QuenLand Miniature Schnauzers

Care:

Miniature Schnauzers are easy to care for compared to other breeds. They are small requiring just over a cup of dog food a day. They are very personable dogs and make excellent companion pets. These dogs are smart and require daily mental stimulation like walks or daily training, but do well in an apartment or on the farm. One thing to keep in mind though. This breed tends to do poor by itself. It is best if there owner is home most of the time or they have a companion.  They make good travel companions too.

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Grooming requirements include daily hair brushing & teeth brushing, weekly baths, haircuts every six to eight weeks, and nails trimmed every four to six weeks. Below are links to more information on grooming. One covers grooming with clippers the other is hand stripping for a show look. I like to keep my pups coats short and even clip their skirt off because it is more comfortable for the pup, less coat care, and living in the country it prevents sores from stickers.

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Feeding requirements include a high quality dog food. I feed mine Victor Hi Pro Plus. I also provide healthy treats like raw carrots or a good quality grain free treat. You can even give chunks of boiled chicken as a treat.

 

Miniature Schnauzers are known for skin issues so food with extra skin benefits is ideal.

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As for toys, I recommend any of the Nylabone or Kong products. Those are made so if they are digested the puppy will not be harmed. I also wouldn't give the pup any bones or rawhide but ask your vet before you give them. Also rope toys use with caution. If the puppy manages to eat any of it it could bind the puppy up and be fatal, so check the toy often.

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Be sure your pup receive yearly check ups and dental care. Check ups help catch health issues early so the health issue can be addressed early.

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Health Issues:

Below is a list of health issues seen in Miniature Schnauzers:

• Pancreatitis

• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

• Lipid metabolism disorder

• Liver shunt

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Hypothyroidism

• Megaesophagus

• Kidney disease

• Bladder Stones

• Luxating patella

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

• Hip dysplasia

• Blood-clotting diseases

• Myotonia

• Allergies

• Eye Diseases

• Epilepsy

• Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome

• Cancer

This list shows some health issues to be aware of for the Miniature Schnauzer. Some are inherited diseases.  The most common thing I have seen in the Miniature Schnauzer are allergies and cancer. Cancer maybe inherited or environmental. Preventive care is best to prevent cancer. As for allergies, a high quality diet seems to be sufficient for managing mild to moderate allergies. I have also seen a pup with a hernia I was looking to purchase. I do know of a pup who was put down for progressing myotonic disease and one with a blood clot in the spine. I do not breed my pups if they are showing any health issues. They also see a vet frequently. I also intend to begin genetic testing on my pups to help breed healthier pups. The best way to is include diversity into the bloodline which is why I am including an array of characteristics to my breeding program. As a breeder my goal is to raise healthy pups and limit the chances of these health issues developing. The first step is raising pups in a healthy environment.