Meet the Miniature Schnauzer E-Book

American Kennel Club

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: AKC Meet the Breed Series
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Seitenzahl: 184

Beschreibung

The Miniature Schnauzer is the nation's most popular terrier breed, prized for his smart looks and cunning personality. His beard and mustache and his instantly recognizable outline are his calling cards.The first breed series ever authorized by the American Kennel Club in its 150+ years' history, The American Kennel Club's Meet the Breed Series serves as an excellent introduction to the nation's most popular purebred dogs. As an official publication of the AKC and vetted and endorsed by the national parent club of each breed, every book in the series describes how best to select a breed and acquire a healthy, sound puppy and offers expert advice on all aspects of care and training.Each title includes:-Characteristics of breed; choosing a puppy; supplies; house-training and obedience training; feeding; grooming; veterinary care and preventive medicine; activities and competition-Sidebars containing breed trivia facts, historical data, AKC owner advice, and chapter summaries-Index plus Resources, containing recommended books, periodicals, websites, AKC affiliates and programs.

Leseprobe

Brought to you by The American Kennel Club and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.

Lead Editor: Andrew DePrisco

Art Director: Cindy Kassebaum

Production Supervisor: Jessica Jaensch

Assistant Production Manager: Tracy Vogtman

I-5 PUBLISHING, LLCTM

Chief Executive Officer: Mark Harris

Chief Financial Officer: Nicole Fabian

Vice President, Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi

General Manager, I-5 Press: Christopher Reggio

Editorial Director, I-5 Press: Andrew DePrisco

Art Director, I-5 Press: Mary Ann Kahn

Digital General Manager: Melissa Kauffman

Production Director: Laurie Panaggio

Production Manager: Jessica Jaensch

Marketing Director: Lisa MacDonald

Copyright © 2014 The American Kennel Club and I-5 Publishing, LLCTM

Photographs by: Mary Bloom: 94, 120; Cheryl Ertelt: 18, 69, 90-91, 104; Isabelle Francais: 40, 92, 95, 96, 101, 116; Jeannie Harrison/Close Encounters of the Furry Kind: 1, 8, 10, 24, 26, 28-29, 30-31, 33, 39, 45, 46, 70, 78, 98-99, 110-111, 119; Diane Lewis: 3, 6-7, 23, 58, 60, 63, 65, 68, 76, 80, 84, 102, 107; Mark Raycroft Photography: 9, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, 35, 36, 41, 42-43, 49, 51, 52, 55, 56-57, 66-67, 72, 73, 74-75, 82-83, 85, 86, 88, 93, 105, 108, 109, 112, 113, 114, 121; and Shutterstock.com: front cover main image, 89, 97 (Jagodka/Shutterstock.com); front cover insets (Sergey Lavrentev/Shutterstock.com, littleny/Shutterstock.com, Elliot Westacott/Shutterstock.com, AnetaPics/Shutterstock.com); 11, 14 (mariait/Shutterstock.com); 27, 79 (Nikolai Tsvetkov/Shutterstock.com); 32, 47, 118 (Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com); 48, 62, 81, 124 (Julia Remezova/Shutterstock.com); 71 (stockyimages/Shutterstock.com); 87 (James Clarke/Shutterstock.com); 106 (katielittle/Shutterstock.com); 117 (Vitaly Titov & Maria Sidelnikova/Shutterstock.com); back cover (steamroller_blues/Shutterstock.com).

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of I-5 PressTM, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The American Kennel Club’s meet the Miniature schnauzer : the responsible dog owner’s handbook.

       pages cm -- (AKC’s meet the breeds series)

  Includes index.

  Print ISBN 978-1-62008-095-5  eISBN: 978-1-62187-093-7

1. Miniature schnauzer. I. American Kennel Club. II. Title: Meet the Miniature schnauzer.

  SF429.M58A54 2014

  636.76--dc23

2013043577

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

A NOTE FROM THE AKC

From Dennis B. SprungAKC President and CEO

Meet Your New Dog

Welcome to Meet the Miniature Schnauzer. Whether you’re a long-time Miniature Schnauzer owner, or you’ve just gotten your first puppy, we wish you a lifetime of happiness and enjoyment with your new pet.

In this book, you’ll learn about the history of the breed, receive tips on feeding, grooming, and training, and learn about all the fun you can have with your dog. The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press hope that this book serves as a useful guide on the lifelong journey you’ll take with your canine companion.

Owned and cherished by millions across America, Minis make wonderful companions and also enjoy taking part in a variety of dog sports, including Conformation (dog shows), Obedience, Earthdog events, and Agility.

Thousands of Miniature Schnauzers have also earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen® certification by demonstrating their good manners at home and in the community. We hope that you and your Miniature Schnauzer will become involved in AKC events, too! Learn how to get involved at www.akc.org/events or find a training club in your area at www.akc.org/events/trainingclubs.cfm.

