Breed Description
Statues Of Children And Their Schnauzers
MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS are wonderful little dogs that are intelligent, playful, and loving companions. They are as comfortable living in a bustling city as they are in the quiet of the country. This dedicated little dog is happy to curl up on your lap or accompany you for a leisurely walk in the park. Most are not overly fond of the rain but love to run in the snow. They are great therapy dogs, happy to visit ill friends and patients. Miniature Schnauzers enjoy working with their owners in agility and the numerous other performance events.
- Although they love the out-of-doors, they must live inside.
- It does not take a young puppy long to adjust once it leaves its siblings but if adopting an older puppy they may need a little more time to adjust to their new surroundings.
Because Miniature Schnauzers are so family oriented, it is best to socialize them at a young age. But, keep in mind, they must be properly immunized before exposure to unsafe areas. The more puppies experience as youngsters (sounds, sights, other adults, children), the better.
Many dog clubs now offer puppy classes which are great for the dogs and also help the puppy and owner bond. Miniature Schnauzers do extremely well in obedience training which is also great fun for the whole family.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard
The AKC breed standard calls for Miniature Schnauzers to be relatively equal in length and height. They MUST be from 12” to 14” at the withers to be shown. Any other height is a disqualification. Their average weight is 14-16 pounds. Miniature Schnauzers do not shed, which is a wonderful attribute if you have ever lived with a dog that does. In addition, many people that have exhibited allergic reactions to other breeds of dogs do not have a problem with Miniature Schnauzers.
The American Miniature Schnauzer Club and American Kennel Club recognize ONLY THREE COLORS that may be shown at AKC Sanctioned Shows in the United States. The three accepted colors are: —
- Salt and Pepper — The most common color variety. If the dog is in a plucked coat, the body hair should be banded giving the salt and pepper appearance. A clippered coat is usually silver-grey and lightens as the dog ages. The leg hair and whiskers are white.
- Black and Silver — The body coat is solid black and the leg hair and whiskers are white.
- Black — The whole dog is black. A small patch of white is permitted on the front chest of the dog.
Miniature Schnauzers of other coat colors, eye colors other than dark brown, exotic coat textures, are a combination of several breeds and NOT pure bred Miniature Schnauzers.
The Federation Cytologique Internationale (FCI) Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard
The FCI is the largest canine organization in the world. They recognize FOUR COLORS — White, Salt and Pepper, Black and Silver, and Black. The FCI has very strict rules on what may be registered — verifiable pedigree, etc. Natural ears and tails are required in many FCI countries.