Schnauzer: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care

Owning a Schnauzer is a great way to enjoy the companionship of a loving dog while also enjoying the benefits of owning a healthy and easy-to-care-for pet. The character and personality of the Schnauzer is one that many people find appealing, and this breed is known for its good health and a hearty appetite.

In addition, Schnauzers are relatively affordable compared to other breeds of dogs. Though small, they are mighty and can survive in several climates. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not a Schnauzer is right for you and how to take care of your new pet once you bring him or her home.

What Is a Schnauzer?

A Schnauzer is a breed of dog that originated in Germany in the 15th century. They were originally bred as farm dogs, but over time they were bred down to a smaller size, which led to the emergence of miniature schnauzers. Schnauzers have since specialized in rodent control, making them invaluable members of any family.

There are three sizes of Schnauzer: Standard, Giant, and Miniature. All Schnauzers have wiry coats that come in salt and pepper, black or white. Schnauzers are highly intelligent, alert, and obedient dogs that make great family pets.

What Is Schnauzer Size?

Schnauzers are alert and medium-sized dogs that stand about 18 inches tall for females or 19 inches tall for males. They weigh between 11 and 20 pounds, a little larger than your average house cat.

Schnauzer: Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of a miniature schnauzer is between 12 and 15 years, which is a long time for a dog breed. These dogs are generally healthy and will live a full life if you take care of them and have pet insurance in case of any unforeseen problems.

How to Take Care of Your Schnauzer's Health?

As with all dog breeds, schnauzers are prone to certain health conditions. Some health problems are:

• Urolithiasis
• Retinal dysplasia
• Pancreatitis
• Schnauzer comedo syndrome
• Liver shunts
• Hyperlipidemia
• Allergies
• Urinary stones
• Myotonia congenita
• Cataracts
• Mycobacterium avian complex

Pro Tip: Before miniature schnauzers are bred, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the National Breed Club​ recommend that they have an eye examination and a cardiac evaluation.

Whether you own a Standard Schnauzer, Miniature Schnauzer or Giant Schnauzer, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Taking care of your Schnauzer's health is important for their quality of life, and yours too.

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your Schnauzer's health:

• A standard schnauzer can become the type of family pet you want only with early socialization and extensive training.
• The higher level of intelligence your schnauzer has, the more difficult it may be to train them. Standard schnauzers are known for learning quickly, but they will also use their intelligence to find ways around following commands. More often than not, these dogs believe that they know better than anyone else.
• The typical Schnauzer's appearance is not natural. You must be willing to either spend time stripping, clipping, trimming or scissoring the coat yourself or go to a professional groomer.
• Bathing and other grooming procedures would help if you started when the Schnauzer is a young puppy.

What to Feed Your Schnauzer?

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to what to feed your Schnauzer. You can go with high-quality commercial dog food or cook up a batch of homemade goodness. Puppies, in particular, need puppy food until they're 10 to 12 months old. And if you go the homemade route, get a recipe from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure its age- and health-appropriate.

Adult miniature schnauzers should have at least two meals per day, while puppies need three to four meals. Place the food out around the same time each morning and evening, and remove any uneaten food after about 20 minutes.

How Much Does a Schnauzer Cost?

You could spend around $1,000 to $3,000 on a Miniature Schnauzer puppy from a breeder. However, the price range goes up for some in-demand breeders. Adopting an animal from a shelter is cheaper than buying one.

Final Thoughts on Schnauzer Dogs

The Schnauzer is a versatile, friendly, and intelligent breed that does well in almost any home. They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and relatively healthy compared to other breeds. If you're looking for a small to medium-sized dog that will bring a lot of love and laughter into your life, the Schnauzer is a great choice.