schnauzer must also learn that his human is the alpha in his world so don't let him get away with trying to be in charge.