Miniature Schnauzer: breed description, pros and cons, nature and content

Miniature Schnauzers are unique dogs. They very harmoniously combine compact size and excellent working qualities, which allow, without exaggeration, to consider tvergs as a real service breed. Unprecedented courage, prudence and strong self-confidence make this little pet a full-fledged watchman and guard.

The first mention of the miniature schnauzer breed refers to the beginning of the XIX century. Dogs were quite common in Germany, where they were used to protect the crop from rats, mice and other rodents. It is known for certain that the progenitors of Tsvergs are not too large mittelschnauzers, which were knitted with pinschers, affenchers, poodles and spitz-dogs.

The main objective of the breeders was to create miniature dogs with temperament schnauzers, suitable for living in small apartments and able to become excellent companions. As a result of selection, a new breed was born, which immediately attracted the attention of European breeders.

After 5 years, the first breed club was formed in Cologne, Germanywhere besides pinschers, schnauzers also entered. Joseph Bert was elected its chairman - the same German breeder who was the initiator and inspirer of the creation of a new breed. The first officially registered representative of tsvergov was a male dog Jokkio Fuld Liliput, born in 1898.

The new breed developed at a natural pace and was in high demand not only in its homeland, but also throughout Western Europe. By 1930, miniature schnauzers were already well known not only in the Old World, but also in Canada and in the United States.

The first tsvergs were brought to the Soviet Union from America in 1974, but they did not give an active impetus to the development of the breed and were kept as pets. A little later, in 1978, a whole “party” of miniature schnauzers was donated to the Soviet border guards by their Czechoslovak colleagues, whose breed was in the service of border guarding.

The donated animals were placed in the Lviv nursery, from where they first came to Moscow and then to Leningrad dog specialists. This contributed to the opening in Moscow of the first pedigree nursery, which began its work in 1980. Today, miniature schnauzers occupy the seventh line of the popularity rating of breeds, performing the role of not only a pet, but also a service dog. Animals work at airports and at customs, where they help to look for drugs, weapons and explosives.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a compact, muscular dog with a very hard coat and an expressive face. Frowning eyebrows and a neat beard give the pet a stern look, which, in combination with its miniature size, causes a constant smile.

The description of the breed is as follows.

• Housing The miniature schnauzer has a high front part, thanks to which the back line from withers to tail is noticeably tilted. Such posture is clearly visible even in monthly puppies and, along with the muzzle, is the hallmark of the breed. Due to the inclined position of the body the dog can develop great speed. The waist of the tsverg is rather short, giving the case compact dimensions and square shape. The chest is powerful, when moving into the stomach forms an arched line.
• Neck muscular, has an average length and a smooth bend goes into withers.
• The head is proportional to the torso. and narrowed from ear to nose. The skull is quite strong, without the occiput. The transition from a flat and smooth forehead to the nose is underlined with expressive eyebrows. The muzzle has a somewhat dulled structure and is trimmed with a short mustache and beard. The nose is always black, the nostrils are wide, well visible.
• Lips as well as the nose, have black pigmentation and fit snugly to the teeth. Teeth white and strong, closing in scissor bite. Jaws powerful, moderately developed cheekbones.
• Ears have a V-shaped structure, high landing and slightly bent in the direction of the temples ends.
• Eyes small and oval, always dark in color.
• Front legs strong, with well-developed muscles and elbows not protruding either in or out. The hind limbs from the side view are set obliquely, which gives the posture a swift appearance. Hock joints strong, well developed, round feet with short black claws.
• Tail has a high landing and looks up. According to the last rules, they do not stop it, however, owners of dogs that do not participate in exhibitions continue to do so for greater convenience.
• Wool differs in high rigidity and thickness, to the touch reminds a wire. The undercoat is also very thick, quite tight to the body.

As for color, the old standard, which was in effect until 1976, provided only two options: black and “pepper and salt”. However, since 1977, Germany has initiated the recognition of another color - black with silver, which later became the most popular. Further, in 1992, white was approved, and in 2006 - chocolate and tan color. True, the latter was recognized only by the Russian Cynological Federation unilaterally, the federations of other countries have not done so yet.

However, the characteristic of miniature schnauzers would be incomplete without consideration of flaws and flaws. Thus, a round and massive skull, the presence of skin folds on the body, a pointed or too elongated muzzle and a long curved back can lead to a decrease in marks at the exhibition. Disqualification threatens the animal for behavioral abnormalities, such as excessive cowardice or excessive aggressiveness, as well as improper bite, abnormal growth in one direction or another, and an unacceptable color.

Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest breed of working dogs, which, if necessary, will be able to stand up for its owner and for his property. However, the distinctive feature of tsvergov is the lack of propensity to make independent decisions, as is the case with many guard and guard dogs. Pet will not rush to the attacker without the owner's command and will not show aggression towards unwelcome guests.

Despite their small size, miniature schnauzers are courageous dogs, selflessly devoted to their owner. Their gaze from the harsh eyebrows is always full of determination and straightness. However, at home, the tsverg would not mind having sex with the household, playing with small children. Behind the harsh appearance of this desperate mini-guard lies a tender and deeply loving nature of his family.

Tsvergi perfectly get along with other dogs living with them under the same roof, and are indifferent to cats. Due to their high mobility, they are ideally suited to people who lead an active lifestyle. The dog will be an excellent companion in the morning jog, happy to make a company on a bike ride and happy to go hiking.

Dogs are well suited for families with children: they are able to tirelessly play with a child and endure his obsessive fun for hours. However, too busy man dwarf schnauzer does not fit: the animal is in great need of love and communication with the owner, poorly tolerated lack of attention and care.

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs with a serious disposition and excellent physical characteristics. They have a stable nervous system, a lightning reaction, quick wit, sometimes turning into cunning, distrust of strangers and high vigilance. The guarding guard qualities of tsvergs appear from an early puppy age, which makes the dog very funny and courageous at the same time.

Greater popularity of miniature schnauzers and high demand for puppies due to a number of indisputable merits of these dedicated and intelligent dogs.

• Tsvergi are considered excellent companions, they are able to brighten up the everyday life of a lonely person. Once in a large family, the dog will also feel excellent, adoring each of the household and without hesitation standing up to their defense.
• Due to the compact build of miniature schnauzers convenient to keep in a city apartment. Moreover, the size of the animal allows you to take it with you on long journeys and to rest.
• Tsvergi are full-fledged service dogs, therefore, they are easy to learn and perform commands well.
• Dogs are very active and love to move. which is especially valuable for lovers of cycling and jogging.
• Despite the serious appearance, dogs have a sense of humor, and in difficult moments of the owner's life they are able to empathize.

The disadvantages of the breed include primarily the difficulty in the care of wool. Tsvergi need regular services of a groomer, for which you have to pay a round amount each time. In addition, dogs that have not completed the course of training can be stubborn and aggressive towards other animals.

Miniature schnauzers are distinguished by excellent health and, on average, live for 12-14 years, and with unbroken heredity and proper care, they often live to 16. The most common illnesses that tsvergs suffer from are eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. However, it is worth noting that age-related individuals are mostly susceptible to diseases, while young people have strong immunity and are very rarely ill.

Also among the pathologies can be noted inflammatory diseases of the skin and its tendency to neoplasms. Skin diseases entail complete loss of hair on the affected areas with the appearance of bald patches and acne. Exacerbation of such diseases is often triggered by trimming, so the procedure should be carried out with strict observance of sanitary standards, trusting the animal only to an experienced specialist.

In addition, injuries can be attributed to the most common health problems, because of their “reactivity”, the tsvergs often cut and damage the limbs. Otherwise, they are healthy and mobile dogs, which, with proper care, do not cause trouble to their owners and live to old age. the main thing – it is to closely monitor the health of the dog, to perform the necessary vaccinations on time and to contact a veterinarian in time.

It is advisable to acquire a puppy from trusted breeders or in a kennel, since buying an animal "from the hands" cannot fully guarantee the presence of all breed traits in a dog, starting with the exterior and ending with behavior. Moreover, the nursery confirms the puppy's pure blood documenting, gives him a puppy card and a veterinary passport with marks of calendar vaccinations. Tsvergs start selling when they reach 1.5-2 months, but if you need to buy an exhibition puppy, it is better to wait a little and get a grown-up pet at the age of 6 months.

The first thing you need to pay attention to when buying is the appearance of a puppy. The baby should be plump and active, with a shiny coat and clean eyes.

Next, you need to gently feel the pet and make sure that there are no tumors, not paying attention to the bulge between the shoulder blades. This is a normal reaction of the body to vaccination, so do not worry about it. Then you need to evaluate the behavior of the puppy.: A healthy baby will have fun playing with his fellows and will not show any aggression towards the stranger.

It is also advisable to watch the parents of the pet and watch their behavior. Adult Tsverg should be energetic and vigilant, so a menacing roar or barking towards the buyer is quite normal. Then you need to try to make contact with the baby and make sure that the puppy is interested, does not grin and, despite the breed distrust, is ready to communicate.

After the choice is made, it is advisable to get acquainted with the documents of the parents, as well as to check the presence of a veterinary passport with vaccination marks at the puppy itself. Buying Tsverg, it should be remembered that the price of a purebred puppy can not be below 18 000 rubles. Parents of such a baby usually have “good” and “very good” marks, and there are no champions among the closest ancestors.

If the parents are more titled, then the average cost of puppies ranges from 25,000 to 38,000 rubles, and depends on the number of regalia and “citizenship” of the ancestors. However, you should not flatter yourself with such an expensive acquisition, since Often the children of the most eminent champions do not seek recognition in the ring.

If the dog is acquired, as dog breeders say, “on the sofa,” then you can limit yourself to buying a puppy for 10,000 rubles. These prices are often put up nurseries, offering for them small tsvergov, which do not meet the standard. Among the defects may be overshot or undershot, tall or dwarfism and discrepancy colors.

The documents of such babies must be marked “not for breeding”, which prevents the further birth of puppies with vices and prevents the breed anomalies from becoming fixed. And the last tip: do not buy adult miniature schnauzer, as its adaptation to a new home and new faces is rather difficult, and there is a possibility that the dog will not recognize the new owner in the new owner.

Miniature Schnauzers are designed for domestic use and are ideal for small apartments. However, such pets do not belong to the category of exclusively “apartment” dogs: they will not walk on the tray and will not endure the absence of walks. Moreover, Tsverg is a dog of active owners, therefore it is impossible to give such a dog to an elderly person. The dog must daily receive a large "portion" of physical exertion, otherwise it will spend its energy on the separation of the home.

In order to avoid irreparable consequences, it is necessary to remove bottles of household chemicals, flower pots, decorative items of interior and shoes from the places of animal reach. In addition, you should lift up the network cables, extension cords and, if possible, transfer the wiring. The best option would be to limit the freedom of movement of the tsverg to one room., tightly closing the door to other areas of the apartment.

Teenage puppies are already quite agile and quick-witted, therefore, the dog also has nothing to do in the kitchen. Otherwise, a small tsverg will easily jump onto a stool, take it to the table and eat the products that are rashly forgotten by the owners. Therefore, the restriction of movement of the pet in his absence should be taken care of in advance.

As for the care of the pet, the main component is the care of the coat. This is due to the rigid structure of the hair and its large length, leading to rapid rolling into mats. If you do not care for the hair of the tsverg, then the matted hair will tighten the skin and eventually cause its inflammation. To avoid this, puppies from 3-4 months of age are taught to regularly combing, which is performed with a soft brush 2-3 times a week.

From about the same age tsvergov accustom to beard washing. To do this, first use wet wipes and after the baby gets used - wash the beard with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Miniature schnauzers are bathed no more than 2-3 times a year, and paws, chest, beard and lower abdomen are washed every week using special shampoos for wire-haired dogs. For this pet put in a bath on a rubber mat and with the help of the shower wash water temperature of 38-39 degrees.

Then the dog is thoroughly soaked with several dry towels, lightly dried and combed. It is desirable that the miniature schnauzer dries out naturally, as frequent use of the hair dryer often leads to drying of the skin and makes it vulnerable to various kinds of inflammation.

Tsvergi need regular plucking of dead hair - trimming. The need for the procedure is due to the fact that the old wool does not fall out and does not allow the new one to grow. The first trimming is performed after the dog has teeth replaced and continues throughout the life of the pet with a regularity of 1 every 3 months. Stripping can be done both manually and with tools such as a stripper and trimmer.

It should be understood that trimming is a very time consuming and lengthy procedure, for which it is desirable to free up the whole day, since even professional groomers spend at least 5 hours on this. If trimming is done independently, then from time to time the dog needs to be released to rest: the animal should be able to warm up, drink and, if necessary, go to the toilet. And also allowed to break the procedure into two days. In winter, the first couple of weeks after trimming, you should wear a jumpsuit or other warm clothes.

However, this is not all. About once every 1.5 months, the miniature schnauzer should undergo a hygienic haircut, during which the eyebrows and beard are shortened, and the grown hairs on the paws and around the anus are trimmed. Exhibition Tsvergov trimming and mowing only experienced groomers, as the technique of haircut is influenced by many nuances, including color.

To do this, it is recommended to inspect them daily, and if necessary, remove the discharge with a wet disc. Particular attention should be paid to the ears: due to the fact that they are trailing, air exchange in them is difficult. Therefore, to improve ventilation, it is necessary to pull out the interfering wool. Ear docking is also allowed. and can be performed at the request of the owner.

Dental teeth are cleaned as needed when a raid appears, using dog toothpaste and a brush head on the finger. In case of loss of all milk teeth, the pet should be taken to the vet to remove them. Otherwise, they will not allow the molars to grow properly, which can provoke the formation of an abnormal bite. Claws of miniature schnauzers are trimmed at home as they grow, using a claw cutter.

Feeding miniature schnauzers has its own nuances, although in general it is not too different from feeding other dogs. In particular, tsvergov should not overfeed, due to their predisposition to the rapid weight gain, which is clearly visible even with the naked eye.

Fat dogs become slow-moving, lazy and prone to various diseases. Besides, miniature schnauzers can not be fed from the common table. This is due to their tendency to skin allergic rashes, caused by the use of inappropriate products.

The best food option for miniature schnauzers is premium dry food for active dogs. In such compositions, all the substances necessary for the dog's body are in the right amount and compatible combinations.

If it is decided to feed zverg with natural food, then its diet should be half of low-fat meat or by-products., and the rest should fall on cereals (buckwheat, rice or oatmeal) and vegetables. A couple of times a week should be given boiled eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, raw chicken neck, kefir and boiled sea fish, previously cleaned of seeds.

Small puppies up to 4 months of age are fed 5-6 times a day, then transferred to 4 meals a day and by 7-9 months - 3 meals a day. By the year tsverg should eat 2 times a day, and the morning portion should be a little more evening.

The list of foods prohibited for the Miniature Schnauzer includes pickles, smoked and fried foods, fatty meats, confectionery sweets, baking, spicy and salted foods, as well as tubular bones and food with a high content of dyes and artificial additives.. Whatever type of food is chosen, the dog must have round-the-clock access to fresh drinking water.

It is necessary to educate the Miniature Schnauzer from the first day of the appearance of the puppy in the house, long before the start of the training. First of all, the pet needs to be shown who is the owner of the house and under no circumstances should the child have a chance. The dog should immediately clearly understand what is allowed and what is not, and if something was forbidden, the ban should be applied once and for all, without any kind of exceptions and concessions.

For example, if a tsvergu was forbidden to enter the kitchen, then indulgences like “for a minute” or “just once” should not be a reason for lifting the ban. Otherwise, the dog will understand that any "impossible" can be challenged - it will be much more difficult to call her to order later.

Miniature Schnauzer training should start at 4 months of age using the game element. The simplest exercise will be apportirovka toys or balls, as the puppies love to rush for small moving objects.It should be remembered that it is impossible to beat a pet for non-execution of commands. Tsverg perfectly understands the intonation of the human voice, so strict tone will be enough for him.

For more serious training usually start from 6 monthsSince by this time the dog's nervous system was almost formed, it very easily remembers unfamiliar words and consciously executes commands.

To train an animal should be patient and methodical, in no way touched by the puppy's tricks in the classroom. In case of disobedience or aggression, the pet should be stopped with a loud shout, and those who are less intelligent will be shaken by the scruff. It should be borne in mind that, by its nature, the tsvergs are very cunning and resourceful, and often use different tricks to shirk their commands.

These dogs have an excellent memory, so they quickly remember how to act, and how not. In general, the training is carried out according to the classical scheme using the system of rewards and punishments. Tsverg works well in a group, so the owner can write it down for the general course of training, where an experienced dog handler can help socialize the dog, remove unnecessary zoo aggression and train the teams.

Choosing a name for a pet is a creative and quite responsible business, and sometimes it’s very difficult for the owner to choose one from a huge number of nicknames. When you buy a puppy in the nursery, the task is greatly facilitated, since the baby already has its own name, made up of famous ancestors along both lines, their regalia and the name of the nursery. Then this long name is shortened by the owners to a short but sonorous home nickname, which the puppy is taught to.

For such cases, you can use the list of common names for girls and boys who are best suited to miniature schnauzers. So, dog can be called Arbat, Arman, Axel, Alex, Brooks, Bruno, Biscay, West, Veles, Whist, Gray, Thunder, Dark, Dixie, Erik, Zhigan, Zorg, Zero, Icarus, Ishim, Irt, Kurt, Leon, Leiden, Mark, Maurice, Neman, Nord, Oscar, Porter, Perez, Roy, Richard, Steve, Starck, Tox, Trisha, Uranus, Fix, Fidel, Horst, Zeiss, Chuck, Chenny, Shaman, Rustle, Erik, Eridan, Eustace Yagor, Yagrin or Yashka.

The girl can be called Ayma, Betty, Vista, Gerda, Della, Era, Jalla, Zeya, Irma, Krama, Linda, Lima, Myra, Neris, Orina, Pint, Romina, Rayna, Sonata, Segoy, Tamila, Tori, Ulma, Ursula, Freya, Fanny, Chloe, Hannah, Tsera, Cherry, Charma, Shima, Annie, Elf, Yursi, Yusta, Yara or Yanina.

Despite the size, the Miniature Schnauzer is a serious dog, and therefore nicknames like Puhlikov and Bublikov are clearly not suitable for him. A dog should have a one or two syllable name that is well perceived by the ear and is not consonant with the main commands. For example, it is impossible to call Fars a dog, as an animal can easily confuse it with the command "front" and be disoriented in its actions.

Owners of miniature schnauzers highly appreciate their pets and speak of them in an enthusiastic way. They all agree that the tsverg is an ideal family dog ​​that finds a common language literally with each of the members of the household. A pet may entertain the child for days on end, run over to poland his mistress and stand up for the owner’s defense during the evening walk. Moreover, the dog is not inclined to causeless loud barking, which greatly facilitates the lives of neighbors on the porch.

And also celebrated lack of smell and wool in the apartment, keen intelligence, intelligence and a developed sense of humor of the pet. Attention is also drawn to the fact that the tsvergs quickly recognize the situation and begin to act according to circumstances. For example, an adult tsverg will never start a noisy game if someone is resting in an apartment.

Of the minuses of the breed, there is a need for trimming and the owner's slippers eaten when the pet is growing up.

More information about the breed can be found in the following video.