CHAPTERS

Chapter Two: Your Very Own Miniature Schnauzer

In the previous chapter, we have discussed the past and recent events about the Miniature Schnauzer. However, that information is not enough for you to take care of your dog. In this case, we will be diving further into the world of the Miniature Schnauzer.

Although Miniature Schnauzer is ‘miniature’, this breed has all the characteristics that you need to have a happy and healthy household. The breed is great with children, they are naturally intelligent and curious, and only needs minimal grooming. If these are the dog characteristics you are looking for – the Miniature Schnauzer is great for you!

In the succeeding pages, we will be dealing in why the Miniature Schnauzer is the best pet for you. We will be giving you information on its temperament, behaviour towards other pets, and other relevant information.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Great Pet?

There are a lot of considerations before you decide on what breed is right for you. There are a lot of characteristics and factors you need to look out for before you buy your first pet, you should know all the things about your pet before you buy it.

Miniature Schnauzers are little dogs with big personalities. In this case, if you are up for hours of fun and training – this dog is great for you! You can have great company that deals well with children and other guests. Let us continue knowing our favourite fury creature.

Temperament

The Miniature Schnauzer is classified as a terrier in the United States and Canada; they do not have the necessary terrier temperament.

A Miniature Schnauzer is friendly and obedient; it should not be overly aggressive and timid. If you do not train your dog at an early age, your dog could be very aggressive towards other people or animals.

Just like any other small dogs, Miniature Schnauzers do not know that they are miniature. They will tend to growl and fight off larger dogs, which could somehow lead to fights. You can avoid these instances through obedience training and proper socialization.

Choosing the Miniature Schnauzer as Your Pet

In this part, we will be giving you the positive and negative traits of the Miniature Schnauzer. You need to go through these one by one, and think if you can handle the traits. If not, go find another breed. If yes, continue your journey for this breed.

Here are the characteristics of the Miniature Schnauzer:

Positive Traits

• Small sized
• Sturdy yet still athletic
• Its coat does not shed too much
• Has a wise expression through its whiskery face
• Makes a great watchdog
• Polite with guests
• Generally good with other pets

Negative Traits

• Needs enough exercise throughout the day
• Needs to have interesting activities to fight off boredom
• Needs a companion throughout the day.
• Needs enough socialization or else it will get suspicious or distrusting to people around it.
• Can chase other animals
• Stubborn
• Can bark too much
• You need to have it groom every now and then
• Can have a wide variety of temperament, since the Miniature Schnauzer has a lot of history

Male or Female? Which One Should I Choose?

Another decision you need to do is to choose whether you want a male or female dog. Each gender has its own characteristics; you need to know these things because you need to find the ones that will match you the most.

You should not just choose the ‘cutest’ or the most ‘behave’ puppy or dog in the bunch. Determine the gender and characteristics that will best match you and your family’s personality.

MALES

• Generally larger and heavier
• Eats more food than the non-pregnant counterpart
• More aggressive and independent
• Some male dogs are more difficult to manage in small, confined areas
• Some of them do not go well with other male dogs, especially if there are other female that is in heat.
• Forms a closer bond with only one person
• Quicker to develop sexually than its counterpart
• Males will roam and find female in heat
• Will become possessive of the female, even their owners.
• Some might even be aggressive towards the female especially if it is not receptive to its advances
• Some might be even difficult to train and more independent.
• Requires more exercise and friskier
• May be difficult to socialize with other dogs and animals, you need to begin socialization early.

FEMALES

• Smaller than male dogs
• Less aggressive
• Mothers are as protective as the males
• Less excitable
• Easier to train
• Can be shy or cowed if treated badly or scolded in an angry tone
• Less protective than the males
• Some might fight with female counterpart
• Females will establish a hierarchy and develop a pecking order.

How Are They The Same?

• Needs the same amount of time and attention
• Needs the same amount of exercise, general care, and love.
• Needs veterinary check-ups and yearly vaccination.

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