Breeds
Miniature Schnauzer: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Miniature Schnauzer is a bright, cheerful, bearded little terrier that adapts to almost any home, loves its family and lets you know about every visitor. Mini Schnauzers learn fast, shed very little and get on well with children, but they are enthusiastic barkers with a strong prey drive, and the wiry coat needs professional trimming every couple of months. Here is what to expect on lifespan, size, health, grooming and training.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Miniature Schnauzer temperament and personality
The AKC describes Miniature Schnauzers as friendly, lively and eager to please, and rates them five out of five for affection, adaptability, trainability and being good with young children. Their greatest joy, the AKC says, is being with their family and doing things together.
They are also rated five out of five for barking and four out of five as watchdogs, so expect a vocal alarm system. Openness to strangers is three out of five; many are polite but reserved until they decide a visitor is a friend.
How big do Miniature Schnauzers get?
The AKC lists the Miniature Schnauzer at 12 to 14 inches tall and 11 to 20 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. It is a sturdy, square-built small terrier with a wiry double coat, bushy eyebrows and the distinctive beard.
The Miniature is a separate AKC breed from the Standard and Giant Schnauzers, which are much larger. Toy or teacup Schnauzers are not AKC varieties. Keep your dog lean; the breed is prone to conditions linked to fat in the diet, as the next section explains.
Miniature Schnauzer lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Miniature Schnauzer lifespan of 12 to 15 years and calls the breed generally healthy. Conditions the breed can be prone to, according to the AKC, include cataracts, hyperlipidemia (high blood fats), pancreatitis, liver shunts and urinary stones. Recommended screening for breeding dogs is a cardiac exam and an eye exam.
Because of the hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis risk, ask your vet about diet and whether routine bloodwork makes sense, and keep fatty table scraps off the menu. VCA notes that cataracts can progress to blindness, so mention any cloudiness in the eyes. Vomiting with belly pain, or straining to urinate, needs a vet the same day. The AKC also stresses dental care.
Exercise needs
The AKC says Miniature Schnauzers need regular daily exercise for mental and physical health, have a medium energy level and adapt easily to city or country life. A fenced area where they can run and chase a ball is a bonus.
The AKC warns of a strong prey drive and says they should never be off leash outside a secure area. Daily walks, fetch, and training games or earthdog-style digging and searching suit them well, and many do well in agility and rally.
Miniature Schnauzer grooming and shedding
The double coat, a wiry topcoat over a soft undercoat, needs frequent brushing and combing to look its best, according to the AKC. Most pet owners have the coat clipped by a professional groomer every five to eight weeks, while show dogs are hand-stripped.
The AKC says the breed sheds very little, which some people with allergies find easier, but no dog breed is allergen-free. Comb the beard and leg furnishings often, wipe the beard after meals, trim nails and brush the teeth regularly.
Training a Miniature Schnauzer
The AKC says Miniature Schnauzers learn quickly, and that their high intelligence means training must stay fun and interesting because they bore with repetition. Early socialization and puppy classes are recommended, and they do well in agility, obedience, rally and earthdog events.
Reward a quiet moment as eagerly as a trick, and teach a cue to stop barking early. Handling for grooming, including the face and feet, should be part of puppy training so trips to the groomer stay calm.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the breed five out of five with young children, and most are sturdy, playful family dogs. Supervise play with toddlers and teach children to respect the dog's space when it eats or rests.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five. The terrier prey drive means small pets such as hamsters, rabbits or birds should be kept safely apart, though many Schnauzers live happily with a cat they grew up with.
What a Miniature Schnauzer needs at home
Useful kit includes a slicker brush and a metal comb for the beard and legs, nail clippers, a dog toothbrush, a well-fitted small dog harness and leash, a crate, and puzzle toys and chew toys. Washable bowls and a towel help keep the beard clean.
A secure fence is valuable for a dog with a strong prey drive. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Schnauzer home and ask about diet and fat intake, eye checks and a grooming schedule.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Miniature Schnauzers live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. A lean weight, a diet your vet is happy with, dental care and regular checkups help a Miniature Schnauzer stay healthy into old age.
How big does a Miniature Schnauzer get?
The AKC gives a height of 12 to 14 inches and a weight of 11 to 20 pounds. They are small but sturdy terriers, quite different in size from Standard and Giant Schnauzers.
How often does a Miniature Schnauzer need grooming?
Brush and comb several times a week, with a professional clip every five to eight weeks, according to the AKC. The beard needs wiping after meals to stay clean.
What is a Miniature Schnauzer's temperament like?
Friendly, lively, smart and eager to please, with a big bark. The AKC rates them top marks with children and for trainability, though they bore easily with repetitive training.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
