Dog Breed of the Week: Miniature Schnauzer
Wednesday October 15, 2008
The Miniature Schnauzer is an energetic little dog with a friendly but tough personality. Easily recognized by its signature bearded haircut, this Terrier has remained among the most popular dog breeds in the US for many years. If you have spent any time around Mini Schnauzers, then you understand the breed's strong loyalty and even protectiveness towards its owners as well as its lively nature.
The Mini Schnauzer is known to be a "barky" breed and also requires a firm commitment to routine grooming. However, this Terrier can make a wonderful companion. To all of you Mini Schnauzer enthusiasts out there - please tell us what makes this distinctive breed so special!
Photo Bruno Vincent / Getty Images
Comments
I have a two year old mini schnauzer and he is a great little companion. I love grooming him myself and he is a good trooper with it. He is also a very good watchdog. I wouldn’t hesitate getting another one.
My wife and I are currently on our fourth Min. Schnauzer–all females. The site personality description is very accurate due to its protective and barky traits, but is easily trained otherwise. The breed does not shed, and is German stubborn when they want to!
I have a 2 1/2 year old schnauzer and he’s such a great dog. He is the fifth one that my wife and I have had and the first one we ever got as a puppy. He is my pal until the end. None of our schnauzers barked too much. Our dogs have always had pretty good manners, yet they show a lot of personality. Every one of them were different. My current one is very, very athletic – loves to run, loves to go running or walking me. I’ve really bonded with this guy and he constantly makes me smile. I’ve got mad at him before, but in the end it was lack of skill and understanding on my part. (I’m learning.) The part about grooming, yeah, but they don’t shed! That’s what’s great! No dog hairs everywhere! I love the royal-like presence of a schnauzer. They are intelligent, emotive and loyal!!! My dog would follow me to the ends of the earth.
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Good will,
Schnauzer lover
Loving what’s right is not the same as hating what’s wrong.
I’ve had five schnuuzers! Each one so dear! Our children are grown and also have schnauzers. They are smart, learn very quickly, and want to please thier owner.
We love this breed!!
I have a 6yr old Miniature Schnauzer called Scooby-Doo that I’ve had since I retired 3yrs ago! I got him from the rescue schnauzer association. He is so well behaved and smart but stubborn at times. Great watch dog but so friendly,he’d probably end up going home with the burgler if one broke in my house.He’s always by my side where ever I go,and always gets lots of attention from everyone he meets! Can be dog aggressive.Does not like big dogs and only accepts some small dogs.His best friend is a Westhighland Terrier called Angus! He has brought great joy to my life and I don’t know what I would do without him.
We have always had large sporting dogs, but decided that this time we would like a non shedding breed. Our nine month old Schnauzer (Finley) is my heart. We have another older dog(pit bull mix)and they have become fast friends. Schnauzers are wonderfully affectionate and full of character! Finley has stopped barking (with lots of work) and is a great athlete. He does tend to be wary of unfamiliar dogs but using the Dog Whisperer techniques, he has become so much more tolerant. We love our mini Schnauzer and will definitely have them in our lives always!!
Love my mini! We aways had big shelter dogs, but I wannted something little, as I got older. My husband wanted a masculine dog, but biy does he love this little girl. We have a shleter pit bull mix and they are so funny together. She has no fear, and he is a little wussy, but the roll and play and she jumps all over him, then he hold her down and groloms her until she soaked….I want another!!
I have two minis…a boy and a girl…the girl being the older one by six months…around three and a half years old now. Black and silvers. The girl is highly intelligent and will easily outsmart a human. I call her the babysitter, as she constantly oversees operations around here
…she is also a little girl that I love more than life…it was love at first sight at 12 weeks old. My boy is beautiful, completely different personality than the girl…extremely protective of us, and his house, yard etc. Hates dogs that are generally termed as Vicious by many people…like pits, chows, etc…and I have tried to break him of this to no avail. He will go after them if they come into “his space”….he is a love to his family, but a nightmare to strangers. He WILL bite if someone tried to come in our home without him knowing them. He has, however, passed canine good citizen and therapy dog training. Go figure. So has our girl…but I expected it of her. IMO you have to be a really good trainer to handle one of these dogs properly. Especially ones bred for show…as they have a high level of “spirit.” I wouldn’t recommmend them for anyone…though, like everyone says in here, they are all extremely different.
