We're considering getting a pup later this year and can't decide between a border terrier and a mini schnauzer..
We've had borders, I lost my girl last year, so know about them but I'm not sure I can bear to bring another into my life.
My hubby likes the look of Mini Schnauzer (I've loved them since seeing one on the TV show "Spaced" many years ago) but I am struggling to find out what their true personality is like I've read so many conflicting articles online.
We have 4 cats so our new pup regardless of breed will need to be able to get along - how are MiniS in this respect?
Also, I've heard MiniS are VERY vocal. Is this a breed trait or is it down to individual dogs? We live in a townhouse however we have neighbours both sides so the noise will be a big deciding factor for us of whether a MiniS would be a suitable family addition.
Hubby and I work different shifts so when I'm at work hubby is home and vice versa so pup won't be left for long periods in the day but do they suffer from separation anxiety for when we have to run errands and go shopping etc? Obviously we would work on building up time away from pup to try and combat any possible SA.
With regards to health, I've read quite a bit and it seems like MiniS are quite prone to a few health issues, exactly how common are they. I know it's possible for them to have the issues but how *probable* are they?
With MAC is it a case of if both or one of the parents are clear then the pup will be fine? I have to admit that the thought of a possible zoonotic disease scares me as we have a 9yo child to worry about.
And lastly, do MiniS tend to get on with other dogs or can they be narky with them?
I intend on attending puppy socialisation classes, Ringcraft, Puppy Training and Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme classes.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my essay lol
Donna and family.
Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Forum rules
Please feel free to post here if your topic does not fit into one of the categories under 'Caring for your Schnauzer'. There are sections for breeding, feeding, grooming, showing and many more that may be more appropriate than this generic section
Please feel free to post here if your topic does not fit into one of the categories under 'Caring for your Schnauzer'. There are sections for breeding, feeding, grooming, showing and many more that may be more appropriate than this generic section
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DonnaD
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 Mar 2018, 18:57
- First Name: Donna
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Oscar 12345
- Member
- Posts: 1592
- Joined: 02 May 2017, 11:28
- First Name: Julie
- Dog #1: Oscar RIP Sweety
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 21 Dec 2002
- Dog #2: Otto
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 04 Jul 2017
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Donna,
The barking is interesting. My first mini was a barker, barked to tell everyone he was there, barked in defence, barked at dogs in the distance, barked at anyone arriving at the house - continued for several mins and then barked when they left. My second mini is completely different and I haven't trained him not to bark, he is just quiet and will only bark if he has a reason to e.g. he hears a strange noise when in the house. Of the schnauzers that I have come across I would say that 70% are vocal, having said that I went to Crufts on Saturday and saw the mini's and there were well over 200 in there in close proximity of each other - I didn't hear any barking at all, no aggression between them and the males are obviously all intact so they clearly can be trained. It is difficult (impossible?) to stop once they have got into the habit, I didn't have any success trying to train it out of my first schnauzer and I don't know how difficult it is to stop before it becomes a habit I am just happy that my latest is not a barker. Hope this is helpful wrt barking.
The barking is interesting. My first mini was a barker, barked to tell everyone he was there, barked in defence, barked at dogs in the distance, barked at anyone arriving at the house - continued for several mins and then barked when they left. My second mini is completely different and I haven't trained him not to bark, he is just quiet and will only bark if he has a reason to e.g. he hears a strange noise when in the house. Of the schnauzers that I have come across I would say that 70% are vocal, having said that I went to Crufts on Saturday and saw the mini's and there were well over 200 in there in close proximity of each other - I didn't hear any barking at all, no aggression between them and the males are obviously all intact so they clearly can be trained. It is difficult (impossible?) to stop once they have got into the habit, I didn't have any success trying to train it out of my first schnauzer and I don't know how difficult it is to stop before it becomes a habit I am just happy that my latest is not a barker. Hope this is helpful wrt barking.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
we also need a schnauzer.
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mikegoodson1
- Member
- Posts: 714
- Joined: 31 Mar 2016, 11:52
- First Name: Mike
- Dog #1: Oscar
- is a: Black Mini Dog
- Born: 17 Oct 2015
- Dog #2: Sasha
- is a: B/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 23 Sep 2017
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Hi Donna,
I have two mini-Schnauzers, our boy is two years old and pretty chilled, he only barks if someone walks past the house (and he see's them) or we get a knock on the door - so he is just warning us there is danger ;) He is a really lovely boy, obedient with a little stubborn streak (I call that character) and easy going.
