Miniature Schnauzer / Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)

Breed history:

This breed is the miniature copy of the Standard Schnauzer and was obtained through repeated crossbreedings between the smallest specimens of the large-sized breed and through the crossbreeding with the Affenpincher. It was first exhibited in 1899.

Description:

It is a small-sized, strong dog, with a square look. The head is rectangular with the muzzle equal in length to the skull and the nose is round and black. The eyes are small, oval and dark. The ears are small, V-shaped and folded close to the head at birth but can be cropped to stay erect. It has bushy eyebrows and long thick beard that is characteristic for this breed. The body is covered with a double coat with a fluffy undercoat and a rough, bushy outer coat that is a little bristly on the feet. The colour can be: pure black or greyish, iron-grey to silver-grey, rarely white.

Personality:

It is an intelligent, alert, cheerful dog, it reacts to any noise or movement. Watchful and tireless, it is loyal, devoted to its family and especially to one person. It gets along well with children, also with other animals and other dogs. They are cautious with strangers, who will be strongly barked at. 

Grooming:

The Schnauzer doesn't shed, but its fur must be trimmed 2-3 times a year. They should never get their hair cut because its fur grows back very slowly, in several years. The excess hair from the ears and footpads will be removed. The beard and the eyebrows will be combed frequently to avoid the hair getting tangled and not to get in its eyes. 

Living conditions:

This dog adapts well outdoors and in a flat. It likes exercise but it can adapt to a less active master. 

Training:

It needs gentle, consistent training and it learns fast even if sometimes it can be a little stubborn. It likes to go out for walks as much as possible, it likes to play. 

Usefulness:

It was used in the past to destroy pest (mice, rats), today it is used as a very good watchdog and as a pleasant companion.