I forgot to say a few important things. There are currently three accepted mini schnauzer colors…black and silver, salt and pepper, and black. White is accepted in the European market but not in the United States. I noticed a site accompanying this email that sells schnauzer pups…most of those are puppy mill dogs. Some are selling at 6 weeks old…the youngest they should be is 8 weeks and I personally like them to be 10-12 weeks before leaving their mothers. Also there is no such thing as a liver schnauzer, parti, phantom, and all that garbage. Those are badly bred dogs with genetic faults. There is no such thing as toy either…the average mini should weigh about 15 pounds as an adult. Not 35 pounds like I see a lot of them, nor 7 pounds which is a downright crime and many puppy mills charge a premium for these! Remember, most will say whatever you want to hear about their breeding and raising, but unless you go to the place and look for yourself, you won’t know the truth. And even then sometimes, they won’t let you in the back where they are bred. It’s understandable to prevent germs from spreading to pups and kids should stay out…but with proper sanitation, you should be allowed in and to meet the parents etc. Also, NEVER buy from a pet store. They almost ALL come from puppy mills and no decent breeder would ever sell to a pet store. If you think your dogs are bred right because they are registered…think again…it’s only a registry. You can go into the American Miniature Schnauzer Club to get more breed/breeder info on these dogs. Hope this helps….and also, I had a type in my last post. I WOULD recommend these dogs to people, but you need to be dedicated to the breed really…they are not the easiest to train~
MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE 2 MINI SCHNAUZERS ONE OF WHICH IS A RESUCE THE OTHER WE PURCHASED FROM SOMEONE WE KNEW JUST SHORTLY AFTER OUR FIRST ONE DIED OF CANCER I RECOMMEND TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT COMPANION TO LOOK FOR A SCHNAUZER I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A RESCUE OVER BREEDER PURCHASE DUE TO THE FACT THERE ARE SO MANY IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDERS OUT THERE THAT ONLY CARE ABOUT THE MONEY NOT THE DOGS RESCUES MAY TAKE A LITTLE MORE EFFORT BUT WHAT A JOY THEY CAN BE AND THE MORE PETS PEOPLE ADOPT FROM RESCUE OR SHELTERS THE LESS BREEDERS WILL MAKE THUS EVENTUALLY MAYBE THEY WILL STOP IN THE COUNTY THAT I LIVE IN THERE ARE CLOSE TO 400 ANIMALS GASSED TO DEATH IN THE SHELTER EACH MONTH SO WHEN YOU LOOK IN DOGS FOR SALE ADDS THINK ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE ANGEL THAT IS WAITING FOR YOU IN THE SHELTER OR RESCUE
SAVE A LIFE ADOPT A HOMELESS PET AND PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER
My husband and I have owned four mini schnauzers, and love them dearly. I have to tell you about our last three. We bought a black mini and named him Rudy. We loved him so much, we bred him and took his son, who we called Max, and who turned out to be black and silver. So then we bred Max, and took his son who we call Freddy, who is also black and silver. For quite awhile we had all three of them with us. It was so much fun the way they played with each other. When I would take all three of them in the car with me, I would attract quite the stares. One man even asked me : “Lady how do you manage 3 of them at one time; I can hardly manage one of them.” Unfortunately we no longer have Rudy and Max with us, but still have Freddy. The really fun part of having Freddy is that he is so much like both his grandpa and daddy, that it almost like still having them with us. Anyway, I thought you folks might enjoy my schnauzer story. Diane
I have a white mini. Zeus is 6 years old and I have had him since puppyhood. He is best described as friendly to all, but unwaveringly loyal to his family. He does bark, but not excessively. He also makes a host of other entertaining “vocalizations.” He is spirited and stubborn, but trainable with patience and is eager to please. He occasionally a lap dog, but even when he’s not he’s by my side. He is love and fun and everything inbetween wrapped in a 13 lb package that doesn’t shed a hair. In my opinion, the world’s perfect dog! (By the way, we also have a rotteweiler and a boxer mix both of which I love dearly but…there’s just something about a schauzer!).
