ABOUT MINI SCHNAUZERS

Yes, Miniature Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic because they have a double coat that sheds very little. This breed produces less dander, which can help reduce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, and reactions can vary from person to person. Regular grooming and maintenance are recommended to minimize allergens.

No, Miniature Schnauzers are not typically aggressive. They are known for their friendly, alert, and spirited nature. While they can be protective and may show some territorial behavior, they are generally good with families and other pets when properly socialized. Training and early socialization are key to ensuring a well-behaved Miniature Schnauzer.

Miniature Schnauzers make wonderful candidates for therapy work and/or emotional support. Schnauzers are very in tune with their owners and are known to pick up on your emotions. Their personalities make them perfect for training and specialization as a therapy dog.

Yes! With the proper socialization, schnauzers make wonderful family pets. They have a playful spirit, but also enjoy snuggles. All J&T pups are raised with my children, so they come predisposed to small hands and extra loving touch.

The size of a Miniature Schnauzer tends to fluctuate some, but most of my J&T schnauzers range in size from 10-14lbs full grown. To me this is the perfect size! Not too small or fragile, but still very portable!

The Miniature Schnauzer personality lends them to being fantastic watchdogs. They will most likely sound the alarm when someone comes to visit, so no one will be sneaking up on you. Some people assume most smaller dogs are "yappy", but a schnauzer does not typically bark just to bark. Some schnauzers do enjoy "talking" with you, and it is something schnauzer lovers find endearing!

Choosing between a male and female Miniature Schnauzer depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Males are often more affectionate, playful, and attached to their owners. They tend to be more sociable and easier to train due to their eagerness to please. Neutered males rarely exhibit behaviors like marking or humping. Females, on the other hand, can be more independent, territorial, and may exhibit 'alpha' behaviors. They often determine the pecking order in dog packs and can be more stubborn. Both genders make wonderful pets, but understanding these traits can help you make an informed decision.

All schnauzer colors are recognized by AKC and are AKC registerable aside from the merle pattern. Some people believe that if your schnauzer is not of the "standard" colors that they are not pure bred. This is far from the truth. Even my merle patterned dogs will DNA test as 100% schnauzer since the pattern has been bred into the lines for so long.

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually formed by breeding down the size of the Standard Schnauzer using Affenpinschers and Miniature Poodles. This is how we are able to create some many colors of miniature schnauzer that are not considered "AKC standard". They are still recognized by AKC but are not able to be shown in AKC competitions. Some miniature schnauzers have "more poodle genes" and that is how they may test as "Schnoodle" using DNA tests such as embark. Embark themselves will state that they do not determine purebred lineage.

-Per Embark vet: “Sometimes a registered purebred dog tested by Embark may not perfectly match the genetic signature of the reference panel. These results in no way affect the “purebred” status of the dog or its standing with the registration body. In fact, because these dogs usually contain genetic signatures not common in the breed, they can be highly useful for maintaining or even increasing genetic diversity in the breed.”

Read more about the history of the miniature schnauzer, here: Miniature Schnauzer History: From Fearless Barnyard Ratter Companion