Mini Schnauzer:

Lively. Courageous. Curious. The miniature schnauzer combines a variety of these characteristics to equate to an intelligent and somewhat stubborn dog. While they interact well with children, the miniature schnauzer needs proper training and socialization before it becomes the adoring pooch to its family.

Plus, this lovable breed has guarding on its mind. The miniature schnauzer also serves its owners well as it relates to being a guard dog. It’s no surprise that its roots date back to the 1800s when it previously informed owners of any thieves or attackers. Originating from Germany, miniature schnauzers were bred as the result of the regular-sized schnauzer and smaller breeds such as the poodle or mini pinscher.

While this compact dog is muscular and buff, they tend to have long fur and eyebrows. With a docked tail, sometimes the ears are also cropped, it’s important to note for the most part they do not shed making it a particularly popular dog for people with allergies. Along with this reason and their animated persona, the miniature schnauzer is a popular housepet. As for one drawback? It’s abundance of energy may exhaust its owner who needs to consistently ensure this dog has its exercise and proper attention on a continuous basis.

Another drawback is its sound. Since it’s a loyal dog that’s also vocal, miniature schnauzers are not very quiet; they tend to bark a lot and for no apparent reason, including barking at small children. That said, they’re also great at protecting their owners however and do not warm up easily to house guests until the owners themselves first welcome the guests.

Despite the barking issue, miniature schnauzers are smart, loyal, and overall easy to train. They do need quite a bit of attention and exercise even if they are training rather quickly. Therefore, it’s important to shower them with positive praise and lay low on the treats. This dog needs copious amounts of exercise to equate to its never-ending playful nature, which probably dates back to its original purpose of a farm dog in Germany. At that point, they were keen on chasing other animals out of the barn. The American Kennel Club accepted this breed in 1926 which was two years after it was introduced to the United States. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, the miniature schnauzer is a “robust, active dog of terrier type resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer in general appearance, and of an alert, active disposition.”

While it’s an adorable dog loved by many, this breed is unfortunately susceptible to diabetes and pancreatitis which means this breed has a genetic disposition to high levels of fats in their blood. One way to prevent the onset is to avoid feeding this dog sweet or fatty food and instead, focusing on a healthy diet such as BARF. Plus, the uncropped ears could be an issue. They are constantly prone to infection and even deafness when they get older if they’re not checked regularly by the veterinarian.