I have Ruby Nelle! She’s 15 years old and I’m blessed to have her. She’s been my constant companion since she was 8 weeks old. Last year on her 14th birthday she suffered a stroke but has made a remarkable recovery. She’s a little tilted from the damage of the stroke, but, has amazed me with her perserverance. I also have Roy-Boy in my heart. He was a rescue and I had him for 3-1/2 years – he was quite old when I rescued him. He taught me unconditional love and gave me absolute joy while we were together. I will have another miniature schnauzer some day. Right now I’m giving my love and energy to Ruby.
I have a miniature schnauzer named Abu, (Boo Boo.) He is a wonderful companion and the best dog I ever had. I got Boo Boo when I was feeling down over some deaths at my workplace. I am a nurse. I felt like the Lord gave him to me to cheer me up and he certainly did. He is a little clown. I got him when he was 5 weeks old and he has been my constant companion ever since. My husband says I am more affectionate with that dog than I am to him. I just tell him, you don’t do flips when I come in the door at night. Schnauzers get my vote for best breed.
My husband and I are on our 3rd mini schnauzer, he also had one growing up. Our first is a 12yr. old boy and he’s so serious but so sweet. We had a shelter gal who was only w/us 4yrs. but she was an angel. We also have a 5yr. old girl and she is the sweetest girl and the leader of the pack…our pack is four dogs! We love our mini schnauzers, they have great personalities and they are all different. However, the barking…if you can’t handle it, then this isn’t the breed for you!
Schnauzers are the BEST dogs ever. I’ve had one for 8 years now. When people say dogs are little humans in disguise, Schnauzers are probably the reason for that. They are very easily trained, very bright and like to do things right. I have two other dogs and whenever they’re doing something they’re not supposed to be doing, my schnauzer makes sure to “barklert” me.
I have a white miniture schnauzer named Cotton. He is my fourth but not my last. He housebroke our french bulldog puppy and now they cannot live without each other. He will stand between anyone I don’t know and me. This is the ideal dog – intelligent, sweet, and faithful to the death. Anyone with children should start their dog experience with a schnauzer!
I received my 1st mini-schnauzer for my 10th wedding anniversary. I think he is the best gift I have ever received. He has wonderful personality and loves everyone he meets. He is unusual in that he is not much of a barker. He is my son’s best friend and very loving to our family. I will always own schnauzers. I think they are the best breed out there.
I bought my fiance’our first mini 4 years ago, and have not regretted it at all.. He is such a smart dog, it’s amazing that he knows his way around. When we are in the car and near his “daddy’s “shop he starts going nuts, and it doesnt matter which route I take..now how does he do that?
We got our 2nd mini, in March of this year . Champ is the most docile loving dog I have ever met…I never thought I would like owning a schnauzer but have found it was the best decision I have ever made. Sport & Champ are the joys of my life!!!!
I LOVE my schnauzer!!! We both enjoy grooming and he goes everywhere I go. He loves meeting new people and loves loves loves little boys for some reason. He is the best dog I have ever had.
Hi, i have raised minature schnauzers for 18 years and I have enjoyed every bit of my time spent working with my schnauzers. They have been the best times. I have laughed a lot and I have cried a lot because of them and I wouldnt trade it for anything. They are very smart, very loyal, and one of the best dogs I know of. I would highly recomend them for a family pet. Also, I was glad I stumbled on this web site. It was very interesting.
my Gabby can talk, “mom,no,out,” and in 2002 she kept barking at my left boob. well guess what there wasn’t any food stains on my shirt but however i did have breast cancer and i am now cancer free!! During treatment when i would be so sick and depressed she would go get a toy and make me laugh and then i would forget my pain . I THANK GOD EVERYDAY FOR HER!!!
