Brief historical overview
At the turn of the century, the Miniature Schnauzer from the area around Frankfurt am Main developed in its own way and was described at the time as a Wirehaired Miniature Pinscher. Because of the differences in appearance, size and type, as well as confusion with hard, soft and silky coat textures, it was not an easy task to isolate and develop a small dog with the appearance and quality characteristics of its larger brother, the Schnauzer (Standard Schnauzer).
The nature of the miniature schnauzer
Smart, hardy and compact, the Mini Schnauzer is the perfect friend for the city dweller. He loves children and is very trainable. Training these kids is a pleasure. And in obedience and agility competitions, they have no equal.
And he is ready to walk and play with you 24 hours a day. But if you are tired or not in the mood, the schnauzer will calmly wait for "better times". The Mini Schnauzer will always let you know when a stranger is approaching with a loud bark.
Such qualities of the miniature schnauzer as intelligence, endurance and vigilance make it not only an excellent room dog, but a good watchman and a pleasant companion which can easily be kept in a cramped city apartment.
Wool and color
Wool cover . The coat consists of a dense, short, soft undercoat and a coarse, harsh, loose outer coat. A thick mustache and beard, bushy eyebrows covering the eyes are a characteristic feature of this breed. The hair on the limbs is longer than on the body. The adorning coat is of a fairly hard texture, rather well developed. The natural change of coat - molting - is not expressed, it is replaced by artificial processing of wool by pinching (trimming), which is a mandatory requirement for giving the dog an exhibition, standard form.
Color . Pepper and salt, pure black, black and silver tan, white.
Pepper with salt . The integumentary hair is zonal colored, i.e. has alternating light and dark zones. All shades of pepper and salt are possible from silver gray to dark steel. The undercoat is gray or beige. It is allowed to lighten the hair on the eyebrows, beard, cheeks, throat, chest, limbs, on the bottom of the chest and abdomen, under the tail. With any shades of colors, a dark mask on the muzzle is obligatory.
Miniature Schnauzer Care
Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat. They have a soft and dense undercoat that serves as insulation, and a hard, wiry outer coat that keeps moisture out and keeps them dry.
There is only one correct miniature schnauzer trimming scheme. If followed, a beautiful and balanced overall picture can be created, whether the dog is hand plucked (absolutely essential for show) or trimmed, which is the alternative for a purely domestic dog.
The procedure for plucking wool is natural for a schnauzer . Hair, growing to a certain length, die off, but does not fall out. Therefore, they must be removed not just at the level of the skin, but with the roots, using manual pinching. If a haircut is used, then the coat becomes softer, the undercoat is more abundant, and the color is less contrasting, especially in pepper and salt dogs.
Excerpts from the Miniature Schnauzer Standard
General form. Small in size, rough-haired, very strong, moderately muscular, rather stocky than high-legged dog, square format. Without any features of "dwarfism". Bold, hardy, vigilant, despite its small size. A rather large head, adorned with bushy eyebrows, mustaches and a beard, with a cheerful look of dark eyes. Ears cropped, erect. The originality of the schnauzer is in the contrast of a funny appearance with the importance and seriousness of behavior. Her small stature makes her suitable for housing.
Features of behavior and character. Dogs are bold, agile, with a balanced temperament. The character is independent, with a moderately pronounced malice. Easily trained.
Growth. Height at the withers 30-35 cm.
Ears. Set on high, symmetrically docked, erect. Uncropped, V-shaped ears should fit snugly against the head.
Teeth. Sturdy, white, complete set. Scissor bite.
Top line . Slightly arched (back, loin, croup) and slightly sloping from the withers to the base of the tail.
Tail. Sufficiently high set, pointing upwards. The tail is docked, leaving 2-3 vertebrae.
Forelimbs . Straight, parallel.
Hind limbs. Straight and parallel to each other, set somewhat wider than the front.
Movement. Light, free, energetic. The characteristic gait is a sweeping trot.