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Miniature Schnauzer at the AKC National Championship.
David Woo ©American Kennel Club

Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, smart, and obedient. Learn more about this German breed with these fun facts.

1. They’re Eager to Be Part of the Family

Miniature Schnauzers want to be a part of your family and do whatever their owners are doing. They are happy as long as they are with their people, whether you’re out exercising or gardening at home. They just want to be with you.

©Olga Itina - stock.adobe.com

2. Miniature Schnauzers Shed Very Little

Because they’re a dog breed that sheds very little, they might be a good choice for allergy sufferers. As an added bonus, you won’t have much dog hair in your house. The only catch is that Miniature Schnauzers should be groomed every six weeks.

3. They’re Part of the Terrier Group

Miniature Schnauzers belong to the Terrier Group. In contrast, their larger relatives, the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer, belong to the Working Group.

4. Miniature Schnauzers Excel at Dog Sports

They are an inquisitive and competitive breed that can be quite athletic. Miniature Schnauzers can thrive while competing in many dog sports, including Agility, Obedience, AKC Rally, Barn Hunt, and Earthdog.

©GreatDanePhotos
First place Junior Superior Class 12 inch: Aksel RN AX OAJ (Aksel), a Miniature Schnauzer handled by Ava Rawlings; AKC Junior Agility Competition, December 16, 2022, Orlando, FL.

5. They Were Bred Down From Standard Schnauzers

Farmers bred them down from the Standard Schnauzer to make them more useful around the farm. The Miniature Schnauzer has been known as a separate breed since 1899.

6. There Are Three Recognized Colors

According to the Miniature Schnauzer’s AKC breed standard, the recognized colors for the breed are salt and pepper, solid black, and black and silver. Each color must have uniform color pigmentation (i.e., no patches of other colors appearing on the dog), and the nose must be solid black.

7. They’re a Long-Established Breed in America

According to the American Miniature Schnauzer Club, the Miniature Schnauzer has been bred in the United States since at least 1925. The AKC recognized the breed in 1926, and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club was created in August 1933.

Related article: Giant Schnauzer History: From Guarding in the Alps, to Military Dogs and Beyond
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