Dogs Dog Breeds Terrier Dog Breeds

Miniature Schnauzer: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners

Standing side profile of a Miniature Schnauzer dog

Mark Nicol / Getty Images

The miniature schnauzer is a small terrier dog breed from Germany who was bred as a farm dog meant to exterminate vermin. Today, these hardy, feisty little dogs— bred down from the larger standard schnauzer—are favorites of allergy sufferers and apartment dwellers.

Miniature schnauzers don't shed much, so they're considered hypoallergenic. Their size, usually around 1 foot tall and weighing under 20 pounds, can make them perfect for apartments. But mini schnauzers are smart and will frequently bark, so make sure you can keep them busy.

Learn more about the popular miniature schnauzer.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

WEIGHT: 11 to 20 pounds

COAT: Medium-length, wiry double coat

COAT COLOR: Black, black and silver, or salt and pepper

LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, lively, alert

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: Germany

Characteristics of the Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature schnauzers typically have a bright and vigilant temperament. They tend to be quite vocal and make for good watchdogs. Usually, they're very affectionate and enjoy playtime.

Affection Level High
Friendliness Medium
Kid-Friendly High
Pet-Friendly Medium
Exercise Needs Medium
Playfulness Medium
Energy Level Medium
Trainability High
Intelligence High
Tendency to Bark High
Amount of Shedding Low

History of the Miniature Schnauzer

Standard schnauzers can trace their roots back to the 15th century in Germany. They were sturdy working dogs on farms where they protected property, herded livestock, and exterminated vermin. The giant schnauzer, a larger spinoff from the standard, performed those tasks as well.

Then, in the late 19th century, farmers wanted a smaller dog who could hunt vermin. Besides the standard schnauzer, the poodle and affenpinscher also went into creating the mini schnauzer. The combination of these breeds made the mini schnauzer more friendly and eager to please than many other dogs in the terrier group.

Thus, the miniature schnauzer also quickly caught on as a lovable companion dog. Actor Mary Tyler Moore, politicians Elizabeth and Bob Dole, and martial artist/actor Bruce Lee were mini schnauzer owners.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1926, and it's one of the most popular breeds in the United States for years. In 2022, the mini schnauzer was the 17th most popular beed, according to the AKC.

Elizabeth and Bob Dole holding their miniature schnauzer
Elizabeth Dole and Bob Dole show off their miniature schnauzer. Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

Miniature Schnauzer Care

Miniature schnauzers need a moderate amount of exercise each day, and they should receive training and socialization from a young age. Plus, their coat needs regular grooming because it rarely sheds.

Exercise

Miniature schnauzers are no couch potatoes. These little dogs should get at least one hour of exercise per day in the form of walks, jogging, running freely in a secure area, and games of fetch. Puzzle toys also can provide these smart dogs with mental stimulation. And dog sports can challenge them both mentally and physically. 

Make sure always to keep your mini schnauzer on a leash or in a fenced area when exercising outdoors. The breed’s strong prey drive can cause them to quickly take off after perceived quarry when given the chance.

Grooming

The miniature schnauzer has a double coat consisting of a wiry topcoat and soft undercoat. They rarely shed, so they are a bit high maintenance, requiring regular brushing and trimming. A quick daily brushing will remove any loose fur and prevent tangles. You'll also want to clean and brush out their beards, which may collect food and dirt. Most owners opt to take their dog to a groomer every one or two months to have the coat clipped, though you also can learn to do this at home.

Plan on a bath roughly every month, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Check your dog’s ears at least weekly for wax buildup and abnormalities. They'll need a nail trim about every month as well. Plan to brush their teeth daily.

Training

Proper training and socialization are both essential for a happy, well-adjusted miniature schnauzer. Start as young as possible to prevent bad habits from forming. The breed generally learns quickly, but their high intelligence can make them bored with repetitive training. Thus, it’s important to keep training sessions fun, using positive reinforcement methods.

Expose your dog from to different people, dogs, and places from a young age. Mini schnauzers are generally semi-open to meeting strangers and other dogs. But because of their prey drive, they might not coexist peacefully with smaller household pets like rodents.

Furthermore, miniature schnauzers can bark a lot. If that bothers you or your neighbors, you can limit the barking though training, exercise, and help from a professional trainer or behavior expert. They may sometimes bark when left alone, meaning separation anxiety could be at play.

miniature schnauzer puppy running in grass

Getty Images

miniature schnauzer side view
 Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

Common Health Problems

The miniature schnauzer overall is healthy, but the breed is prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

Miniature Schnauzers as Pets

The Spruce / Kelly Miller

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your miniature schnauzer. For food, feed them high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diets. It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day. But you should discuss both the amount and type of diet with your vet to make sure you’re meeting the dog’s needs. Be mindful about treats and other extra food to prevent overeating.

As miniature schnauzers are prone to having high fat levels (hyperlipidemia), some might need a special diet to help manage their fats. This should always be prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Miniature Schnauzer

The mini schnauzer is a fairly popular breed, so it’s worth checking local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home. If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $500 to $2,800 on average, though the price can vary widely.

For further information to help you find a miniature schnauzer, check out:

Miniature Schnauzer Overview

Pros
  • Friendly and affectionate

  • Can get along well with kids

  • Doesn't shed much

Cons
  • Can be very vocal

  • Somewhat involved grooming needs

  • High prey drive

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any breed, do plenty of research on the miniature schnauzer before deciding to bring one home. Talk to veterinarians, breed owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!

FAQ
  • Are miniature schnauzers good family dogs?

    Well-trained and socialized miniature schnauzers can be excellent family dogs. They are typically tolerant of kids and enjoy family playtime.

  • Are miniature schnauzers good apartment dogs?

    Miniature schnauzers are small and can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments. However, they are prone to barking and might disturb neighbors.

  • Are miniature schnauzers aggressive?

    Miniature schnauzers are generally sweet dogs, so they're usually not considered aggressive. They do, however, possess a high prey drive, so they might chase small animals.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Miniature Schnauzer. American Kennel Club.

  2. History of the miniature schnauzer. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club.

  3. All about miniature schnauzers. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club.

  4. Schnauzer (Miniature) Puppies and Dogs. Adopt a Pet.