Dog breed · Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Alert, friendly, spirited
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–9 kg (11–20 lb)
- Height
- 30–36 cm (12–14 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- Germany
By Maya HartThe coat
Medium
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Miniature Schnauzers right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Barks or howls a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Miniature Schnauzers weigh 5–9 kg (11–20 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Miniature Schnauzer
Bred as farm ratters in Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bright and sociable little dog with a famous beard and eyebrows. They are good watchdogs — sometimes too good — and usually get on well with families.
Schnauzers are prone to high blood fat levels, which makes them more likely to develop pancreatitis after fatty food. A low-fat diet and resisting the barbecue scraps are especially important for this breed. The wiry coat sheds very little but needs regular clipping or hand-stripping.
Health to know about
- Pancreatitis
- High blood fats (hyperlipidaemia)
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes
- Eye conditions including cataracts
Care in short
- A low-fat diet and treats
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
- Brush the beard and legs several times a week
- Daily walks and games
Kit for a Miniature Schnauzer
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Miniature Schnauzer get?
Adults usually weigh 5–9 kg (11–20 lb) and stand 30–36 cm (12–14 in) tall.
How long do Miniature Schnauzers live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Miniature Schnauzers prone to?
Pancreatitis; High blood fats (hyperlipidaemia); Bladder stones; Diabetes; Eye conditions including cataracts.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts