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Dog AdviceLifeStyle

Miniature Schnauzer 101

By February 4, 2013June 4th, 2020No Comments

Personality:
According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, a miniature schnauzer is “alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please.” The American Miniature Schnauzer Club describes the breed as “Sweet, loving and loyal. They often have a favorite person, even though they will love the whole family.” However, the breed does tend to be a bit vocal. “They will bark when someone comes to the door,” says the AMSC.
Grooming:

“Miniature schnauzers should be groomed every five to eight weeks to look their best,” according to theAMSC’s website. ” The breed has a double-coat; wiry topcoat and soft undercoat. To achieve this look the dog needs to be plucked or hand stripped.” The AKC adds, “The body coat should be of sufficient length to determine texture. Furnishings are fairly thick but not silky.”
Common Health Issues:

The miniature schnauzer as a breed is not plagued with many prevalent health issues. However there are a handful of rare disease to look out for. “Juvenile renal disease, also known as JRD, occurs in a number of dog breeds, including the miniature schnauzer,” according to the AMSC Health Committee. Other possible health risks for this breed are retinal dysplasia, hyperlipidemia and bladder stones.

Training Tips:

The AMSC describes the miniature schnauzer as “extremely obedient and quick to learn.” Like other terriers, these dogs “will go to the ground to attack vermin of all kinds.” For that reason, the AMSC suggests that minis “should be fenced in or walked on a leash,” in populated areas.
Best Animal/Owner Match:

“Older people often love them, because miniature schnauzers tend to get very loyal to their owners,” explains Joyce Thomas, President of the Heart of America Miniature Schnauzer Club. “They also make great inside dogs,” she says, “because they want to be wherever their owners are.” Other things to keep in mind, says Thomas, is that this breed needs regular grooming and they “tend to be a little yappy.”
What Miniature Owners Say:

Paw Nation Facebook friend and miniature schnauzer foster parent Lynn Fraser says about the breed, “They are the smartest, most intuitive dogs in the world, easy to train, loyal, and have very distinct personalities.”

This article was taken from pawnation.com and reposted by NY Dog Nanny.

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