How Long Do Miniature Schnauzers Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
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Miniature Schnauzers are cute, lively little dogs that enjoy spending as much time as possible with their human family members. They are joyful and eager to please and tend to get along well with children. So, how long can you expect your Miniature Schnauzer to live? The average lifespan of a miniature Schnauzer is between 12 and 15 years.
Many variables can come into play when it comes to the lifespan of any particular dog, but there are a few guidelines that you can go by to get an idea of how long your beloved Miniature Schnauzer companion might live. Here’s what you should know.
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Miniature Schnauzer?
The expected lifespan of a typical Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 and 15 years. This is if the dog is bred safely and well cared for throughout their life. These lifespan expectations are not set in stone, however; some Miniature Schnauzers pass away at a young age, while some live longer than the average dog.
Why Do Some Miniature Schnauzers Live Longer Than Others?
1. Nutrition
Nutrition plays a major role in the lifespan of a Miniature Schnauzer. If they don’t get the right amount of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, their growth could be stunted, and they could end up with serious health problems that shorten their potential lifespan. These dogs should eat high-quality commercial food with real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
2. Environment and Conditions
A dog living on the street has a lower lifespan expectation than one with a family and a home. Many outdoor elements can cause disease and injuries. Dogs that live indoors with their families and are protected from the elements tend to have longer lifespans.
3. Genes
Genes can affect the lifespan of a Miniature Schnauzer. If your dog comes from a line with a history of health problems like heart disease, hip dysplasia, or leptospirosis, there is a chance that those issues will be passed on. If this happens, your dog’s lifespan might not be as long as it could have been with a healthy gene lineage to rely on.
4. Breeding History
The quality of the breeding plays a role in the average Miniature Schnauzer’s lifespan. If a dog is bred in dirty conditions and does not get the veterinarian care that they need, chances are that they will not be able to live up to their health potential.
5. Healthcare
Every dog requires and deserves professional healthcare throughout their life for an optimal lifespan. Your pup should see the veterinarian regularly for checkups and should follow a veterinarian-recommended vaccination schedule to ensure good health and high quality of life overall.
The 3 Life Stages of a Miniature Schnauzer
1. Puppy
At about 3 months of age, your Miniature Schnauzer should weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. By the time that they are 6 months old, they can weigh up to about 16 pounds. They tend to grow quickly during the puppy stage and slow down the closer they get to adulthood.
2. Young Adult
At about 1 year old, your dog is a young adult but has not finished growing completely yet, either physically or mentally. At this age, they should weigh between 10 and 18 pounds, give or take, depending on their diet, activity level, and muscle tone.
3. Mature Adult
The typical Miniature Schnauzer stops growing between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. At this point, this breed will weigh between 12 and 20 pounds. They will not usually gain any weight due to body growth after this point but could gain weight due to overeating.
How to Tell Your Miniature Schnauzer’s Age
It’s usually obvious when a Miniature Schnauzer is a puppy, but once they start growing, it can be tough to tell how old they are. A veterinarian can check a dog to determine an approximate age, but keep in mind that there is no way to be certain exactly how old a dog is unless you know when they were born.
Conclusion
Miniature Schnauzers are fun and sociable dogs that can live long and happy lives when properly cared for. You can expect your dog to live to be at least 12 years old, but they can live longer than that. It depends on various factors that may or may not be under your control. Working closely with a veterinarian is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure that your pup enjoys a long and happy life.
Related Read:
- Which Is the Best Meat for Your Dog? (18 Types of Meat Analyzed)
- 11 Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems to Watch Out For
Featured Image Credit: Ira Demydenko, Shutterstock
