theMiniature Schnauzer

Friendly, Smart, Obedient
Terrier Group Terrier Group

meet theMiniature Schnauzer

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The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds.

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at aGlance

Energy & Size

medium ENERGY &
small size

AKC Dog Ranking

16th
Most Popular Dog Breed

Personality

  • Check Friendly
  • Check Obedient
  • Check Smart
Friendly, smart, obedient.

theBreed Standard

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Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05 06

  • General Appearance

    The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust, active dog of terrier type, resembling his larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, in general appearance, and of an alert, active disposition. Faults - Type - Toyishness, ranginess or coarseness.

  • Eyes

    Small, dark brown and deep-set. They are oval in appearance and keen in expression. Faults - Eyes light and/or large and prominent in appearance.

  • Body

    Short and deep, with the brisket extending at least to the elbows. Ribs are well sprung and deep, extending well back to a short loin. The underbody does not present a tucked up appearance at the flank. The backline is straight; it declines slightly from the withers to the base of the tail. The withers form the highest point of the body. The overall length from chest to buttock appears to equal the height at the withers. Faults - Chest too broad or shallow in brisket. Hollow or roach back. Tail - set high and carried erect.  It is docked only long enough to be clearly visible over the backline of the body when the dog is in proper length of coat.  A properly presented Miniature Schnauzer will have a docked tail as described; all others should be severely penalized. Fault - Tail set too low.

  • Forequarters

    Forelegs are straight and parallel when viewed from all sides. They have strong pasterns and good bone. They are separated by a fairly deep brisket which precludes a pinched front. The elbows are close, and the ribs spread gradually from the first rib so as to allow space for the elbows to move close to the body. Fault - Loose elbows. The sloping shoulders are muscled, yet flat and clean. They are well laid back, so that from the side the tips of the shoulder blades are in a nearly vertical line above the elbow. The tips of the blades are placed closely together. They slope forward and downward at an angulation which permits the maximum forward extension of the forelegs without binding or effort. Both the shoulder blades and upper arms are long, permitting depth of chest at the brisket. Feet short and round (cat feet) with thick, black pads. The toes are arched and compact.

  • Coat

    Double, with hard, wiry, outer coat and close undercoat. The head, neck, ears, chest, tail, and body coat must be plucked. When in show condition, the body coat should be of sufficient length to determine texture. Close covering on neck, ears and skull. Furnishings are fairly thick but not silky. Faults - Coat too soft or too smooth and slick in appearance.

  • Hindquarters

    The hindquarters have strong-muscled, slanting thighs. They are well bent at the stifles. There is sufficient angulation so that, in stance, the hocks extend beyond the tail. The hindquarters never appear overbuilt or higher than the shoulders. The rear pasterns are short and, in stance, perpendicular to the ground and, when viewed from the rear, are parallel to each other. Faults - Sickle hocks, cow hocks, open hocks or bowed hindquarters.

A Miniature Schnauzer
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theMiniature Schnauzers of AKC

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get involved inClubs & Events

National Breed Club

theAmerican Miniature Schnauzer Club, Inc.

Local Breed
Club

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Meetups

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