Miniature Schnauzer: Difference between revisions
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==Health== |
==Health== |
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Miniature Schnauzers are prone to [[Diabetes in cats and dogs|diabetes]], [[bladder stone (animal)|bladder stones]] and [[pancreatitis]]. With proper care, without feeding the dog sweet or fattening food, it can often be avoided. Miniature Schnauzers with uncropped ears are prone to ear infections and deafness later in life if the ears are not checked regularly or dried out after swimming. Perfect weight varies on what size the dog is; if the dog is 14 inches high, and then the perfect weight would be 14 lbs. They should not be overfed since they gain weight easily. They can also develop a type of skin allergy, which shows up as a 'hot spot' often around the neck area, which can be tender for the animal forming a hard crust after weeping. |
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to [[Diabetes in cats and dogs|diabetes]], [[bladder stone (animal)|bladder stones]] and [[pancreatitis]]. With proper care, without feeding the dog sweet or fattening food, it can often be avoided. As with many other types of dogs, miny schnauzers are not to be given any cholocate, since in their breed, it can act as a poison. Miniature Schnauzers with uncropped ears are prone to ear infections and deafness later in life if the ears are not checked regularly or dried out after swimming. Perfect weight varies on what size the dog is; if the dog is 14 inches high, and then the perfect weight would be 14 lbs. They should not be overfed since they gain weight easily. They can also develop a type of skin allergy, which shows up as a 'hot spot' often around the neck area, which can be tender for the animal forming a hard crust after weeping. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 16:38, 1 April 2007
| Miniature Schnauzer | |||||||||
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| File:Miniature-Schnauzer4.jpg Miniature Schnauzer with salt and pepper coat. | |||||||||
| Other names | Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer) | ||||||||
| Origin | Germany | ||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle, Miniature Pinscher, or Affenpinscher.
Appearance
Miniature Schnauzers are quite distinctive in appearance. They should be compact, muscular, and be "square" in build (the height at the withers should be the same as the length of the body). They have long beards, eyebrows, and feathering on the legs. In the USA, ears are sometimes cropped to stand upright and the tail is often docked short. British schnauzers have uncropped ears, as ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom. Their coats are wiry (when hand-stripped,) and do not shed, which adds to their appeal as house pets. However, their coats have to be clipped every three months, as they do not shed. The AKC recognizes only three colours: black, salt and pepper, and black and silver. However, non-official colours of solid white and brown are rare but known.
Height is 12 to 15 inches (30.5 to 38 cm) at the withers (American standard) or 30-35cm (FCI, German standard) at the withers, and they generally weigh 11 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 7 kg).
Temperament
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their lively personality and mischievous sense of humour. They are also highly loyal to their owner and can be very energetic, but if not given proper exercise or a balanced diet, they will gain weight very quickly.
An excellent protector of his home, the Miniature Schnauzer is often guarded of strangers until the owners of the home welcome the guest. The breed is very good with children recognizing that they are needing gentle play.
Because a Miniature Schnauzer can take commands and learn quickly, they are easy to train. However, Miniature Schnauzers require a great deal of attention and affection from their owner, regardless if they are to be used as show dogs or home pets.
Miniature Schnauzers can be very independent and have been known to have a naughty streak in them. They are practical jokers, but it is all in fun. Keep in mind, that these dogs were bred as ratters so they are very intelligent and if not given the proper outlet for their energy, they can become little terrors.
History
The earliest records surrounding development of the Miniature Schnauzer in Germany come from the late 1800s. They were originally bred to be farm dogs in Germany, to keep the rats and other vermin out of the barn. In the breed's earliest stages, several small breeds were employed in crosses to bring down the size of the well-established Standard Schnauzer, with the goal of creating a duplicate in miniature.
Crossing to other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher and Miniature Pinscher, had the side effect of introducing colours that were not considered acceptable to the ultimate goal — and as breeders worked towards the stabilization of the gene pool, mismarked particolors and white puppies were removed from breeding programs.
The earliest recorded Miniature Schnauzer was in 1888, and the first exhibition was in 1899. With their bold courage, the Miniature Schnauzer was originally used for guarding herds, small farms, and families. As time passed, they were also used to hunt rats, because they appeared to have a knack for it, and its small size was perfect to get into tight places to catch them.
The AKC accepted registration of the new breed in 1926, two years after they were introduced to the United States. The American Kennel Club groups this breed with the Terriers as it was developed for a similar purpose and has a similar character to the terrier breeds of the Britain and Ireland. The United kingdom Kennel club however, does not accept the Miniature Schnauzer as a Terrier and lists it in the utility group for shows such as Crufts.
Health
Miniature Schnauzers are prone to diabetes, bladder stones and pancreatitis. With proper care, without feeding the dog sweet or fattening food, it can often be avoided. As with many other types of dogs, miny schnauzers are not to be given any cholocate, since in their breed, it can act as a poison. Miniature Schnauzers with uncropped ears are prone to ear infections and deafness later in life if the ears are not checked regularly or dried out after swimming. Perfect weight varies on what size the dog is; if the dog is 14 inches high, and then the perfect weight would be 14 lbs. They should not be overfed since they gain weight easily. They can also develop a type of skin allergy, which shows up as a 'hot spot' often around the neck area, which can be tender for the animal forming a hard crust after weeping.
External links
- Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada
- American Miniature Schnauzer Club
- Schnauzer Club of Britain
- Estonian Schnauzer Club
- Schnauzer Club of Victoria
- Schnauzerclub of the Netherlands
- Miniature Schnauzer Club of Finland
- Miniature Schnauzer at Puppy Dog Web
See also
