Miniature Schnaupin

10-14 lbs
12-14"
United States
Miniature Schnauzer
Min Pin
Mini Schnaupin
The Miniature Schnaupin is a delightful small dog who is highly intelligent, fun to be with, happy in nature and good with children. They can be very analytic; they really want to know how things work (especially toys) even if it means destroying the toy to find out. These dogs are known to be playful, affectionate and quite territorial - they will bark enthusiastically to let you know when strangers are about and are brave in nature, shaping up to a perceived threat regardless of its size. The Miniature Schnaupin makes a great family dog, but they do want to be at the centre of the family, not stuck outside. Perfect companions, they will fill your day with laughter at their antics, then they will happily take up residence on your lap and enjoy all the attention you can throw at them.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Hunting, Agility
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Miniature Schnauzer, Min Pin

Miniature Schnaupin Health

Average Size
Male Miniature Schnaupin size stats
Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Female Miniature Schnaupin size stats
Height: 12-14 inches Weight: 10-14 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Urinary Stones
Minor Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Epilepsy
Occasional Tests
  • X-ray imaging
  • Complete Blood Work
  • Buccal Mucosal Screening
  • Ophthalmic Examination
  • Physical and Neurologic Examination
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
  • Electroretinogram (ERG)
  • Urinalysis and Urine Culture

Miniature Schnaupin Breed History

By looking at the parents (Miniature Schnauzer and the Min Pin), we can see where the little rascal the Miniature Schnaupin got his character from. First up is the Min Pin (Miniature Pinscher). Thought to have originated in Germany several hundred years ago, the Min Pin kept stables and homes free from rats. Although it looks like a Doberman (apart from their size), the Min Pin is a breed of its own and is much older than the Doberman. 1895 saw the German breeders agree on a breed standard. Virtually unknown outside of Germany, the Min Pin attended a dog show in Stuttgart Germany which highlighted their existence. From 1905 they were very popular, and in 1919 the first Min Pins arrived America. During 1929 the American Kennel Club recognised the breed and these sleek, athletic dogs have remained a favourite of many owners who value the dogs spirited nature and confident personality. The Miniature Schnauzers were working dogs, bred to guard farms and hunt rats. Looking at these appealing little dogs, it is hard to imagine them in that role, until they mangle a toy or chase off after a bird. While the history books lack in information about records of how and when the Miniature Schnauzers were developed, it appears that a black female named Findel was the first one born in 1888. The World Wars l & ll depleted many dog breeds particularly in Europe. But eager breeders worked hard on restoring the Miniature Schnauzers whose popularity blossomed and has never really waned since then. Color popularity may have changed from red, tan, and yellow to shades of silver and black, but the Miniature Schnauzer is here to stay. Determined, affectionate and as cute as a button, these tough little dogs deserve the affection and loyalty they inspire in people.

Miniature Schnaupin Breed Appearance

The Miniature Schnaupin has a cute, almost mischievous face. It often displays large pointed ears held erect but tipping over at the top, a black nose, and has dark round eyes that sparkle with life and curiosity. Top this off with a set of fluffy eyebrows and a pointed muzzle with whiskers and there you have this lively little dog. The body is light and athletic and can be smooth or wavy coated, as well as multi colored. The short strong legs may have feathering, depending on the parent genetics they inherit. Pups can vary in appearance within a litter, and even may vary in the height or weight that they achieve. A medium length tail is held proudly, and these engaging little dogs have a smile that will elicit a responding smile from all that meet them.,
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Miniature Schnaupin eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Miniature Schnaupin nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Miniature Schnaupin coat
Black
brown Miniature Schnaupin coat
Brown
fawn Miniature Schnaupin coat
Fawn
white Miniature Schnaupin coat
White
pied Miniature Schnaupin coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Miniature Schnaupin straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Miniature Schnaupin Breed Maintenance

The Miniature Schnaupin is relatively easy to maintain, only requiring brushing maybe once or twice a week to keep it in a healthy condition. They have minimal shedding so it makes maintenance very quick, although they will love to sit and soak up your attention. Because the ears are quite large for their size, it is important to check inside the ears for foreign objects like seeds or dirt that can get trapped and cause inflammation. A gentle clean will help to them to remain healthy. Other maintenance issues involve tooth care and hygiene which is easy to do if the Miniature Schnaupin has been taught as a puppy to have their teeth cleaned. Bathing is only required if they have been in the mud or rolled in something unpleasant, but the use of a gentle dog shampoo will maintain the natural oils in the coat. Finish off grooming by checking their nails and clip gently when required.
Brushes for Miniature Schnaupin
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Miniature Schnaupin requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Miniature Schnaupin Temperament

The Miniature Schnaupin is known for its playfulness and sense of fun. It also likes to know how things work, especially toys, which means you may go through a few toys as they disassemble them to find out the workings! These little dogs are lively and get on well with children, making them an ideal family pet. They are companion dogs and will want to be part of the family, ideally at the center of attention. The Miniature Schnaupin can be spirited and over confident at times, but responds well to training if it is fun, and if they get positive feedback. Training will overcome their tendency to want to do things their way, and curb their slightly stubborn nature. Coming from a working back ground they are very active and may chase the neighbor's cat or small pets unless socialised well when young. Training them to curb their tendency to chase anything that moves can take time, so keep them on a leash when out walking. They are also very clever at discovering holes or places where they can climb over a seemingly secure fence, so be aware of these little escape artists. They will love a yard to explore but can adapt beautifully to apartment living as long as they get their daily walk or can run around the dog park for half an hour or so each day. These dogs are affectionate, loving and full of fun; there will never be a dull moment with a Miniature Schaupin in the house.

