Ideal Family Dog (Miniture Schnauzer)

Member Name: Ann-Marie_B

Product:	Miniture Schnauzer
Date:	02/10/08 (412 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent temperament, very little maintenance

Disadvantages: None

We share our household with a female Miniature Schnauzer called Biscuit. Her personality and traits have perhaps been shaped by her unfortunate past. She was rescued from a breeder who subjected her to serious neglect. Biscuit therefore may not share all of the specific characteristics of her breed. However I will tell you a little about her and a little about the Miniature Schnauzer in general.

The Miniature Schnauzer, or the Zwergschnauzer, was initially bred in order to produce a smaller version of the standard Schnauzer. Some say that it was bred using only the smallest specimens of the larger standard Schnauzer, whereas others say that it was a result of crossing the standard with other smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher. The latter is considered the most plausible.

The Miniature Schnauzer has a very distinct look. It's fur is grey and white with striking black markings around the nose and eyes. The fur grows longer at the eyebrows and nose, giving the appearance of a moustache. Although a miniature breed it is by no means a toy sized dog. The Miniature Schnauzer is muscular and sturdy and in my opinion just the right size. The average size of this breed is 13" for a bitch and 14" for a dog.

The average lifespan of this breed is 14 years and a typical bitch will produce a litter size of around 3-5 puppies. It does not shed it's coat (another great characteristic!) and due to its high standards of hygiene it will not need excessive grooming.

It is a contented breed which is not destructive when left alone. It is also said to have the best temperament of the three breeds, the other two being the standard and the large Schnauzer. With it's excellent character and temperament it therefore makes the ideal family pet.

Biscuit has made a wonderful addition to our family, which apart from my husband and I also consists of our 10 month old baby son and our pair of Siamese cats. She has never growled or chased after our cats, or indeed any others in the garden. She has responded to the inevitable tug at her fur from our son with a simple lick on the hand and a tentative step backward. Biscuit spends most of the day either sitting at my feet or perched on the settee as I often pop her there when my son is on the move.

When choosing a dog as an addition to a family it is very important to choose one with a good temperament. I would most certainly recommend this fantastic breed to anyone.

Summary: a perfect addition to any family