GROUP 6 - UTILITY

Brief History
The Schnauzer Miniature is the smallest of the three Schnauzer sizes. It is believed they were developed by crossing smaller standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and they were developed for hunting vermin around the homestead and as a very vocal watchdog.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament
Mini Schnauzers are alert, trainable and reliable companion dogs.

General Breed Description
The Mini Schnauzer is small, strong and stocky rather than slim, square in build. The bushy beard and eyebrows give him a charming, human-like expression. The colours are pepper and salt, pure black, black and silver, and pure white.

Coat and Care Requirements
The Mini Schnauzer has a double coat which is harsh and wiry. The leg hair, beard and eyebrows are scissored, and rest of the dog is stripped but most pet people get their dogs professionally groomed and are clipped. A regular brush and occasional bath will keep him looking good between full grooming sessions.

Size
Height: Males: 36cms (14ins), Females 33cms (13ins).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Mini Schnauzer is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Congenital Hereditary Cataracts (CHC), Bladder Stones and Pancreatitis.

Suitability
They are an excellent family dog and companion.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/189