What is a Miniature Schnauzer?

Miniature Schnauzers are well-known for their distinctive, splendid facial hair. They’re also affectionate, intelligent and playful – making them great family dogs. They’re also very adaptable, so they could be a good fit if you live in a smaller home.

A guide to owning a Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer may be a small dog, but they have buckets of personality. These little characters are intelligent and affectionate, and have amazing beardy faces. You could just imagine one smoking a pipe. (Please note – we do not endorse giving your dog a pipe to smoke.)

These charming companions combine the toughness of a working breed with the playfulness of a family pet. Originally bred as rat catchers and farm dogs in Germany, Miniature Schnauzers have evolved into one of the most popular small breeds worldwide thanks to their loyalty, adaptability and spirited nature.

Like any dog, Miniature Schnauzers have their own needs and peculiarities. Here we’ll take a deeper dive into their personality, common health concerns, grooming requirements and everything else you need to know.

Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs?

Yes, Miniature Schnauzers make terrific family dogs. They’re affectionate, playful, intelligent and loyal – which ticks all the main boxes. They’re also very adaptable, meaning they’ll feel right at home whether you live in a flat or a manor house.

Their mini size and friendly manner make them ideal for households with children, seniors or other pets, provided they’re socialised from an early age.

Miniature Schnauzer size and appearance

Ok, first things first. ‘Is the Miniature Schnauzer the dog with the adorable beard and whiskers?’ Got it in one! They’re instantly recognisable on account of the splendid facial hair, including wiry beard and bushy eyebrows.

The Miniature Schnauzer is small and sturdy, with a square-shaped build. They typically weigh between 5-9kg, and stand around 30-36 cm tall at the shoulder.

They have a double coat that most frequently comes in the following colours:

• Salt and pepper
• Black
• Black and silver
• Pure white – although this is rare

What was the Miniature Schnauzer bred for?

The Miniature Schnauzer was originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century, developed by crossing the Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds like the Affenpinscher and Poodle. 

They were designed to be efficient rat catchers and farm dogs, being small enough to chase vermin, but tough enough to guard property. Today they’re mainly companion dogs, although they still retain the alertness and energy of their working-dog roots.

What is a Miniature Schnauzer’s temperament?

The Miniature Schnauzer’s personality is:

• Smarty pants: Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and eager to learn.
• Mini guard dog: They’re alert and protective without being aggressive.
• Bouncy pals: Playful and energetic, and especially fun with children.
• Loyal sidekicks: As companion dogs, they’re affectionate and people-orientated.
• Spirited: They’re confident and very much their own dogs, which does sometimes mean they have a stubborn streak.

Can Miniature Schnauzers be left alone?

Generally speaking, you can leave your Miniature Schnauzer alone for a short period. But as companion dogs, they don’t enjoy being by themselves for too long. Their people are very important to them, and they can develop separation anxiety if left alone regularly or for lengthy periods.

Like many dogs, their tolerance to this can be down to the individual. And you can get them used to being alone by leaving them for a short time to begin with, and increasing the length in small increments over time.

Be aware though that no dog should be left alone for longer than four hours. And if you do need to leave them for a spell, make sure they have familiar comforts such as toys and a comfortable area where they can retreat. If you need to leave them for longer, it’s best to ask someone to check in on them so they can have some exercise, company and a chance to go to the toilet.

How much exercise does a Miniature Schnauzer need?

Miniature Schnauzers may be small, but they’re also active. They’ll need at least an hour of exercise each day. This can include walks and playtime, although you should work in some mental stimulation too. They’re smart cookies, so be sure to give their oversized brains a good workout when you can.

Without enough stimulation, they can become bored and vocal, so make sure their physical and mental needs are being met.

Can Miniature Schnauzers swim?

While some Miniature Schnauzers enjoy swimming, not all are natural water dogs. Be mindful that their dense, wiry coat can become heavy when wet, so swimming can seem like an effort. It’s best to introduce them to water gradually, and always keep a close eye on them. If your dog does enjoy swimming, this is good news – it’s a great low-impact form of exercise.