Miniature Schnaupin Activity Requirements

The Miniature Schnaupin is a small dog that has a medium to high activity level. While it can vary between dogs of the same breed, they are normally quite curious and will follow you everywhere to see what you are up to and how they can help. A daily walk is important for their fitness and health, and will aid with socialising these little dogs who have an attitude twice their size. The hunting instinct is still quite strong, so it is advisable to keep them on a leash as they may take off and practice 'selective deafness' to your orders while they pursue their prey. They will happily accompany you on a run or a trek; life is an adventure and they want to be in on it. Then afterwards they will climb onto your lap and enjoy a good snuggle and snooze.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Miniature Schnaupin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$26.00 - $32.00
food bag monthly cost

Miniature Schnaupin Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Miniature Schnaupin size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 4.5 lbs
Female Miniature Schnaupin size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 4.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Miniature Schnaupin size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
Female Miniature Schnaupin size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 9.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Miniature Schnaupin size stats at 18 months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Miniature Schnaupin size stats at 18 months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs

Miniature Schnaupin Owner Experiences

Nelson
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Tag
Catch treats
training
Walks
Nelson is extremely smart, loving, and trains well, but this breed is definitely "on my terms." He is an expert at catching things in midair, even the tiniest cookie! Terrier type disposition would be the best way to describe this breed - highly intelligent, hilarious, lively, a lot of fun, scrappy, stubborn, terrier barking level 4 out of 5. Health I only gave a 4 because Nelson has persistent skin allergies, and I don't know if this is consistent w/the schnaupin or just his own issue.
6 years, 2 months ago
Biggie
10 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks in the wood
Enthusiastic, loyal, inquisitive, smart, loving, great with children
6 years, 1 month ago
Dodger
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dodger has a funny personality and makes us laugh. His favorite activity outdoors in the yard is chasing squirrels. He enjoys car rides. He loves to sleep either under our bed or totally under the covers in our bed. He is very smart and understands many words.
6 years ago
Loki
4 Months
7 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
wrestling
Very smart and loveable
4 years, 6 months ago
Watson
5 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running in the yard
Cuddling
People watching
Sleeping
Boy did we get lucky! Watson came to us via my boyfriends sister who met a breeder when she moved a few states away. Her new friend had explained that she’d had a little bit of a happy accident on her hands while babysitting another breeder friend’s dog (a schnauzer) whom apparently found some alone time with her miniature pinscher! They had 3 puppies - had already sold one, my boyfriends sister planned on taking one, and my boyfriend told her he’d buy the remaining one for his parents, whom felt their Boston Terrier was having a difficult time dealing with the loss of her companion, a Newfoundland/Akita mix. We were living with his parents at the time and I had no idea what to expect! I’d never had a dog growing up and my boyfriends family had plenty! Little did I know, I was about to fall in love with this little furball (aka a dog) for the first time in my life! Watson is everything you could ever want in a dog, so long as you don’t mind his little “attitude” lol As mentioned in the description on this site and from other commenters, he is super smart! He knows a lot of words and a lot of people’s (and other family members dogs) names! He can be trained pretty easily BUT only if he’s “in the mood” or the treat is something VERY motivating haha He’s also smart in the sense that when he wants something, he will walk up to me and if I’m sitting at a table, or up high on a stool and don’t see him, he’ll give me a little rumble noise to let me know he’s there and he wants something. Usually, he wants to be picked up to be in a lap and “part of the conversation”. The Schnaupin breed definitely love attention and to be fussed over! He is very playful and full of energy but also loves to just “chill”. His favorite perch being on the back of one of the couches where he can see and hear everything that’s going on inside the house! One minute he’ll be running around outside like a nutball and the next he’s jumping on the bed and tucking his wet little paws and nose into my neck in the morning to warm back up and fall back asleep until I get up! He loves to sleep with some part of his body touching a member of his “pack” i.e. his Boston terrier sister, me, my boyfriend, or his parents.
4 years, 4 months ago
Boots
8 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Boots from our local animal shelter when he was just a 10 week old pup. He was constantly looked over as he was a yiper in the shelter. We found it was really only that environment that made him yipe constantly. Once outside and at home he was just fine. He trains really easily. He is so smart. He follows me around all over and sleeps in bed with my husband and I every night. He is a true pack dog. He likes chasing our kids and play biting at their feet when they have socks on only. Not bare. He always barks at a doorbell (tv and all). He has been the best dog ever. Almost human like. He is a picky table eater and has learned multiple tricks. Kennels to the word kennel. He has developed luxela patella. So far he stretches and pops them back in place on his own. Started at about year 7. He also has bounded to us so much he doesn't ever try to run. Always by our side. I hope we find another one like him in our lifetime.
4 years ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd