Miniature Schnauzer Shelby - Female #24469

Miniature Schnauzers have their origins in 19th Century Germany where farmers crossbred the Affenpinscher, the Standard Schnauzer, Poodle, Pomeranian, and the Miniature Pinscher to create the spirited breed. 

Their most dominant traits stem from the Schnauzer’s physique, and the Miniature Pinscher’s size and this fusion form the Zwergschnauzer which is German for Dwarf Schnauzer or Miniature Schnauzer. 

These small dogs were bred to assist farmers by catching rats, guarding properties, and herding cattle. In 1924, four Miniature Schnauzers were imported into the US from Germany, and 84 years later in 2008, they were ranked as the 11th Most Popular Dog Breed in the country. Their wiry coats come in silver, black, pepper and salt or white colors.

Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, alert, and exceptionally territorial dogs. They only bond with strangers after their owners have cleared them as safe by interacting with them. They come highly recommended for elderly people and young children that are not rowdy. 

They are obedient and loyal, never overaggressive, and need to be continuously occupied. They are spirited creatures and tend to keep themselves busy when they are bored by creating their own entertainment.  

With early socialization, they are friendly towards other dogs and cats. They are excellent trackers and are easy to train. They also possess a high prey drive due to their history as rat catchers and will pursue small animals in the outdoors when they are not on a leash or fenced-in setting. 

Miniature Schnauzers are fearless and highly intelligent, and they are often used in competitions that test obedience and alertness. They have an optimal sense of hearing, and they make excellent guard dogs and watchdogs.

Miniature Schnauzers acclimatize to changes in their environment and lifestyles of their owners very quickly; however, they do not tolerate being left alone. They don’t fuss when being taken from one place to another and they love boat rides. 

They prefer moderate weather conditions. They are not great for people with apartments and small spaces but will adapt as long as they are walked severally every day. They have an average propensity to roam but should be taught to obey commands that keep them in check.

Training a Miniature Schnauzer is a stress-free and fun process. They are fast learners and can memorize routines in about five to fifteen repetitions; hence, they require their owners to be creative, so they don’t get bored quickly. 

They have an average exercise requirement of about forty-five minutes daily. Short strolls every day and much longer ones on the weekends are all it takes to keep a Miniature Schnauzer active and happy.

Miniature Schnauzers have a low shedding rate. Their fur does not stick to furniture and clothes when brushed occasionally. They have a double coat – a wiry overcoat and a soft undercoat. They have a beard and mustache, which requires cleaning after every meal. 

They require advanced grooming which includes stripping or clipping the coat, nail trimming, teeth brushing, and regular bathing to keep the coat clean. Stripping may be done manually or with a special knife. 

Clipping, however, is done with an electric shaver and it produces a short trim which takes years to return to normal. These grooming processes are to be done by expert groomers at least once in six weeks. 

Checking and cleaning their eyes and ears should be done regularly to prevent infections.  It is advisable to pay a professional dog groomer if you do not have the time and expertise to maintain a Miniature Schnauzer on your own.

Our Miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. 

The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Miniature Schnauzer puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.