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At a glance
| Energy level | |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Apartment-friendly | |
| Handles cold | |
| Affectionate / cuddly | |
| Good with kids | |
| Good for first-time owners | |
| Easy to train | |
| Good with other dogs | |
| Good with cats | |
| OK being left alone | |
| Reliable off-leash | |
| Protective / watchdog | |
| Barking | |
| Drooling |
Great for
- People who want a low-shedding dog
- Families
- Apartments, if barking is managed
Watch out for
- Big barkers; they alert to everything
- Needs professional grooming
- Prone to pancreatitis on fatty diets
Daily care
Exercise: About 45 minutes a day.
Grooming: Brush weekly; professional trim every 5–8 weeks.
Cold weather: Wiry coat gives some protection; a jacket helps on subzero days.
*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.
Gear for a Miniature Schnauzer
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- FoodSmall breed dog food
Formulas made for small breeds match their energy needs and kibble size. Look for "complete and balanced" (AAFCO) on the bag, and ask your vet what's right for your dog.
See options on Amazon - Crate24-inch dog crate
A 24" crate fits most adult Miniature Schnauzers (up to about 20 lb). Choose one with a divider so it grows with a puppy.
See options on Amazon - Leash and harnessNo-pull harness and 6-foot leash
A front-clip harness helps with pulling while your dog learns leash manners.
See options on Amazon - ToysDurable chew and fetch toys
Miniature Schnauzers have a lot of energy; tough rubber toys and balls hold up to hard play.
See options on Amazon - GroomingSlicker brush and metal comb
Low-shedding coats tangle easily; brush a few times a week between grooming visits.
See options on Amazon - WinterPaw balm
Protects paws from road salt and ice, even on cold-tolerant breeds.
See options on Amazon - BedWashable dog bed
A washable cover makes life easier, especially with a puppy.
See options on Amazon
Find a Miniature Schnauzer near you
We're building a list of trusted Miniature Schnauzer rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.
Listings coming soon. In the meantime:
- Search adoptable dogs near you on Petfinder
- AKC's Miniature Schnauzer page, which links to breed club rescue networks
Run a Miniature Schnauzer rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.
Not sure a Miniature Schnauzer is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.
Take the breed quizSimilar breeds
Small · 16–28 lb👪 Good family dogFrench BulldogPlayful, quiet and built for apartment life. Frenchies need little exercise, but their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and cold.
Small · 13–18 lb👪 Great family dogCavalier King Charles SpanielSweet, gentle and adaptable. Cavaliers are happy in an apartment or a house and get along with almost everyone.
Small · 17–23 lbBetter with adults or older kidsShiba InuClean, confident and independent, with a thick coat built for cold. Shibas fit apartments well but are stubborn and hard to train.