Information about miniature Schnauzers. These are special dogs with big hearts. They may be just the pets for you...
The Miniature Schnauzer ( MS ) is the smallest version of the Giant and Standard Schnauzers. It is small but still strong enough to bark loudly to frighten strangers. It is very alert and a natural guard dog. Its is a friendly dog with little need of puppy socialization as it will approach human and dog alike to befriend them. Like all dogs, it loves exercise. Since it is very sociable, it loves to belong to your family activities like outings and sharing " family time " together.
Your MS does not shed its hair so it is the ideal pet for small kids. However, its coat needs to be professionally groomed and trimmed for its upkeep. Some parts of its body need clipping or trimming to maintain that unique trademark Schnauzer look. It is easier to start grooming its coat when your Schnauzer is still a pup. This accustoms it to handling and it will be cooperative to the groomer.
As with all hairy dogs, your MS needs regular brushing of its coat. Brush carefully to avoid tangles and mats. When you brush, you're massaging its skin as well. Your MS has 2 coats of hair. Its outer coat is longer than its undercoat. You have to brush 3 times to take care of both coats of hair. For the first brushing, brush following the growth of hair to make it smooth from tangles. When you're ready for the second brushing, brush against the growth of hairs to brush the undercoat. Be careful not to tangle the outer coat. The last brushing is the same as the first. This serves to brush the hair back to its natural position.
Your MS needs a bath at least once bimonthly. Brush your pet before bathing to remove mats or else water will tighten the mats. Other weekly maintenance of your MS includes ear cleaning and nail clipping. You can use cotton wads to wipe ears and eye stains. After cleaning the ears, sprinkle some ear mite powder or insecticidal powder in its ears. It is a good idea to use at least a flea collar to prevent contamination of your pet when it walks into different environments.
Help your dog with its dental health by brushing its teeth weekly. You can buy dental toys for your pet to chew on for pleasure and simultaneously remove food remnants. Since your MS has a furry muzzle, you may have to wipe its mouth to clean it after every feed. Food remnants encourage the growth of bacteria which is unhealthy for your MS.