Since 1972 my husband and I have had 6 mini’s. Our first was a show quality with (party colors) in other words she was born with white feathering on her legs. Acceptable as an adult, but not as a pup. She was unacceptable! She was our Folly and a very typical Schnauzer personality. When I was expecting our first child we were told that we should get our dog a dog. We did. She was NOT show quality, but Buffy was absolutely the best little dog in the world. She put up with Folly being the alpha dog and when Folly died at the young age of 9 she was alone for only a short time before her new companion was a very tall Doberman who now considered her as the alpha. Our dobbie, Gable, idolized Buffy. Long storey short, Buffy lived to just short of 18 years, performing as Toto in a production of Wizard of Oz at the age of 16. We couldn’t stand being without a Schnauzer and so Little Miss Muffett came to live with us and soon after that we decided we needed a litter of Schnauzers. (what was I thinking???) Well a few short months later, we had a litter! 4 beautiful little black and silver (3 females 1 male). No way I could give them up ( except 1 to a very good friend). We had Silver Shadow, Mercedes and Porsche. They were a devoted little family with their mom, Muffy, cleaning them each day until she became too old to be able to do that. What is difficult about having siblings is losing them. They seemed to not be able to go on without each other and all crossed the Rainbow Bridge within a year of each other. We now have an amazing all black Standard Schnauzer (HMS Phoebe). She is much different, but a real love. I still miss my little Schnauzers, especially, my guy, Shadow!!!! Love all of you Schnauzer lovers.
MAGGIE, MY MINI WAS A GIFT TO MY WIFE AS A PUPPY IN 2000 AFTER THE DIVORCE, WHEN MY EX HAD TO GO find herself, SHE CAME WITH ME TO A NEW HOME, apartment, ON WEEK 2 THERE, SHE STOOD ON MY CHEST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHINING, AND WOKE ME UP, AND DIGGING AT MY CHEST, I SMELLED SMOKE AT THAT POINT AND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE APT WAS ABOUT TO BE ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY TERMOSTAT FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND WE SURVIVED..THE TEMP WAS AT 102 DEGREES WHEN I SHUT DOWN THE POWER PRIOR TO THEIR ARRIVAL, SHE SAVED US BOTH AND SHE IS THE BEST COMPANION I HAVE EVER HAD FROM DAVE, SCOTTSBORO ALA.
We have 2 Mini’s 6 yr old white & a new puppy who is 3 months old and black. I told myself we would not go through the puppy stage again but we really wanted a companion for our white one. But we are happy we choose too now! Molly is an adorable puppy and already learning to do things.
But Before getting the puppy we were working with a rescue group for several months to help us find a mini for us but we got our hearts broken by them stringing us along when we thought we were about to adopt this one female mini and then they decided we could not because we did not have our yard fenced in. Plus they way the contract was written it was if we would not really own the dog. we were planning on fencing in the yard and they knew that up front. I think some rescue groups really loose focus on why they are doing this as they get so wrapped up in the cause and making it so hard to adopt to a good family. They need do their homework more in running their group like if a dog is not ready to leave the foster home yet then they are not adoptable yet. We were very patient with them and finally we had enough dealings with them after they pulled the rug out from under us. So we went to back to the same place we got our white one and purchased a puppy that came from the same breeder family. Yes, it was a store but it has been a store that has been doing this for almost 10 years and I am happy to give a home to a puppy from them. So there I feel we rescued our puppy and she is happy too! So those of you on your high horse about rescue groups think twice about it and read the fine print. It would easier to adopt a child than a dog from a rescue group…..
I have a 6 year old white mini that I adopted from the breeder after she became ill while whelping a litter. My “Secret” is the quietest dog I’ve ever owned! She comes from Hungary, and was imported here to establish a quality line of whites here in the US. If all the mini’s are like Secret, who is so devoted and affectionate, I can understand why they make such outstanding companions. I can’t imagine my life without one. Secrets canine “sister” is a salt and pepper Giant Schnauzer of 9 and a half years old who barks enough for the both of them!! (Great watch dog though). PR is right about some rescue groups. They seem to alienate prospective owners.
