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11 Miniature Schnauzer Pros & Cons: Know Before You Bring One Home!

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

Salt and Pepper Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are a great option for those that like Schnauzers but don’t have the room for a dog of that size. They act very similarly to a full-sized Schnauzer but come in a smaller package. Often, these dogs are considered to be pleasant and playful. However, many claim that they are also prone to being too spunky.

These dogs also vary a lot in personality. Their temperament isn’t particularly set in stone like other breeds, and you may end up with an introverted dog or a stubborn, high-energy one.

Most of the pros Miniature Schnauzer lovers proclaim about this breed could also be considered negative traits. Not everyone wants a spunky dog, after all. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons when deciding if this canine is for you.

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Pros of Owning a Minature Schnauzer

1. Sturdy

These canines aren’t prone to many of the problems many smaller breeds often have. They are very sturdy and not prone to physical injuries. However, this doesn’t make them extremely healthy. While they aren’t prone to physical injuries, they are prone to other health issues, which we will discuss later.


2. Small

black miniature schnauzer with a ball dog toy on the grass
Photo Credit: Calima010, Shutterstock

These dogs are pretty small, though not as small as some other breeds. They are much smaller than a full-size Schnauzer. Therefore, they’re more practical for those that live in apartments and smaller homes. Still, it is essential to remember that they can get larger than toy breeds. They are not the smallest breed out there by far.


3. Alert

Miniature Schnauzers make good watchdogs. They tend to be quite aware of their surroundings and will bark if they notice anything “off.” However, they aren’t particularly aggressive or untrusting of strangers. Often, they are considered polite, though they aren’t as obsessed with new people as other small breeds.

Of course, their small size prevents them from being used as guard dogs. They aren’t large enough to do anything about burglars or strangers. They will absolutely let you know they are there, however.


4. Good with Other Pets

Orange shorthair cat sitting with Miniature Schnauzer puppy
Photo Credit: Elena11, Shutterstock

Miniature Schnauzers are good with other pets in most situations. Socialization plays a significant role here. It would be best if you introduced your dog to other pets when they’re puppies to socialize them properly. Otherwise, your dog may be fearful of others or not know how to act around other animals.

However, these dogs aren’t known for having issues with other pets. Therefore, they’re a decent option for multi-pet households.

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Cons of Owning a Minature Schnauzer

1. Variable Temperament

Miniature Schnauzers come with many temperaments ranging from reclusive to extremely outgoing. You can look at a puppy’s parents to guess the puppy’s future temperament. But this isn’t a science, and a guess is often just that—a guess. The puppy’s breeder may help you determine the puppy’s temperament, but this will never be completely accurate.

If you’re set on a particular temperament, a Miniature Schnauzer probably isn’t the dog you want.

Miniature Schnauzer
Photo Credit: joangonzalez, Pixabay

2. Barking

These dogs do make good watchdogs, as we explained above. However, on the negative side, this also translates to a lot of barking. Like many smaller dogs, this breed tends to bark at just about everything all the time. They become very excited whenever they notice a new person or animal.

You’ll often need to train out some of this barking by teaching your dog a “quiet” command. Otherwise, your dog can become a nuisance barker.


3. Animal-Directed Aggression

Often, these dogs are friendly with other canines and even other animals. However, this isn’t always the case due to the variance of their temperament. Some Miniature Schnauzers may be too pushy with other dogs, leading to fights. Another one may chase anything that moves, including the family cat. Socialization can help a lot, but some dogs are more prone to these behaviors than others.

Therefore, you should be willing to put in a lot of work training and socializing your dog


4. Health Issues

veterinarian examining miniature schnauzer dog with stethoscope
Photo Credit: Budimir Jevtic, Shutterstock

While Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy, they are prone to a few genetic health problems. For instance, they’re prone to several eye conditions. These can lead to blindness and chronic eye issues. Not only is this troublesome for your dog, but it can also increase your vet costs. Similarly, these dogs are also prone to urinary stones.

Miniature Schnauzers are also somewhat prone to pancreatitis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and other health problems. You also must consider liver disorders, skin conditions, epilepsy, heart conditions, and diabetes. There aren’t many health problems that this breed isn’t prone to. Plan on spending more on your Miniature Schnauzer’s health than other breeds.


5. Grooming

Like full-size Schnauzers, this breed requires regular brushing, clipping, and trimming. Traditionally, these dogs were not clipped. Instead, they were hand-stripped, which involves pulling out each dead hair. However, this process takes a very long time and isn’t very common with pet dogs anymore. Therefore, many pet owners now have their Miniature Schnauzers clipped. You’ll also need to keep your dog well-brushed, as they are prone to matting.

groomer brushing miniature schnauzer dog's fur
Image Credit: beeboys, Shutterstock

6. Training Difficulties

These dogs are very independent. However, they are also smart. These two traits tend to clash when you’re trying to teach your dog how to behave. Often, they behave when they know treats are coming and then completely ignore a later command. If you use a professional trainer, the dog may act like an angel for them and be completely untrained at home. Simply put, they are smart in ways you don’t want them to be.


7. Exercise

Miniature Schnauzers require extensive physical and mental exercise. They do best in active families that are home for much of the time. It’s easy for them to get bored if left to their own devices, which often leads to them making their own fun (something you probably don’t want them to do). Plan on walking and playing with your Miniature Schnauzer regularly.

These dogs also require high levels of mental stimulation due to their intelligence. Training often fulfills this need. However, it isn’t always practical to train them all the time. Instead, it would be best if you also planned on providing them with puzzle toys and other ways to stay entertained.

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Conclusion

Miniature Schnauzers are smaller versions of full-sized Schnauzers. However, there are some significant differences between this breed and its larger cousin. They are often considered one of the sturdier smaller dogs and aren’t as dainty as many toy breeds, in other words. They can also make good watchdogs due to their alert mindset and are typically good with other pets.

However, their high intelligence can cause problems, including training difficulties and increased boredom. Plus, they are prone to a variety of health issues. Of course, no dog breed is perfect, but you must consider the Miniature Schnauzer’s pros and cons before purchasing a puppy.

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Featured Image Credit: Debra Anderson, Shutterstock

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