Breed Clubs - South Africa
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd Dog
- Basenji
- Boerboel
- Borzoi
- Boston
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Chinese Crested
- Chow Chow
- Corgi
- Dachshund
- Dobermann
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Greyhounds & Whippet
- Irish Wolfhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Dachshund
- Miniature Schnauzer
March/April 2009
Order the Miniature Schnauzer back issue ...
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Terrier
- Setters
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spaniels
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Xoloiztcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
Miniature Schnauzers
It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
Gauteng |
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Schnauzer Club |
Schnauzer Club of Gauteng
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| Utility Group Clubs | Transvaal Field Trial Grand Central Utility Breeds Club
Utility Breeds Club of Gauteng
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Kwazulu Natal |
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| Utility Group Club | Natal Utility Breeds Club
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Western Cape |
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| Utility Group Club | Cape Utility Dog Club
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Fact File - Miniature Schnauzers
| KUSA Group | Utility | |
| FCI Group | Group 2 – Section 1 (Min. Schnauzers have not adopted the FCI standard in SA) | |
Original Function |
Kept the farmyard free of rats and vermin | |
| Modern Function | Friend and companion. | |
Appearance |
Smart, sturdy, balanced, stylish and attractive with characteristic eyebrows and beard. Alert with keen expression. | |
Weight |
Ideal weight: Average approx. 8 kg | |
| Height | Ideal height: Dogs: 36 cm (14 inches) Bitches: 33 cm (13 inches) |
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| Coat Colour | Pepper & Salt; Black & Silver; Black | |
| Coat Texture | Harsh topcoat with dense undercoat, stripped or clipped to keep a smart appearance. Thick furnishings on legs and beard. | |
| Grooming | Does not shed. Requires regular brushing; bathing when necessary; professional grooming to keep coat smart and short. | |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal and loving. Intelligent, friendly. Excellent companion. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
Very adaptable – enjoys the company of other dogs. Not a fighter, but will defend itself if provoked. | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Gets on well with other animals, particularly if raised with them and if introduced properly. | |
| Compatibility with people/children | Loves people and children. Children should always be supervised during interaction with any dogs. | |
| Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors | Strictly an indoor dog. Min. Schnauzers want to be with their owners and should be able to spend maximum time with them. | |
Space and Exercise |
Easily adaptable to small areas (townhouse garden) or large grounds. Enjoys a walk with its owner, particularly if confined in limited outdoor space. | |
| Trainability | Easily trained, from housetraining to obedience, agility and other sports. | |
Suitability as Watchdog |
Very alert – will raise the alarm immediately if strangers about. | |
Noise Factor |
Will bark if visitors or strangers arrive – however, properly trained from puppyhood, this is easily controlled. Many ‘talk’ to their owners with a characteristic ‘woo-woo’ sound! | |
| Average Lifespan | 13 – 15 years | |
| Feeding | Feed a good quality dog food, and follow manufacturers recommendations for age and weight. | |
Health |
Some lines susceptible to eye disorders, megaoesophagus, liver shunts, heart disorders. Breeder should give informed advice. | |
| Availability | Enquire via Schnauzer Club for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies! | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Ask to see the Sire (if available) & Dam. Are the puppies KUSA registered? Have they been de-wormed and vaccinated? Are there health issues in the breeder’s lines? Does the breeder give a health guarantee? |