We encourage you to connect with other Mini owners on the AKC website (www.akc.org), Facebook (www.facebook.com/americankennelclub), and Twitter (@akcdoglovers). Also visit the website for the American Miniature Schnauzer Club (www.amsc.us), the national parent club for the Mini, to learn about the breed from reputable exhibitors and breeders.

Enjoy Meet the Miniature Schnauzer!

Sincerely,

Dennis B. Sprung

AKC President and CEO

Contents

1 SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

2 THE MAKING OF A SCHNAUZER

3 CHOOSING A MINI PUPPY

4 WELCOME HOME, MINI!

5 YOUR MANNERLY MINI

6 HOUSE-TRAINING THE MINI

7 THE TEACHER IS IN!

8 FEEDING THE MINI

9 GROOMING THE MINI

10 HEALTHY LIVING

11 JUST DO IT!

RESOURCES

The Miniature Schnauzer will add more than salt and pepper to your life! This colorful little terrier promises to add zest and zing to the life of any true dog lover who’s looking for a spunky, confident companion to share his home and heart with. Few can contest the notion that the Miniature Schnauzer is a sharp-looking purebred dog. His hard and wiry outer coat, complete with abundant whiskers and fairly thick furnishings; his rectangular head, capped by pointed cropped ears or small, folded ears; and his sturdy build cut an unmistakable impression!

The progenitor of the Miniature Schnauzer was the Standard Schnauzer, a breed that has been used to pull carts, though not necessarily with two Minis aboard!

WHAT’S IN A NAME!

The breed is “Miniature” in name only: it appears very much like its larger relation, the Standard Schnauzer, and projects no less an air of strength and fearlessness. Much lighter than the Standard, the Miniature Schnauzer weighs less than 20 pounds, but he’s a solid, muscular dog who is more rugged than most other terriers and never toyish. For his 12 to 14 inches, he is every inch a watchdog and his family’s protector. Minis have no regard for size and feel equal to any dog.

The Miniature Schnauzer, in many ways, is the un-terrier of the Terrier Group—perhaps because he’s one of the few non-Anglo outsiders of the group or perhaps because he’s simply a more reasonable fellow than those feisty Fox Terriers and Scotties. While most other Terriers can be quarrelsome with their own kind—and especially their own sex—Minis can play with other dogs in a nonaggressive manner. They are not fighters, but they will not hesitate to protect themselves when challenged.

Minis are fairly quiet companions compared to many barky ratters and fox-chasers. Like his dirt-loving brethren, the Mini will go to ground after a rat or another pesky varmint, but he’s less likely to bolt from his owner’s side or wander away from home. Owners, however, are warned that a fence is still an absolute necessity for suburban dwellers, and owners should always keep their Mini on a leash when walking, whether in the country or city.

Miniature Schnauzers can live happily in temperate climates and know how to enjoy the good life on sunny days.

Did You Know?

The Miniature Schnauzer has been bred in the United States since 1925 but took a few decades to make it into the nation’s Top Ten breeds. The breed was the number-eight breed for the decades of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the first time a Terrier breed made the Top Ten since the Smooth Fox was ranked number eight in the 1940s. No Terrier has ever ranked number one for any decade in the AKC’s history, though the Airedale Terrier got close during the 1910s, when it was ranked number-two breed in the U.S.

MINIS DON’T CARE ABOUT ZIP CODES

Where you live will matter little to your Miniature Schnauzer. Breeders are happy to place Minis with caring owners who live on Midwestern farms or Texas ranches, canine aficionados in suburban neighborhoods across the country, active beachcombers on either coast, and dog-loving Manhattanites, San Franciscans, Chicagoans, and Austiners alike—as long as he’s with a responsible owner, a Mini Schnauzer will be happy.

Even though the schnauzer breeds began as working farm dogs, today’s Mini is equally at home in the city, suburbs, or country. He will gladly adapt to any lifestyle his owner chooses for him. It’s not uncommon to see Minis being walked along bustling city streets, nor is it uncommon to see these hard-working dogs on large farms and hobby farms. Temperature doesn’t much matter to the Mini either, and he’ll just as happily join a parade in South Beach as he will a hike in Anchorage. The Mini is adaptable to all terrains and climes, and doesn’t mind steps either! If you live on a tenth-floor walkup, you’ll be regretting the lack of an elevator long before your Mini does.

Versatility and adaptability are two characteristics that continue to attract new fanciers to the Miniature Schnauzer. As a rule, the Mini is an easy dog to live with. He thrives on companionship and enjoys time spent with his favorite person, whether snoozing on the bed or practicing obedience lessons. If you already have a family of three children or are expecting to start a family, you needn’t worry about the Miniature Schnauzer. He’s delighted to take his place alongside human children, accepting them as his playmates and siblings. No matter how tolerant a dog is, though, parents must always ensure that children learn the proper, respectable way to handle and treat a dog. Toddlers and infants, of course, should never be left unsupervised with a dog, for the safety of human and canine alike.

