How to Select a Miniature Schnauzer

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The miniature schnauzer, originally used to kill rats, comes from Germany and is a mix of the standard schnauzer and the affenpinscher breeds. The schnauzer, whose name means "muzzle" in German, is affectionate and rambunctious and makes a great watchdog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bark Control Collars W/videos
Dental Kits (for Dogs)
Dog Beds
Dog Brushes
Dog Collars
Dog Dishes
Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
Dog Food
Dog Leashes
Dog Shampoo
Dog Toys
Nail Clippers For Dogs
Dog Shampoo

Step 1

Keep in mind that miniature schnauzers are not for everyone. They have a lot of energy, bark often and are very demanding of their owner's attention.
Step 2

Reconsider getting a miniature schnauzer if you have other dogs in the house. Schnauzers are aggressive with most dogs unless socialized with them.
Step 3

Choose a miniature schnauzer if you have children in the house. This dog is friendly and playful with children.
Step 4

Note that miniature schnauzers do well living in small apartments or homes. They're able to get enough exercise inside and don't require a backyard.
Step 5

Look at a miniature schnauzer's features when choosing yours. The face is long with thick eyebrows, a long beard and a mustache. The expression should be bright with eyes that are dark and oval-shaped. The wiry outer coat is colored either salt and pepper, black and silver, or black.
Step 6

Understand that miniature schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions such as kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder) and diabetes.
Step 7

Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.
Step 8

Know that male miniature schnauzers will grow to 12 to 14 inches and weigh 11 to 18 lbs. Females will grow to 11 to 13 inches and weigh 10 to 15 lbs.
Step 9

Realize that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred miniature schnauzer.
Step 10

Expect a miniature schnauzer to live about 15 years.

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on 2/1/2006 Go with a breeder who raises the dogs at their home, instead of a pet shop who sells a variety of dogs that aren't raised in family settings.

on 1/31/2006 Miniature Schnauzers are very affectionate to family, very alert a good watchdog and smart. They need daily exercise, like running, chasing toys, etc. Overall, Miniature Schnauzers are good dogs.

on 1/26/2006 My Mini has a 1/4 Maltese in her, her father was a pure bred and mother is half purebred Mini Schnauzer and half Maltese. I would like to add to the tips by saying; make sure your mini Schnauzer is socialized with children and other dogs early. I did the former, but not the latter, and she is very wary around children and barks at them always. Around other dogs she is fine, happy and playful, but also well able to read dog behavior and to know when to submit and when to persist!

on 11/22/2005 Although many claim that Miniature Schnauzers can get enough exercise indoors, this is not really the case. Miniature Schnauzers are small but very energetic, and will need either a long walk or several brisk short walks every day, or several vigorous play sessions. They become frustrated when not exercised adequately and can be destructive. If they get plenty of activity, though, their behavior is generally very good. It's just a matter of channeling their energy in good ways rather than allowing them to find outlets on their own. All of this is essentially true of all dogs, even very small ones.