I had Laika. A white miniature schnauzer who allowed me to take care of her for 13 years. She was constantly shadowing me around my home. If I layed on the couch to watch tv, she would be cuddled up against my chest. If I was in bed sick, she would serve as my nurse until I got better. If I was sitting in front of the computer she would lay at my feet to keep them warm. If it was time to sleep she would bark at me until I went to bed because aparently I wasnt smart enough to know I was tired and sleepy on my own. I discovered her singing talent very early and when I took a shower and started singing, she would sing right along with me. She would actually climb in the shower and sing at the top of her lungs. I am sure my neighbors found it quite annoying but I felt encouraged to continue singing trying to match her vocal abilities. It was very funny. She was also a very accomplished diver. Anytime there was a pool available she would be the first one to dive in. Deep end was her game and floaties were her pray. For some reason they infuriated her to no end. Beach balls especially. They tried to get away from her grasp and needed to be deflated immediately. I served as her floating device and she would stand on my back or my belly for long periods of time. Other dogs would jump in and turn around looking for the pool’s edge. Not her, she would swim to one side of the pool then turn around and go back to the deep end. I would worry, but she loved it. I think the fact that I would jump after her every time was very encouraging for her. I loved her like no other and she loved me as her own. Best dog ever… best friend ever… best partner ever… best companion one could ever wish for. I miss her…
We have been Mini Schnauzer parent’s to 4. Our 4th which will be 5 in November is our reason to keep on keeping on! My hubby & I are both disabled & don’t get out much so we are around 24-7. She does get spoiled! My husband wanted to get a Lab after we lost #3. I tried to accept her but there is just no way when all you have had is Schnauzer’s! We do still have the Lab but I needed another Schnauzer! Her name is Minnie! What a joy! Hopefully we will have her a long time!
I recently lost my little “Baby Girl” schnauzer. She was a rescue and we had her for 4years. The doc thought she was about 8 or so when we saved her from an elderly lady’s family who didn’t want her. When we are ready, we will be looking for another female, at least 3 or older, white or black and white would be great. we would appreciate any referrals, to cgoddarduncommon@kw.com
You never own a Mini they own you! WE have three Max, my first, is 11; Chuck, a rescue is 6, and Scooter is the newest member@ 2 yrs of age and a rescue also. Max doesn’t consider himself a dog, that seems to be beneath him, and Chuck and Scooter are total goofs and i love them all. As all Mini owners know, once you have one you never will want to be without one.
We have a 4 year old little boy mini schnauzer that we got through Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue and his name is Murray. He is an awesome dog and not barky at all! He loves to snuggle and no shedding – it doesn’t get better than that!
Before my Mini, I had 2 Cocker Spaniels, Asti & Matti; who were my “kids”. But when I lost them at the ages of 13 & 14; my husband, Steve, although I was reluctant, talked me into a Mini Schnauzer. Ozzy, who’s registered name is Ice Storm’s Prince of Darkness, is salt-n-pepper and I couldn’t love him any more than I do now! We got him when him at 12 wks, now he is 3. I groom him myself most of the time, but he does get “spa” days and also “daycare”! He’s more than spoiled, after all, he is my 3rd “child” (I have never had children)! Steve and I adore him. I would recommend a Mini to anyone who will have one. Very intellegent breed and yes, stubborn too!!
I received Scooter my salt and pepper mini schnauser as a mother’s day gift from my son 4 years ago, Scooter was 6 mos old at the time. The couple that had him gave him to us because their other 2 dogs were larger breeds and scooter needed to be #1. He is so loving, so caring, loves to play, sleeps with us and is a delight to everyone that meets him. Smart like no other dog we have ever owned. Understands at least 30+ words. Great for anyone with alleries as he doesn’t shed. He has captured my husband’s heart.
We have a black and silver miniature named Andy. He is a part of our family in every sense of the word. He thinks that he is a human and not a dog or maybe he thinks we are all dogs.
I cant agree with the excessive barking though.
Andy will yodel or talk to us and only barks when he is defending his territory or family.
He does NOT get along with other dogs at all but will actually love on our cat.
He is a very loyal companion to either me or my husband or any of our three children. We truly belong to Andy.
We purchased Andy from a pet store who swore to us that the puppies they sold did not come from puppy mills. After receiving his paperwork I did my own research and found out that the pet store owner and manager both lied to us. Before making the purchase they could only tell me that the puppies they received came from a broker who worked directly with the breeder. DO NOT believe this. Before making a purchase demand to find out who the breeder is. Then do your research ahead of time to make sure that you make the best decision for your family as well as the puppy.
