Overview
The Miniature Schnauzer is a German farm dog in a small, smart package: a ratter by origin, which is where the alertness, the chasing and the opinions come from. It is sturdy, clever and fun, and one of the easier small dogs to walk in all weathers thanks to a wiry coat that shrugs off rain.
They are also talkers. A Schnauzer announces other dogs, cats, delivery vans and anything else it has decided is its business. It is rarely aggression, but it is loud, and a walker who stays calm about it gets a calmer dog.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day across two walks suits most adults, and they enjoy variety: a sniffy walk, a game, a bit of training. They are tougher than their size suggests and will keep up with bigger dogs on a reasonable group walk.
Older Schnauzers are prone to weight gain and to pancreatitis, so keep treats modest and stick to what the owner allows. Puppies have plenty of energy but short attention spans; little and often works best.
On the walk
- Recall: Good with training, until a squirrel or cat appears. Assume the chase instinct is there and call the dog back before it fires.
- Pulling: Light but persistent, usually towards something it wants to investigate. A harness keeps the beard out of the collar and the dog comfortable.
- Other dogs: Confident and usually fine, though they can be bossy and the barking can start a scrap it did not mean to. Keep greetings short.
- Barking: The breed's main vice. Reward quiet, keep moving, and do not shout over it.
- Small animals: Cats, squirrels and rabbits are all fair game to a Schnauzer. Lead on near roads and livestock.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a small, high-value treat for recall and use it the instant the dog turns back to you.
- Keep routes varied; a Schnauzer that is bored barks more.
- Watch the beard. It collects mud and water, and a quick wipe at the end of a walk saves the owner's floors.
- Keep treats small and ask about the diet; this breed does not handle rich food well.
- Use a harness rather than a collar, especially with a dog that lunges at cats.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog chase cats, squirrels or birds, and is there anywhere it must stay on the lead?
- How much barking is normal for this dog, and what does the owner do about it?
- Any history of pancreatitis or a special diet, and what treats are allowed?
- When was the coat last clipped, and is there anything to avoid before the next groom?