Of the three different breeds of Schnauzers, generally speaking, the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the healthiest, lives the longest, and sheds the least.
They also have an award-winning disposition in that they are extremely friendly and get along well with young children and other animals. Add in their good looks and their compact size (which makes them easy to tote around), and the Miniature Schnauzer makes the perfect family pet.
As the name suggests, this breed is small (though not as small as other miniature breeds); it stands between 12 and 14 inches, on average. They have a double-coat, which is comprised of a soft undercoat of hair and a coarse, wiry outer coat of hair, and they come in three different color patterns: black and silver, salt and pepper, and solid black.
With busy beards and eyebrows, they’re very relatable, as they make expressions that resemble those that humans make.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Miniature Schnauzers are said to be hypoallergenic, as they shed very little, and as such, they usually don’t aggravate allergies as much as dog breeds that do shed a lot; in fact, they are considered as close to hypoallergenic as a dog breed can get.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
Technically speaking, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, as they all release dander (dead, flaky skin), and dander contains a protein that can illicit an allergic response; however, that said, dogs that don’t shed a lot are considered hypoallergenic, as they do not release as much dander.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Shed?
While all dog breeds do shed, Miniature Schnauzers shed a very minimal amount of hair. In fact, the Miniature Schnauzer is considered one of the lowest shedding dog breeds. This, of course, is very good for those who suffer from allergies, as dander, which contains a protein that can illicit an allergic reaction in some individuals, is minimal.
Most of the air that a Miniature Schnauzer sheds comes from his soft undercoat, which typically makes its way to his harder, wiry outer coat, and the shed hair usually doesn’t travel much further than that; that is, if he is groomed on a regular basis. It is important to note that Miniature Schnauzer’s may shed more during the summer and winter months.
For the most of the year, however, this breed’s shedding is so minimal that it is barely noticeable.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Have Hair or Fur?
Miniature Schnauzers have hair, not fur. Typically, hair tends to be thinner and it grows from the dog’s skin, while fur starts at a dog’s epidermis and extends outward.
Like most dogs that have long coats, Miniature Schnauzers have hair rather than fur.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Have Dander? Odor?
Yes, like all dog breeds, Miniature Schnauzers do produce dander.
Dander is dead, flaky skin, and it carries a protein, and it is this protein that can illicit an allergic reaction in some individuals.
While Miniature Schnauzers do have dander, the amount of dander they produce tends to be markedly lower than other breeds. While they may generate minimal amounts of dander, however, it is important to note that Miniature Schnauzers do tend to produce an odor. That’s because their skin produces a lot of oil, and that oil can produce a pungent, noticeable odor; however, if groomed regularly, a Miniature Schnauzer’s odor can be kept to a minimum.
How to Groom a Miniature Schnauzer
Because they have fine hair and a double coat, since they do not shed a lot, and because they tend to have oily skin, Miniature Schnauzers do need to be groomed regularly.
So, while you may not be spending a lot of time vacuuming up stray hairs around the house, if you decide to adopt this breed, you will need to invest more time in grooming.
If a Miniature Schnauzer is not groomed regularly, his coat can become matted, and excessive amounts of oil can build-up under his coat.
Grooming requirements for preventing matting, keeping dander under control, and keeping excess hair from building up
A matted coat is not only unattractive, but it can be very difficult to maintain; and most important, it can lead to health problems, such as skin rashes.
Hand stripping
Use a stripping comb to hand strip your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat to pull out loose hairs several times a day. This is a high-quality stripping comb set to consider trying this dog grooming coat stripping knife tool kit (available on Amazon).
Bathing
Bathe your Miniature Schnauzer whenever he needs it; typically, once per month or when you start to notice he is emitting an odor. This hypoallergenic aloe vera and oatmeal sensitive skin dog shampoo is a great shampoo to consider, as it’s hypoallergenic and contains aloe vera, which is great for a Miniature Schnauzer’s skin.
Coat Clipping
You should clip your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat when it starts to look scraggly; typically, several times a year.
Brushing
A Miniature Schnauzer’s coat should be brushed several times a week, so as to prevent his hair from matting. Consider the Big G Dog Slicker brush by Chris Christensen, as it is specifically designed for detangling, which is ideal for this breed’s double coat.
Ear cleaning
The hair on the outside of a Miniature Schnauzer’s ears grows long, so it needs to be clipped. If it becomes too long, the hair can grow into the ears and increase the risk of infections. Use a pair of scissors to trim the hair along the outside of his ears. Once a week, use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe down around his ears to remove debris and prevent the risk of infection. Exercise caution when trimming and cleaning a Miniature Schnauzer’s ears, as they are very sensitive.
Nail Clipping
Prior to trimming your dog’s nails, inspect his paws and use a pair of scissors to trim any long hair that is growing along the nails, as well as the hair that grows between his pads. As needed, trim your dog’s nails; typically, once or twice a month. Use either a guillotine-style nail trimmer or a nail grinder. Use great care to avoid cutting into the quick, the vein that grows in each nail. Do not clip past the dark area in the middle of his nails.
Teeth Cleaning
On average, a Miniature Schnauzer’s teeth should be cleaned once a week to remove plaque and debris buildup, to prevent decay, and to stave off bad breath. Choose a comfortable location and make sure your dog is calm. There are several types of dog tooth care products to choose from, and Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrush set (buy it on Amazon) is a great choice.
Do Miniature Schnauzer’s Have Allergies?
Yes.
Though Miniature Schnauzer’s are generally considered a healthy breed, they do tend to be prone to allergies. They are most prone to skin allergies; however, they can develop sensitivities to their environment, too.
Common allergens include food, flea, bacterial, environmental (grasses, pollens, etc.), and dust mites. Some of the symptoms that may be associates with allergies include:
- Face rubbing
- Sneezing
- Ear scratching
- Constant licking
- Paw chewing and scratching
There are several potential solutions that can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms in a Miniature Schnauzer. Examples include:
- Limiting exposure to known allergens
- Regular and proper grooming
- Changing out your home air filtration on a regular basis
- Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum
- If your Miniature Schnauzer seems to suffer from seasonal allergies, limit time outdoors when pollen counts are high
- Use hypoallergenic products, including dog shampoo, conditioner, and bedding
- Wash bedding on a regular basis using a hypoallergenic, unscented detergent, and hot water
- Feed him an all-natural, hypoallergenic diet to reduce exposure to synthetic additives and fillers. Ollie Dog Food (get 50% off your first order here) offers human-grade premium-quality, limited ingredient, all-natural dog food. Their all-natural recipes are designed by veterinarians and cooked in USDA kitchens. Their recipes are ideal for dogs that suffer from allergies, such as a Miniature Schnauzer.
- Eliminate known food allergens; for example, if you know your dog is allergic to fish, avoid feeding him fish, and if he seems to have reactions eating pork, avoid feeding him foods that contain pork and pork byproducts.
- Offer a high-quality fish oil supplement to prevent the development of a dull coat and scaling.
- Feed your Miniature Schnauzer in bowls made of ceramic or plastic rather than plastic, and clean once or twice a day with vinegar. Follow the same advice when providing your dog with water, and make sure that he always has a fresh supply of water available.
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