Miniature Schnauzer

Other names	Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Country of origin	Germany
Traits Weight Male 11 to 18 lb (5.0 to 8.2 kg) Female 10 to 15 lb (4.5 to 6.8 kg) Height Male 14 in (35.6 cm) Female 13 in (33.0 cm) Coat Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft and curly when unclipped Color Black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver, white Litter size 3 to 8 pups Life span 12 to 14 years

Description

Miniature Schnauzers have a very square-shaped build, measuring 13 to 14 inches (33 to 36 cm) tall and weighing 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) for females and 11 to 18 pounds (5.0 to 8.2 kg) for males.They have a double coat, with wiry exterior fur and a soft undercoat. In show trim, the coat is kept short on the body, but the fur on the ears, legs, belly, and face is retained. Recognized coat colors are black, salt and pepper, black and silver, and pure white.

Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-moulting dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable. They are characterized by a rectangular head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a "scissor bite"; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears (when cropped, the ears point straight upward and come to a sharp point). Their tails are naturally thin and short, and may be docked(where permitted). They will also have very straight, rigid front legs, and feet that are short and round (so-called "cat feet") with thick, black pads.

Docking of tails and cropping of ears has become a controversial practice, especially for non-working dogs, and is now illegal or restricted in a number of countries worldwide.


By:Connie Cheng