Our expert says…

“I see a lot of Miniature Schnauzers in practice, with many of them sharing similar health complaints.

“Pancreatitis is very common in this breed. Affected dogs experience painful inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located in the abdomen. Most of the dogs I treat will present with vomiting, reduced appetite and abdominal pain. An episode of pancreatitis can sometimes be triggered by eating something outside of their normal diet, such as fatty human food or garbage.

“One Miniature Schnauzer I treated had recurrent episodes of pancreatitis, each time requiring pain relief and supportive care. Her condition was kept under reasonable control with a low-fat diet, and her owners soon became very good at spotting the signs and presenting her to us early on.

“Miniature Schnauzers are also at risk of developing calcium oxalate bladder stones. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine and increased frequency of urination. Many of these dogs will require surgery to treat their bladder stone issue, with changes in diet needed to reduce the chance of them recurring.

“Dental disease is common in this breed. I saw a 4-year-old Miniature Schnauzer for a routine check just today that had excessive tartar buildup and a loose premolar. He will need to come back soon for an extraction under anaesthetic, plus a scale and polish. It’s important to be proactive about oral care with your dog and start daily teeth brushing from a young age.”

Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do Miniature Schnauzers live?

Miniature Schnauzers are generally healthy dogs with good longevity, having a typical lifespan of 12-15 years. With proper care, diet and regular check-ups at the vet, many live happily well into their senior years.

What are the common health issues for a Miniature Schnauzer?

Miniature Schnauzers are robust little dogs, by and large. But like all breeds, they can be prone to certain hereditary and lifestyle-related health concerns. One of the most common issues is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas often linked to fatty foods or high blood lipid levels.

The breed is also predisposed to hyperlipidemia (excess fat in the blood), which can lead to pancreatitis and other complications if not properly managed through diet and regular vet checks.

Bladder stones are another issue seen in Miniature Schnauzers, so make sure they have constant access to fresh water, while avoiding overly rich or mineral-heavy diets. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort when urinating, and get in touch with your vet if they’re passing blood. Unusually frequent urination can also be a tell-tale sign.

They may also be susceptible to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can cause vision loss over time. Routine eye examinations can help catch these conditions early.

Miniature Schnauzer grooming and hygiene

Here are a few ways to keep your Miniature Schnauzer looking dapper:

• Brush their coat two or three times a week to prevent matting
• To help maintain their wiry coat, take them to the groomer every other month, or hand strip their coat yourself
• Clean their beard and face regularly to prevent the build-up of food and staining
• Brush their teeth a few times a times a week
• Check their ears and nails regularly

Do Miniature Schnauzers shed?

Miniature Schnauzers are comparatively low shedders, which makes them a good choice for people who don’t want furry furniture. Bear in mind that their wiry coat still needs consistent grooming to stay healthy and tidy though.

Are Miniature Schnauzers hypoallergenic?

Because they shed minimally and produce less dander (dead skin) than many other dogs, Miniature Schnauzers are one of the more allergy-friendly breeds.

Be aware that no dogs are truly hypoallergenic. If you or one of your family are particularly sensitive to allergies, it might be an idea to spend a bit of time with the dog before committing to owning them.

How to train a Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and eager, which is a good combo for training. On the other hand, they can be quite stubborn, so being firm, consistent and patient is key.

Here are a few handy pointers:

• Start training young, beginning with house training and basic commands. Likewise, it’s a good idea to start socialisation early, to help build confidence.
• Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Encourage progress with praise, treats and affection. This’ll also help you to bond.
• Keep it short and engaging. They’ll respond best to brief, upbeat sessions.
• Be consistent with rules and expectations.
• Provide plenty of mental stimulation through games and problem-solving activities.

What insurance do I need for my Miniature Schnauzer?

The level of dog insurance you choose for your Miniature Schnauzer will generally depend on your budget and circumstances. So you know precisely what you’re paying for, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We believe all dogs deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible. That’s why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Miniature Schnauzer for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.