Our girl is five months old and pretty much the opposite (even though they are brother and sister), she is very vocal, she barks on her way into the garden, when she is in the garden, when she is in the house and see's someone walking past or someone knocks on the door but she is fine out and about when meeting other dogs. She is feisty and stands her ground but is doing really well with her obedience training (we are aiming to take our Bronze Good Citizen in April).
I love them both dearly - they really are a great breed of dog.
They both get on really well with other dogs, we ensured we took them both to puppy socialization classes and walk where there are always other dogs around (although Sasha is a little nervous of much bigger dogs but I hope this will abate as she gets older).
I also take Oscar to agility training and he loves that.
Good luck.
Mike
I have two mini-Schnauzers, our boy is two years old and pretty chilled, he only barks if someone walks past the house (and he see's them) or we get a knock on the door - so he is just warning us there is danger ;) He is a really lovely boy, obedient with a little stubborn streak (I call that character) and easy going.
Our girl is five months old and pretty much the opposite (even though they are brother and sister), she is very vocal, she barks on her way into the garden, when she is in the garden, when she is in the house and see's someone walking past or someone knocks on the door but she is fine out and about when meeting other dogs. She is feisty and stands her ground but is doing really well with her obedience training (we are aiming to take our Bronze Good Citizen in April).
I love them both dearly - they really are a great breed of dog.
They both get on really well with other dogs, we ensured we took them both to puppy socialization classes and walk where there are always other dogs around (although Sasha is a little nervous of much bigger dogs but I hope this will abate as she gets older).
I also take Oscar to agility training and he loves that.
Good luck.
Mike
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zeta1454
- Moderator
- Posts: 5140
- Joined: 19 May 2011, 16:58
- First Name: Leigh
- Dog #1: Magic
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 20 Apr 2010
- Dog #2: Trilby
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 15 Mar 2012
- Dog #3: Pip
- Born: 21 Feb 2014
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Location: North Yorkshire
- Contact:
Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Welcome to the Forum [emoji3]
As said in the above posts, miniature schnauzers are a vocal breed but it really varies between individual dogs as to how much and why they bark. Like most dogs, they do tend to bark if they think their territory is being invaded such as postal delivery people coming to the door, dogs passing the garden gate or if there are noisy dogs in neighbouring gardens. They should not bark constantly or without reason and most are quiet in the house if left alone as long as they do not have access to watch the outside through the window [emoji1]
Generally they are a friendly and companionable breed that get on well with people and other dogs (and family cats) but much will depend on where you get the puppy, the temperament of the parent dogs and the training / socialisation that you do once you have the puppy in your family. It is important too to select a good quality training class as I have known good temperament pups to have been knocked back by overcrowded and poor quality classes where dogs were not well controlled and very noisy.
Regarding separation anxiety, this should not be an issue with any puppy that is gradually introduced to periods of time being left alone. Miniature schnauzers love company but will adapt to short periods in the home without humans and should not be clingy.
Health issues should be minimal if you find a good breeder that has selected fit, healthy parents for the litter. Eye testing for the Hereditary eye conditions that can affect miniature schnauzers is a definite need as there are still many minis developing cataracts and other eye problems although usually involving dogs from poor quality breeders. The tests should have been carried out no more than twelve months before the mating and the litter of puppies must also be eye screened for Congenital Hereditary Cataracts between the age of 6-7 weeks old.
The DNA test for MAC is definitely useful and recommended by the breed clubs and the Kennel Club. Potentially MAC can be passed to humans but there are no cases recorded of this happening in the UK to date so no need to panic over this. Mycobacterium is found widely in the environment and most dogs would not become ill when exposed to it but some miniature schnauzers have a genetic mutation which means they do become ill and cannot defend against infection. It is this genetic mutation which is tested for by the DNA test and dogs can be assessed as Normal /Clear which mean they do not have the mutation; Carrier which means they have the gene and could potentially pass this to offspring; Affected which will mean the dog is at high risk of developing the disease even if they do not yet show symptoms. If one parent dog only has been tested and is clear then puppies should not be at risk of developing the condition but may by carriers if the untested parent has the gene. There is a useful article here about MAC:
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice ... -dogs.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Northern Schnauzer Club has a list of dogs that have been tested with their results and the Kennel Club also records results if they are given to them. Puppies from two clear parents will automatically be recorded as clear.
http://northernschnauzerclub.co.uk/wp-c ... h-2018.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I hope this is helpful and I am sure you will get more information from other Forum members to help you with your decision. Finding a good quality breeder is a priority though whichever breed you decide on [emoji3]
A couple of photos of two of our minis with their cat buddies:
As said in the above posts, miniature schnauzers are a vocal breed but it really varies between individual dogs as to how much and why they bark. Like most dogs, they do tend to bark if they think their territory is being invaded such as postal delivery people coming to the door, dogs passing the garden gate or if there are noisy dogs in neighbouring gardens. They should not bark constantly or without reason and most are quiet in the house if left alone as long as they do not have access to watch the outside through the window [emoji1]
Generally they are a friendly and companionable breed that get on well with people and other dogs (and family cats) but much will depend on where you get the puppy, the temperament of the parent dogs and the training / socialisation that you do once you have the puppy in your family. It is important too to select a good quality training class as I have known good temperament pups to have been knocked back by overcrowded and poor quality classes where dogs were not well controlled and very noisy.
Regarding separation anxiety, this should not be an issue with any puppy that is gradually introduced to periods of time being left alone. Miniature schnauzers love company but will adapt to short periods in the home without humans and should not be clingy.
Health issues should be minimal if you find a good breeder that has selected fit, healthy parents for the litter. Eye testing for the Hereditary eye conditions that can affect miniature schnauzers is a definite need as there are still many minis developing cataracts and other eye problems although usually involving dogs from poor quality breeders. The tests should have been carried out no more than twelve months before the mating and the litter of puppies must also be eye screened for Congenital Hereditary Cataracts between the age of 6-7 weeks old.
The DNA test for MAC is definitely useful and recommended by the breed clubs and the Kennel Club. Potentially MAC can be passed to humans but there are no cases recorded of this happening in the UK to date so no need to panic over this. Mycobacterium is found widely in the environment and most dogs would not become ill when exposed to it but some miniature schnauzers have a genetic mutation which means they do become ill and cannot defend against infection. It is this genetic mutation which is tested for by the DNA test and dogs can be assessed as Normal /Clear which mean they do not have the mutation; Carrier which means they have the gene and could potentially pass this to offspring; Affected which will mean the dog is at high risk of developing the disease even if they do not yet show symptoms. If one parent dog only has been tested and is clear then puppies should not be at risk of developing the condition but may by carriers if the untested parent has the gene. There is a useful article here about MAC:
https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice ... -dogs.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Northern Schnauzer Club has a list of dogs that have been tested with their results and the Kennel Club also records results if they are given to them. Puppies from two clear parents will automatically be recorded as clear.
http://northernschnauzerclub.co.uk/wp-c ... h-2018.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I hope this is helpful and I am sure you will get more information from other Forum members to help you with your decision. Finding a good quality breeder is a priority though whichever breed you decide on [emoji3]
A couple of photos of two of our minis with their cat buddies:
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/C ... 916994967/
Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud
https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/C ... 916994967/
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Oscar 12345
- Member
- Posts: 1592
- Joined: 02 May 2017, 11:28
- First Name: Julie
- Dog #1: Oscar RIP Sweety
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 21 Dec 2002
- Dog #2: Otto
- is a: B/S Mini Dog
- Born: 04 Jul 2017
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Donna, Leigh makes a really important point about the quality of the training/socialisation class. I made the same mistake with my 2nd schnauzer that I did with my first. 
I took him to the Vet's puppy class. It was a different vet so was hoping it would be different. Imagine 10 puppies, varying sizes and breeds in an uncontrolled, small space with overwhelming smells and you have it - a socialisation disaster. I quickly left but I think it did set me back considerably with my socialisation efforts as did one particular training class where there were 20 dogs of different puppy ages and therefore stages of development and only one trainer and food everywhere. Be very selective and if you have the opportunity to see the class without your dog then take it.
