Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy German dog bred down from the Standard Schnauzer as a farm ratter, and now mostly a companion. It's friendly, alert, quick to learn and family-focused, with a medium energy level. It's also a keen watchdog: the AKC gives it its highest rating for barking.
| Origin | Germany, late 19th century |
|---|---|
| Size | Small, about 30–36 cm and 5–9 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Medium, with daily exercise |
| Barking | High; the AKC rates it 5 out of 5 |
| Coat | Wiry and low-shedding; trimmed every 5–8 weeks |
What is a Miniature Schnauzer like?
Friendly, alert and keen to be involved. The AKC calls the Mini bright, friendly and trainable, small enough for apartment life but tireless enough to patrol a farm. It also says the breed gets along well with other animals and kids.
It’s a terrier by job description rather than by family. The AKC notes the Mini has no British terrier blood, and describes it as overtly friendly, spirited but obedient and willing to please, rather than dour or fiery.
Then there’s the face. The bushy beard and eyebrows, in the AKC’s words, give Minis “a charming, human-like expression”.
Where does the Miniature Schnauzer come from?
German farms. The breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century, bred down from the Standard Schnauzer, probably with some Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher or Poodle in the mix.
The point was rats. The AKC describes old-time German farmers breeding the Standard down to miniature size “the better to work as fearless barnyard ratters”. These days the ratting is mostly behind it, and it’s best known as a companion.
The AKC files it in the Terrier Group for that rat-catching past. The coat is a wiry double one in salt and pepper, black and silver, or solid black, and it sheds very little, though most pet owners have it clipped every five to eight weeks.
How much exercise does a Miniature Schnauzer need?
Daily, but not extreme. The AKC describes a medium energy level and says Minis need regular daily exercise for their mental and physical health.
A fenced area to run and chase a ball helps. So does keeping them on lead elsewhere: the AKC warns of a strong prey drive that small animals can trigger.
They’re quick learners and get bored with repetition, so short, varied training keeps them sharp. Brisk walks, play, time with you. That’s the brief.
Is a Miniature Schnauzer a good dog to work beside?
Yes, with one caveat, and the caveat barks. The AKC says their greatest joy is being with their family and doing things together, which suits someone home all day.
The caveat: the AKC gives the breed its top rating for barking, and Wikipedia describes them as watchdogs more inclined to bark than bite, often aloof with visitors until you welcome them in. A courier during a video call will be announced.
There’s no breed-specific sleep figure. The AKC says dogs in general spend up to half the day asleep.
The Miniature Schnauzer in Doggydoro
The app’s Miniature Schnauzer has this habit line: “Keeps an eyebrow on you for five minutes.” With those eyebrows, it would.
No Pro needed for this one. Free users can start with the Mini or any other of the eight non-Pro breeds, then earn others with bones; Pro brings in the Brindle Greyhound and the Bull Arab.
You choose its name, and the card at the end of a session uses it, along the lines of “25 minutes. Pickles dozed off around minute 5.” See the other breeds.
More of the dogs
- French Bulldog: Asleep by minute 2. Snores.
- Labrador Retriever: Dozes off around minute 5.
- German Shepherd: On watch for six minutes before giving in.
- All ten breeds