I know that we saved Andy from a life in a cage but I have to live with the knowledge that neither one of his parents were that lucky. Andy actually was sold to us with Parvo. After only having him for 2 days he became deathly ill. Our vet told us to take him home and make him comfortable until he passed away. A neighbor recommended their vet who met with my husband after hours to give us some medicine…Tamiflu. The same medicine that we take for the flu. It has been proven to work in dogs against Parvo and Kennel Cough. I can’t thank this vet enough for saving Andy. Needless to say he is now our vet and Andy is almost 2 years old.
I recommend this breed to anyone who would like a true and loyal friend to the end.
My schnauzer is the light of my life !! My husband and son and I could NOT live without him. His name is Han’s he is 25 lbs.!! He is solid black with silver trim. He sleeps with us
go’s everywhere with us. He is the most loyal and loving animal I have owned. He was the BEST
choice in a pet I have ever made. He is sooooo
smart he knows everything I say to him. He hugs us and is my 11 y.o. son’s best friend.
He has been GREAT for my child. Schnauzer owner for LIFE !!!!!!!
I have an eight year old min schnauzer all black, with a white spot on his chest, Shadow is my baby, very loving, protective, touch me the wrong way and he will bit you. He is a little over weight but i still love his chunky butt, and he loves me, i will get another one when he passes, (Hopefully never) He has so much personalty, and very smart….
We have only had our 2 year old rescue mini (Monty) for 8 days now, and it’s like we have always had him. He has brought us so much joy already, he’s just so easy, we all adore him. The funniest thing is when he ‘talks’ to us when he’s happy, lots of rooooooooooos! Fellow mini owners will know what I mean! Viva la mini!
My husband and I are waiting for the 2nd mini. schnauzer. I got 1st one named Baxter when we were still dating. When I was growing up, we had a shetland sheep dog then mini.dachshund and I did dog walking job having chances to know so many different bleeds. In my opinion, mini. schnauzer is the best bleed, temperment, royalty, intelligence, I would recommend to anybody. As a dog lover, I want all the people who are thinking about getting a dog to go to shelter or credible bleeders, so no premature puppies are mistreated then sold from places like puppy mills.
I have a four year old beautiful mini schnauzer. My roomate has a papion, the more I see the way other dog breeds act, the more I love my scruffy schnauzer.
How can you resist those little beards? You can’t! We got our first mini last year at Christmas time at about 10 weeks old. Shadow is our family’s first dog and we love him even when he is being stubborn. He keeps us entertained and around our house, you often hear the words, “What a goofball!” Our favorite thing about Shadow? His Scooby Doo imitations. We rarely know what he’s saying but he gets our attention when he starts howling at us. I would love another but….whew – he wears me out!
MINATURE SCHNAUZERS ARE THE BEST! I had never owned a dog, Lukas is my first. He makes me so happy!!
We got Zeke in Sept. at just 10 weeks old! My husband surprised me with him! He has been my little companion ever since! There isn’t a time or place that he isn’t there by my side! Zeke is wonderful with our three children and loves other dogs and cats especially people! We have a chocolate lab that he plays with constantly and had to get her to warm up to him at first! He would lay by her and keep moving his head up towards hers and then scoot in to cuttle! It was adorable! Now he trots and hops and is a wonderful gaurddog that is alert at all times! He does bark but only when someone is at the door or he hears a child cry! If one of us is upset, he seems to know and lifts your arm to get up to you and let you know he is there to save the day! We cherish him and will always have one…
I have had miniature schnauzers for 30 years. My first was Gretchen, a beautiful and intelligent salt & pepper girl. My second was Brutus, a black male. He was such a lover and a little clown. Chloe is my third, she is now 12. She loves her family and is always ready for an adventure but she lives for food. When Brutus died at 16 I thought I’d lost my heart and would never have another as special….boy was I wrong! Leo is my 4 year old black little guy. He is the light of my life. He and I compete in obedience trials..go for long walks to explore the woods….he has many stops along our route to say hi to his friends. All of my schnauzer have had different personalities and different likes and dislikes. They also have many common traits…they are very loyal and protective of their family…they have all been very friendly to people I trust…they watch to see how I react to people first. They are great companions…love to cuddle or play…walk or go in the car…sleep late or get up early…very flexible. I love the breed and will always have them in my life.
I had to put my almost 14 1/2 year old black miniature schnauzer to sleep on 1/24/09. They believe it was IVDD. He was rescued from a horrible pet store, and he had parvo. He survived it and I gave him all the vet care he ever needed. He grew up with cats and a parrot (also rescues). My parrot would make a sound when she saw something in the big picture window outside, my schnauzer, Chip, would run to look out the window because he knew what that sound meant. When one of my cats would pick on the other one, he also knew the cat meow that meant there was going to be a fight, and he would get up and run over the break it up. I loved him so and I am heartbroken now that he is gone. I’ll miss him forever. I have his collars and his ashes, and a couple coats he wore when he went for his long daily walks (in cold winter of North Dakota) and tons of pictures of him, over the years.
I have 2 mini schnauzers. One is salt and pepper, and one is black. My black sheds, I always heard they were not suppose to. I realy only notice it when I bathe him. Why is it that he sheds and my other does not? I am just curious. Thanks
I have a male a lil over a yr Rosco McCoy and a female a yr and half Gypsi Girl(GiGi). They are great lil dogs she is smart and stubborn like myself
and he is a pain … he is sweet but a hard head. To the person that said there is not a such thing as Parti Colored you are wrong. Both of mine are Parti the only thing is you have to take a pic and send it to AKC to get them know as Parti. There is nothing wrong with neither they meet and look as good as anything in the ring.She is 14 lbs and he is 15 lbs if you have a Mini under 10 lbs there is some inbreeding somewhere there IS NOT a toy breed in this group. I currently have 4 pups and one came out tri colored BOI he is cute. I have one litter a year maybe and even as babies they sleep in my room and they are quiet most over the time. Normally you can when they hit 6wks they seem to grow the most then,barking and growling like a bull dog. If you have never heard it … LOL they sound like they are 400 lbs. I would recommed this breed to anyone THEY ARE GREAT!!!
Is there a site we can share pics of our minis…. you should see the newest pups … If you know of any good places hit me up melbbama@aim.com Thanks
I have a one year old male schnauzer named Obi and he is so sweet, yet stubborn. He loves to go everywhere with us and is great with my kids. last night my 7 year old son was crying in bed because he was tired, yet wanted to keep playing with the puppy and once Obi heard my son cry, he started whimpering and crying and then he jumped on the bed, which is high, to cuddle with him to make sure he was ok! Obi loves to play outside with our lab, yet he pulls like a freight train on our walks, so I usually try to run with him daily. I love him so much, he is my first schnauzer, and I could not imagine my family’s life without him!
I have a 2 1/2 year old love sponge named Toby who masquerades as a miniature schnauzer. Five months ago my ex-girlfriend Ann decided to find another home for Toby because her life had radically changed and that she could no longer provide the dog with the home and life style he so deserved. When she asked me if wanted him I snapped at the chance to be his new owner. Without question Toby has been one of the nicest things to ever come into my life. When I was a kid my family had a number of dogs, but Toby is my first dog. What a wonderful companion he has turned out to be. He is smart, very playful, extremely affectionate, and generally well behaved. If Toby has one flaw it’s his “energetic” barking at every living animal he sees. Before Toby I never realized the mortal danger I was in from chihuahuas at 500 yards! He has three levels of barking, high pitched, very high pitched, and drive you out of you mind high pitched! Despite this shortcoming I love him dearly, and wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I have a four month old miniature schnauzer. I absolutely love him. He listens very well so he was easy to train .He already knows a lot of his commands and has been completely housebroken for quite some time.These dogs are really smart and very affectionate.They are definetly a wonderful family pet.
My mini Schnauzer is Chai (named after Chai Tea). He’s very smart and very mischievous when he wants to be. He does bark but not excessively. His main barks are “I want to play or meet you,” “I don’t trust the person I’m barking at,” or “Let me off this leash so I can go play with my doggy friends.” He has had a “Something’s wrong” bark twice, once when the front door came open in the middle of the night and he alerted us and one other night. He is vocal and does a whole slew of roos and raas and grunts and growls. We’ve learned what most of his vocalizations mean and my favorite is when he greets us when we come home. He loves the whole family but I am by far his favorite. He reaches for me like a baby and he’ll drop everything to come to me if he hasn’t seen me in a few hours.