Parent Club

The American Miniature Schnauzer Club was founded in 1933 and is the parent club for twenty-five specialty clubs around the United States. The AMSC has over 600 members in the U.S. The AMSC exists to promote correct type in purebred Miniature Schnauzers, encouraging breeders to conform to the breed standard and for members to participate in formal competitions with their Minis, including conformation, performance, and obedience trials. Educating the public about the proper care and ongoing good health of the breed is of paramount importance to the AMSC.

Puppies inherit their good looks and their outgoing personalities from their parents.

Miniature Schnauzers welcome the attention of children, and the breed’s happy outlook on life nicely complements a child’s carefree approach to the world. Playing games, chasing a ball or Frisbee, or just running around the backyard are among the many activities that the Mini and his mini playmates can share and enjoy. For the sake of the dog’s safety, it’s best to teach the children that the dog should chase them instead of their chasing the dog. A dog should never be allowed to think that running away from a human is a good thing. Children are best to play a “come-follow-me” game instead of a “run-for-your-life-little-doggy” game.

The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three accepted schnauzer breeds. The middle-sized breed, the Standard, is believed to be the original form, dating back to the fifteenth century. The Mini’s long résumé of skills can be traced to this versatile progenitor, as the Standard Schnauzer was used as a multipurpose farm dog; a guard dog for home, farm, and property; and a ratter. That these dogs were smart and pleasant to be around made them welcome inside the farmers’ homes, not just outside or in the barns. As a member of the Terrier Group, the Miniature Schnauzer’s ratting (or mousing) skills remain undiminished to this day, and the alert Mini is willing and able to remove unwanted vermin from your home, garage, barn, or yard. Likewise, the Mini will also go full tilt at a passing squirrel or rabbit in the field (or around the block), so remember to keep him on leash. Once a terrier’s “vermin-alert light” goes on, his “listening ears” naturally turn off.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Getting a dog is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on all that is involved in being a good pet owner. As a part of the Canine Good Citizen® test, the AKC has a “Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge,” which states:

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs.

    I will provide routine veterinary care, including checkups and vaccines.

    I will offer adequate nutrition through proper diet and clean water at all times.

    I will give daily exercise and regularly bathe and groom.

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

    I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, by not letting my dog run loose, and by using a leash in public.

    I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip identification).

    I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

    I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.

    I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.

    I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas, such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, in parks, etc.

    I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, on campgrounds, and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

    I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.

    I will give my dog attention and playtime.

    I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

A quartet with a little mischief on their minds.

THE BEST MINI OWNER

Less active owners have frequently shared their couches with Miniature Schnauzers; this dog will happily sit by his owner’s side, sharing a box of Amish hard pretzels. However, for the dog’s health and fitness (and your own), you’re better off keeping your Mini moving and giving him a job to do. The Mini is a dog that was bred to do a job, and he’ll just as happily take a pretzel as a reward for a day’s work!

This is a smart, mindful breed that likes to please its owner. Minis know how to think and have minds that can easily understand problems and work out solutions. Don’t let his size fool you: he’s miniature in inches only, not in ambition, desire to work, or intelligence.

Minis are ideal choices for active owners, particularly ones who have a little competitive nature in their blood. Minis like to win! They naturally put their dog smarts and their muscle into a task, which is why you often see Miniature Schnauzers taking home ribbons and titles in the obedience ring. For nearly a hundred years, Miniature Schnauzers have enjoyed a venerable spot in the lives and homes of American dog lovers, and today the breed continues to rank as the most popular terrier in the nation.

Most dog owners defend their breeds’ intelligence, but Miniature Schnauzer owners attest to their dogs’ near-human intelligence. An exaggeration, perhaps. However, the Miniature Schnauzer breed standard makes a point of including the word “intelligent,” and it’s one of the few Terrier breed standards to use that word. The Terrier Group as a whole is a bright clan of dogs—the Scottish Terrier is called “thoughtful,” the Parson Russell, “clever,” and the Wire Fox, “keen of expression”—canine scholars every one, but the Miniature Schnauzer takes it a step further. This dog is able to reason his way through a problem, not by instincts, impulse, or scents, but by sense. Minis seem to understand more than your average dog. It is difficult to prove scientifically that the dog is applying any rules of logic to his problem-solving, but he sure makes it look that way.