I took him to the Vet's puppy class. It was a different vet so was hoping it would be different. Imagine 10 puppies, varying sizes and breeds in an uncontrolled, small space with overwhelming smells and you have it - a socialisation disaster. I quickly left but I think it did set me back considerably with my socialisation efforts as did one particular training class where there were 20 dogs of different puppy ages and therefore stages of development and only one trainer and food everywhere. Be very selective and if you have the opportunity to see the class without your dog then take it.Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
we also need a schnauzer.
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Lou78
- Member
- Posts: 579
- Joined: 13 Mar 2014, 21:08
- First Name: Louise
- Dog #1: Ollie
- is a: P/S Mini Dog
- Born: 26 Jun 2013
- Location: Hyde, Cheshire
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Oh they are a brilliant dog! I am biased though!
In answer to you questions;
Cats - not sure as we dont have any. Our Ollie is scared of my sister's two rag doll cats though (they gang up on him a bit!) and also doesnt really bother with any we see out and about.
Vocal - erm...yes! Barks at people walking past, barks at noises, barks at anything when he is out in the garden. Also (although this is getting better - slowly), he does a low bark/growl if he sees a dog he can't get to when we are out, ie. over the road. I would agree that it is nigh on impossible to train out of him (we have been trying for 4 years!).
Luckily we have never had any trouble with separation anxiety. He is very good and has never chewed or wrecked anything in the house. The only time he starts being "naughty" (again, i would call it character!) is when we are in and he wants our attention! He will try and drag his bedding about...just showing off i call it!
Healthwise - I am unsure of any issues that are specific to Minis but touch wood, we havent encountered any serious problems. The worst he has had was a very bad stomach bug last year. This was worrying as he went down hill fast but luckily, a trip to the vet (and £80 later) and he was right as rain within days. We did struggle to get his diet right at first until we fathomed out that he was allergic to grain so now has a grain free diet (grain free foods are fairly easy to find).
Ollie gets on very well with other dogs (a bit too well when he was younger! He would go bounding over to all dogs!). He is so playful, he thinks all other dogs are too. He is getting more wary as he gets older though.
All told, I would say minis are a great addition to any family. Although it is just me and OH at home, Ollie gets on brilliantly with my 2 nephews who are 4 yrs and 8 months. He also gets on with the children of my friend with whom he stays when we go away. For all his gusto, he is surprisingly gentle with children. Another reason for us choosing minis was that they are non shedding and this was a deciding factor for me as i suffer with allergies. I have been fine with him whereas i am not with some dogs who are "meant" to be no shed (ie. cockerpoos, Labradoodles and so on).
If we had had Olls from a puppy i would have done so much more with him regarding training and so on. He was already 1 when we got him so a lot of behaviours were set. I would still reiterate what others have said ; I love him to bits and there is definitely no other breed for me!
Sorry for the lengthy reply but wanted to tell you how brill they are! HAHA!
In answer to you questions;
Cats - not sure as we dont have any. Our Ollie is scared of my sister's two rag doll cats though (they gang up on him a bit!) and also doesnt really bother with any we see out and about.
Vocal - erm...yes! Barks at people walking past, barks at noises, barks at anything when he is out in the garden. Also (although this is getting better - slowly), he does a low bark/growl if he sees a dog he can't get to when we are out, ie. over the road. I would agree that it is nigh on impossible to train out of him (we have been trying for 4 years!).
Luckily we have never had any trouble with separation anxiety. He is very good and has never chewed or wrecked anything in the house. The only time he starts being "naughty" (again, i would call it character!) is when we are in and he wants our attention! He will try and drag his bedding about...just showing off i call it!
Healthwise - I am unsure of any issues that are specific to Minis but touch wood, we havent encountered any serious problems. The worst he has had was a very bad stomach bug last year. This was worrying as he went down hill fast but luckily, a trip to the vet (and £80 later) and he was right as rain within days. We did struggle to get his diet right at first until we fathomed out that he was allergic to grain so now has a grain free diet (grain free foods are fairly easy to find).
Ollie gets on very well with other dogs (a bit too well when he was younger! He would go bounding over to all dogs!). He is so playful, he thinks all other dogs are too. He is getting more wary as he gets older though.
