Miniature Schnauzer dog breed

Originally bred as a working dog on German farms, the Miniature Schnauzer was a result of breeding a standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds including Miniature Poodles , Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers. Loved for their characteristic beard and stance, they’re one of the most popular dog breeds across the world.

Is a Miniature Schnauzer right for you? Read our guide to discover information about the mini-Schnauzer breed, including their temperament and personality. We’ll also share tips on how to care for a Miniature Schnauzer, including training, diet, exercise and grooming needs.

Pet insurance for your Miniature Schnauzer

No one wants a poorly pet, but unfortunately, illnesses and injuries can happen to any dog at any age. Puppy insurance for your Miniature Schnauzer is important to make sure they’re covered from the get-go. 

Regular health checks with your vet will help to spot problems from an early stage. And pet insurance can take away the concern of paying for treatment.

There are some common health conditions that Miniature Schnauzers are more predisposed to, including:

• Cataracts
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hyperlipidaemia 
   

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

With Sainsbury's Bank Pet Insurance we can insure your Miniature Schnauzer from as young as eight weeks of age. We have three different dog insurance policies: 

• Lifetime – our most comprehensive cover which covers up to £10,000 of vet costs each year.
• Maximum benefit – cover for illnesses, accidents and conditions per condition – up to your policy limits.
• Time limited – we’ll cover your Miniature Schnauzer for short-term health issues.

Puppy insurance for your Miniature Schnauzer can be started as young as eight weeks old and can be continued for their full lifespan. New policies for Miniature Schnauzer insurance can be taken out up to your dog’s eighth birthday. 

Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.

It goes without saying that you’ll need to take your Miniature Schnauzer to the vet regularly to check for any health issues. But you’ll also need to think about day-to-day care for your dog. Here are some tips to help you stick to a routine that will help your mini Schnauzer live a happy and healthy life.

Temperament and behaviour

Despite being part of the Terrier group, Miniature Schnauzers are less noisy and feisty than other terriers. They have an extroverted, lively temperament and are good with children and newcomers. They are intelligent and eager to please which makes them quick to learn and easy to train. 

However, mini-Schnauzers can be quite vocal, and prone to barking at ‘intruders’ like the postman. They also prefer the company of their family, and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Their high prey drive means Miniature Schnauzers don’t mix well with smaller pets like cats or rabbits, and they should be kept under close supervision while off lead in public parks.  

Common health problems

The Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy breed but there are a few health issues that you need to be aware of. Regular vet health checks will help to spot signs of these conditions and provide treatment where possible. Having Miniature Schnauzer pet insurance in place will cover the costs of any treatment your pooch needs to keep them happy and healthy.

So, is a Miniature Schnauzer right for you?

Their friendly, lively and obedient personality is suited to most families. You can rest easy knowing a Miniature Schnauzer will be your devoted companion for their entire life. You’ll have no problems with training and their exercise demands are minimal. They’re great with children, so you don’t need to worry about introducing them to your family.