The Mini’s Larger Brethren

The Miniature Schnauzer, a member of the Terrier Group, is the smallest of the three recognized schnauzer breeds; the Giant Schnauzer, standing between 23.5 and 27.5 inches, is the largest; and the Standard Schnauzer, 17.5 to 19.5 inches, is the medium-sized breed. Both the Giant and the Standard Schnauzers are members of the Working Group and were designed to rid vermin from barns, herd, and guard. The Giant also excels in police and military work and was once used to pull carts. Conformationally, all three schnauzers are very similar, though personality-wise they are quite diverse. The two larger breeds only come in pepper and salt and black.

TAMING THE TERRIER WITHIN

Devotees of the breed often brag that Miniature Schnauzers are easy to train because the dogs are naturally biddable and responsive to obedience work. Most other terriers are too spirited and independent-minded to ever be labeled “easy to train.”

The breed’s trainability stems from its desire to please its owners. Minis use their own perception to make decisions about the people they meet. They are polite souls who are friendly and calm in the company of people, but they may not accept everyone into their hearts—they have a keen ability to perceive friend or foe, and their memories are long and flawless. Once a Mini has decided that you’re one of “his people,” however, you are the center of his life. He believes that he understands you, and he needs interaction with his favorite person to remain happy and balanced. It is very easy to communicate with this dog.

Get to Know the AKC

The American Kennel Club, the world’s leading canine organization, is dedicated to the betterment and promotion of purebred dogs as family companions. The AKC is the largest dog registry in the United States and was founded in 1884 with the mission of promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Supporting everything from health and wellness to fun activities for the whole family, the AKC is committed to advancing the understanding, benefits, and care of all dogs. Help continue the legacy by registering your purebred Miniature Schnauzer with the AKC. It’s as simple as filling out the Dog Registration Application you received when you bought your puppy and mailing it in or register online at www.akc.org/dogreg.

Ten Reasons Minis Make Great Pets

•     Compact size, but not fragile or toyish; portable but not breakable

•     Intelligent and extremely trainable

•     A stylish coat that does not shed

•     Playful and affectionate, but also a competent watchdog

•     Fearless and tough, but not aggressive with other dogs

•     Unlike other terriers, he is seldom a wanderer

•     He will rid your yard and home of unwanted vermin, and can be trained to live with cats and other small pets

•     At home anywhere: city, country, suburbs, deserted island, as long as he’s with his people

•     Untiringly loyal to a favorite person, but loves the whole family

•     Not barky or brainlessly vocal, but will sound an alarm when necessary

We know that Miniature Schnauzers are bright little dogs, and they even bark in compound sentences. Although many trainers advise owners to give clear, concise one-word commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” or “come,” not so for a dog as smart as the Mini. This approach is especially useful when teaching the come exercise. Use the word “come” to begin an imperative sentence, such as “Come and get this cookie,” “Come give mommy a hug,” “Come and show me who’s a big boy,” and, every Miniature Schnauzer’s favorite, “Come and get your cheese!” The puppy will associate the word “come” with things he loves: food, affection, and positive reinforcement. Never, ever begin a sentence with “come” for a negative purpose, such as “Come over here right now” or “Come here, you bad girl!”

On the topic of communication, terriers as a whole are an opinionated lot and, as such, frequently have a lot to say. It is fortunate that the Mini Schnauzer is less verbose than most of the other breeds in the Terrier Group, and you can help your dog keep his barking to an appropriate level. No matter how cute you think your Mini Schnauzer pup is when he’s yipping, don’t encourage him to bark.

Temperament is bred into an animal, but upbringing matters just as much. The breed standard may describe the Miniature Schnauzer as “friendly, intelligent, and willing to please,” and most Minis are, but each dog is different. Have you ever noticed how some dog owners always seem to luck out and get perfectly behaved dogs? While good breeding can never be underestimated, obedience training and teaching manners play an equally important role in deciding your dog’s nature. Everyone wants a dog who will be a pleasure to have around, one who your friends and family will be happy to see. Don’t jeopardize your friendships by exposing your chums to a yappy, needy, whiny dog. Even if he’s perfectly handsome, a misbehaving dog is not good company. An owner’s responsibility (to the dog and everyone else) is to train his dog to become a true canine good citizen.

THE CULT OF THE SCHNAUZER

Speaking of handsome, the schnauzer breeds may come in various sizes and colors, but there’s just one schnauzer! A schnauzer of any size cannot be mistaken for any other dog, purebred or otherwise. The Miniature Schnauzer is at once elegant and handsome, even when his mustached expression conveys a comic air of “grumpy old man.” And we know he’s anything but a grump! His bushy, thick eyebrows and his full mustache and beard frame his strong, rectangular head and give the Miniature Schnauzer his head-turning stamp. If cropped, the ears add to this distinctive sharp expression, while natural ears soften the dog’s overall look and reflect his mild and easygoing temperament. The Mini’s dark eyes impart such intelligence that there is never any doubt that this is a thinking dog.