The
Miniature Schnauzer is an energetic, active dog who has clean habits, is neat
in size and makes a delightful companion for apartment dwellers or someone
with a small house and yard. Charming and attractive, the perky Miniature
Schnauzers are seldom addicted to wandering, being devoted to their home and
family. Miniature Schnauzers are excellent family pets and children's companion.
Known in their native Germany as the Zwergschnauzer ("Zwerg" meaning
"dwarf" or "midget"), they were derived from crossing the Standard Schnauzer
with smaller dogs, possibly the Affenpinscher and the Miniature Pinscher.
Zwergschnauzers are lively, active and fun companions. They are alert, spirited
and eager to please. The Mini Schnauzer is loyal and very intelligent, and
is accustomed to being the watchdog. They are not trustworthy with smaller
animals, however, due to their high prey drive. They do get along well with
other dogs and pets of the same size, and are excellent with children. In
the past, some Schnauzers have been known to "watch over" children in their
spare time. Schnauzers are more of a one-person dog, but can be accustomed
to a family. An interesting fact about the Miniature Schnauzer is that they
generally don't have any "doggy" smell. Another interesting piece of history
is that originally the Schnauzer and the German Pinscher were the same breed.
Wirehaired pups would be called Schnauzers (meaning "beard"), while smooth
coated pups were called Pinschers. Today they are bred as separate breeds,
however. Upbeat and obedient, the Miniature Schnauzer makes a delightful little
companion.