All told, I would say minis are a great addition to any family. Although it is just me and OH at home, Ollie gets on brilliantly with my 2 nephews who are 4 yrs and 8 months. He also gets on with the children of my friend with whom he stays when we go away. For all his gusto, he is surprisingly gentle with children. Another reason for us choosing minis was that they are non shedding and this was a deciding factor for me as i suffer with allergies. I have been fine with him whereas i am not with some dogs who are "meant" to be no shed (ie. cockerpoos, Labradoodles and so on).
If we had had Olls from a puppy i would have done so much more with him regarding training and so on. He was already 1 when we got him so a lot of behaviours were set. I would still reiterate what others have said ; I love him to bits and there is definitely no other breed for me!
Sorry for the lengthy reply but wanted to tell you how brill they are! HAHA!
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DonnaD
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 12 Mar 2018, 18:57
- First Name: Donna
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply.
I have contacted the Miniature Schnauzer Club for details of breeders and will update you all on our search
I have contacted the Miniature Schnauzer Club for details of breeders and will update you all on our search
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Schnauzer Sam
- Member
- Posts: 743
- Joined: 28 Sep 2017, 20:40
- First Name: Sam
- Dog #1: Rosie
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 06 Jul 2017
- Dog #2: Edie
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 11 Jun 2018
- Location: Guernsey
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
If Carlsberg did dogs they would all be mini schnauzers 
Country Girl at Heart (Molly) 8 April 2003 - 22 December 2018
You're never alone when you own a schnauzer
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Rosie-and-E ... 872588622/
You're never alone when you own a schnauzer
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Rosie-and-E ... 872588622/
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AnnieMoon
- Member
- Posts: 71
- Joined: 04 Jan 2018, 10:26
- First Name: Annie
- Dog #1: Harriet
- is a: P/S Mini Bitch
- Born: 05 Oct 2017
- Location: Madrid
Re: Considering a Mini, advice appreciated
Hi Donna!
About the things I can answer: Harriet is not much of a barker, although she's only 5 months old, not too sure about the future. But for now she never barks at people and occasionally barks at some dog she hears outside. I let her bark for a minute and if she keeps going I tell her to stop and she does, it doesn't seem something she can't control.
My mini schnauzer loves everyone, and she will go to say hi to every dog but especially every person she can find in her way. When a dog doesn't want to play or a person doesn't want to cuddle her, she looks completely disappointed, but she's an optimistic and goes to the next one XD
As we are both working, she stays alone at home a few hours from Monday to Thursday and we didn't have any trouble at all with separation anxiety, we used a webcam to see her when we weren't there and she cried a little the first couple of days (a little meaning less than 5 minutes). Now we give her a kong with some apple every time we leave and she doesn't care if you leave XD Of course, she's really happy when you come home, but in the meantime, she is just fine. A couple of times she stayed at my in laws a couple of hours and she didn't cry either, and last week we left her with a dog sitter near home one night as we had to spend one night in the hospital and it was good too, the dog sitter has a little child, and she enjoyed playing with him a lot. We are lucky she's pretty independent and she likes everyone XD
About the things I can answer: Harriet is not much of a barker, although she's only 5 months old, not too sure about the future. But for now she never barks at people and occasionally barks at some dog she hears outside. I let her bark for a minute and if she keeps going I tell her to stop and she does, it doesn't seem something she can't control.
My mini schnauzer loves everyone, and she will go to say hi to every dog but especially every person she can find in her way. When a dog doesn't want to play or a person doesn't want to cuddle her, she looks completely disappointed, but she's an optimistic and goes to the next one XD
As we are both working, she stays alone at home a few hours from Monday to Thursday and we didn't have any trouble at all with separation anxiety, we used a webcam to see her when we weren't there and she cried a little the first couple of days (a little meaning less than 5 minutes). Now we give her a kong with some apple every time we leave and she doesn't care if you leave XD Of course, she's really happy when you come home, but in the meantime, she is just fine. A couple of times she stayed at my in laws a couple of hours and she didn't cry either, and last week we left her with a dog sitter near home one night as we had to spend one night in the hospital and it was good too, the dog sitter has a little child, and she enjoyed playing with him a lot. We are lucky she's pretty independent and she likes everyone XD