Mini Schnauzers are the best. I was brought up by Border Collie Breeders and I have owned other breeds including Australia Cattle Dogs, but the mini schnauzers get my vote for best overall breed. They are loyal, loving, intelligent (incredibly easy to train) and drop dead gorgeous. I have two females aged 3 and 6 years. I will never be without a schnauzer – that’s my promise to myself.
I just adopted one six weeks ago. I have another large dog and they get along great. He has the heart of a lion. He was surrendered in Northren NJ in May and just want to let the former owner know, who took good care of him that he has a great home with a BIG backyard and loves his trips to the dog park.
Well I have 2 Schnauzers.My male pure white is Sonny he 4yrs.old He not a mini,weights 30lbs.I also have Chloe she my mini she a little over 1yr.She IS A Parti.She weights 7lbs.I got her from a fantastic Breeder.She will always have you come into her home,she get very high marks on her being a Breeder.She been doing this for 30yrs.Chloe color is white with liver color.She and Sonny are spoiled,with tons of love.They bark if someone comes to the door, or if they hear something outside.They both sleep with me/hubby.They know when your not feeling well, and will cuddle up next to me.My daughter got me into Schnauzers.Sonny the daddy of my daughter 2 pups, my daughter also has the mommy of the pups.I had a Japanese Chin Betty for 13 loving yrs. She died last July ( on my 27 yr wedd.ann)I cryed for days on end for her, so did Sonny.When I let him outside to potty, he would sit on her grave (it beautiful,headstone,flowers,angel with birds sit next to Betty grave) well Sonny would run all over the yard,head down smelling, fast pace then he look at me, and walk over to Betty grave and make a sound I never heard before.Deep and loud.Waling My vet said he mornin for Betty.Vet said give him a couple of weeks or so, he will get better.Wrong! He didn’t want to eat (and he loves to eat,he a solid strong built schnauzer) well, he got where he would only take a few bites,of food and didn’t want to play.His eyes were so, so sad.He would look around the house, thinking he find Betty.So I said enough I got online and finally after many twist & turns I found a lovly Breeder only 20mins, from me.I never had a Mini,but soon as I walked into the Breeder livrm.I saw her and in my head I was saying,oh I hope that her.I fell in love with her at first sight. that I seen on my Breeder site.And she Is, the ONE!. When I was driving back home,I was praying that Sonny would like her?Soon I got in my home,he walked real slow and had his beautiful big black nose in the air.I sat on the floor holding her and Sonny sat in front of me as if to say, who that mommy? He smelled her (lots).She was so scared,shaken like crazy.So I carried her around in a baby sling,for the next few days.I sat down lots with Sonny and Chloe and about day 6 she started wagging her little cotton tail nub.He would lick her face and she started following him around the house like crazy.When it was potty time,he wouldn’t go out side unless she did.She learned potty training fast because of Sonny.They love each other, see one see the both of them.Sonny never been a selfish dog, like when i’m giving them their cookies he will not push her to get his first.I always give his first anyway.I want him to know he will always be My Little Man, to mommy.I don’t have good health, but my 2 babies bring me so much love and joy into my life.That many times, helps to easy my burning pain.All three of my kids are all grown, and 2 are in the military.We always had dogs in our home.But I say now they are MY Babies.I never want to lose them, but as we all know its part of life.I will always be a Schnauzer Mommy.I’m so happy I found this site, and read about other wonderful Schnauzer Parents.
My husband and I are on our 2nd mini schnauzer. Our first schnauzer was very sweet, but very introverted and shy, but very loving. When we lost her we were devastated. We now have another five month old puppy. She is very spirited and has a great deal of energy, but that’s okay. She is the total opposite of our last dog, but this is okay by us. She is a lot of fun and very smart. It doesn’t take long to teach her. She’s going to be a great companion, she always wants us all together.
I have a little mini schnauzer named Gracey and she is the cutest best thing ever I just taught her the dance trick, and she is so smart.