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Miniature Schnauzer Characteristics:
The Miniature Schnauzer is an active, happy, energetic, loyal and affectionate
dog who will greet you with blissful "woo-woos" when you walk in the
door. They want to be at the center of your life and to spend as much time with
you as they can. Quite often they will be devoted to one favorite person, but
they will also bond happily with the rest of the family if there is one. They
are playful and friendly, and love to sit at your feet or in your lap, or play
to romping games of fetch in the living room. They need daily exercise and like
to play off leash in a safely enclosed area. They need to find ways to expend
their intense energy, or they could go a little wild and get into mischief and
trouble around the house! They are very easy to train and obedient, and willing
to please you, although they can be a bit stubborn at times. They need clear
guidance early in life to learn manners, especially around other pets and people.
They are an ideal watchdog. They are alert and will sound the alarm if they sense
trouble. They have a deep, resonant bark that seems to come from a dog much larger
than they are. They can be yappy however, they will stop barking as soon as you
give them the signal to go and make friends. Although aloof and suspicious with
strangers at first, they will quickly be polite and get along. When around a
strange animal they can be competitive at first, and may bluff or be falsely
aggressive, which can get them into trouble. They should always be on a leash
when out walking. They may not be good with smaller animals and cats, because
their instinct to chase and catch them is strong. They can get along with dogs
and other pets and be social if introduced properly. They love children and is
generally very good with them, as long as they are well-behaved and not rough.
They do not shed much at all - virtually nothing - and is a very clean dog, so
they will be a good pet if you like your house neat and tidy.
Appearance:
The Miniature Schnauzer is 11 to 14 inches tall (to shoulders) and weighs 10
to 18 pounds. He has a double coat consisting of a medium-length, wiry outer
coat and a short, soft, dense undercoat. His coat color can be salt and pepper,
black and silver, solid black or silver.
Grooming: The
coat should only need an occasional brushing. Pet coat: Clipped short every few
months. Show coat: Stripped (dead hairs plucked out) every few months.
History:
The Miniature Schnauzer is a German dog who can be seen in paintings as far back
as the 15th century. He is descended from Standard Schnauzers who were crossed
with Affenpinschers and Poodles, as well as with smaller Schnauzers. The Miniature
Schnauzer was bred to be a small dog who could use his muzzle to go after rats
and other vermin on the ground: "schnauze" means "muzzle"
in German. He was first exhibited in 1899, and has been bred in America since
1925. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club was formed in 1933, and he has become
enormously popular in the decades since World War II.
About Gertie:
Gertie is everyone's little pal. Sometimes she can be a bit too friendly. She
love's to run around the house and play but when one of my little ones want to
sit on my lap, she'll often times stand over me and guard my lap so they can't
get close to me. She's never been aggressive with them, just bossy I guess you
could say. I have recently moved her to my "large group" so now she
romps with Buffy, Vanna & Snickers and seems to enjoy that much more. Gertie
had her first litter of pups in November of this year and so far has proved herself
to be a wonderful new Mommy especially having 8 puppies. That's over the average
for her breed by at least 3.
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