Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

The Miniature Schnauzer is a smallest dog in the Schnauzer breed and originated in the mid-to-late 19th Century from Germany. The Miniature Schnauzer is a cross between the Standard Schnauzer and other smaller breeds such as the Poodle. A miniature Schnauzer is a spunky, but aloof dog who does things their own way. They tend to be good guard dogs without the tendency to bite.
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
Post Reply
sunnyskyez
Posts: 4
Joined: 25 Feb 2021, 20:59
First Name: sunny

Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by sunnyskyez »

Hello, Im new to your site and need a little guidance and advice, I hope you can help shed more light on my puppy breed search. Sorry for such a long post.

I lost Henry my 13 yr old Peekapoo (pekinese & poodle mix) back in 2019, Im ready to look for a new puppy. Ive been searching for another hypoallergenic pup, one who has a warm, intelligent look in his eyes, one who is loving, and great company, my Henry had all of that and more. I believe that the mini schnauzer has that look as well. Ive read a lot about the mini schnauzer, they definitely have the cute factor, and have everything Im looking for in a new family member.

But Im worried about their health problems. Henry had epilepsy, which is is hereditary on both sides. So after I read about the genetic health of a mini schnauzer I became concerned. Watching Henry go through seizures broke my heart, I can still see the fear in his eyes after a seizure. I know he was 13 but I felt we lost him too soon, and I know all dogs have issues, but he was my little boy.

Ive read the mini schnauzer’s main health problems are:
Pancreatitis, Portosystemic Shunts, Myotonia, Mitral Valve Disease, Cryptorchidism, Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, and Atopic Dermatitis. Im most concerned with the first 7 problems. I think I have my heart set on a mini schnauzer but Im scared and dragging my feet because of all of their possible health issues.

Is there anything I could do to help prevent most of these problems above, ie: yearly blood testing or diet? I never fed Henry table scrapes, and only a little boiled chicken on the holidays. He loved carrots to which he ate several times a week, and sometimes blue berries. I also fed him a high quality dog kibble. I dont think diet had anything to do with epilepsy, but maybe the other problems can be prevented or helped?

Any insight is very much appreciated.
Thanks very much in advance.
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: Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by Oscar 12345 »

Genetics are important so find the best breeder you can who has carefully considered the bloodline and bred out any unhealthy traits. Then in my opinion, a fresh raw balanced diet is the best way of reducing the risk of gastric issues like pancreatitis. If you are going to neuter then letting the schnauzer mature (at leat 2 years old) will reduce ligament/joint issues but also the risk of many cancers in relation to males and also the risk of thyroid issues. I strongly believe that epilepsy in schnauzers is caused by over vaccinating and also chemical flea/tick/worming treatments. So after puppy vacs for me that means titer testing and only natural flea/tick treatments and worm counting to check for worms. All these things along with good exercise and mental stimulation imo (although nothing in life is guaranteed of course) gives you the very best chance of having a long and happy life with a schnauzer.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
User avatar
zeta1454
Moderator
Posts: 5136
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:

Re: Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by zeta1454 »

Hello Sunny and welcome to the Forum :)

Firstly I would mention that miniature schnauzers are generally a non-shedding breed (they don’t drop hair all over the place as some breeds of dog do) but the term ‘hypoallergenic’ is not quite right as they, along with most dog breeds, can trigger an allergic reaction in someone who has a serious allergy issue. Many years ago, we were contacted by a family looking for a dog that would not trigger a reaction in one of their two children who suffered badly with allergies to most dogs. They spent a short amount of time playing with one of our miniature schnauzers and, although the child was fine at the time, she later did experience a reaction which convinced them a miniature schnauzer was not for them sadly. It may depend on your situation as to how vital the hypoallergenic issue is.

Miniature schnauzers are wonderful companion dogs, thrive on company and enjoy all activities with their family. If the allergy issue is not serious, they are an ideal family pet. As with all breeds there are potential health issues but the risk of a dog developing many of these should be reduced if not eliminated by finding the best breeder you can who breeds for good health and temperament and has a history of breeding healthy long lived dogs. In the U.K. the breed clubs and the Kennel Club recommend that parent dogs are eye screened (annually) by a veterinary ophthalmologist for Hereditary Cataracts, Congenital Hereditary Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, that any litter of miniature schnauzer puppies are eye screened at 6-7 weeks of age also, and that parent dogs should have a clear DNA test for Mycobacterium Avium Complex. These health tests are to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of these serious illnesses affecting the puppies and also helping prevent the continuance of these conditions in the breed. A good breeder should be carrying out these and be able to provide certification of the results.

The diseases you list may be present in the breed but are less likely to affect puppies from a good breeder. We have had six miniature schnauzers over the last 24 years (still do have three) and none have had any of the conditions you list.

Other than heredity, the main factors that can trigger or cause illness in dogs are diet and exposure to toxins in the environment or via pharmaceutical products some of which are definitely linked to seizures, digestive issues and skin problems.*

Our dogs are fed a raw diet (a balanced pre-prepared raw food from a company specialising in this kind of dog food); they only have the initial puppy vaccines against Distemper; Parvovirus and Canine Adenovirus and no others after that; they are not given any chemical flea or worm treatments and we use only natural herbal /plant based products when needed. I know some things may be different depending on the mandatory requirements in different countries or the environment/ climate but the more you can reduce your dog’s exposure to regular pharmaceuticals the better for their health.

We have fed raw to our dogs for over 13 years now and wean pups on to this and, having previously used a quality kibble with our first dogs, I do think their health is better for eating primarily raw food. It is minimally processed, no heat treatment or artificial additives unlike kibble where the vitamins have to be added into the food afterwards as they are destroyed in the manufacturing process.

So, if you think a miniature schnauzer is a good option for your family, don’t be scared of potential health issues but search for a responsible, reputable breeder and talk to them, meet them and their dogs, join a breed club if you have one near to where you live. If you have the means to check out the health history of the breeder’s dogs online do see what you can find out. Make sure the breeder is carrying out all relevant health tests on their dogs and pups they breed. After that, diet and pharmaceuticals are the issues of most significance. If you have a browse in our health section on the Forum you should find many topics on these there.

* This link to the European Veterinary Pharmacovigilance report for 2019 shows on page 4 (Section 3) a list of products for which significant concern has been raised over the number of adverse reactions including seizures and a range of other issues. While some products may be vitally necessary to treat a potentially fatal illness, many of these are sold to be used on a regular basis or for issues which are not in any way life-threatening and risks v benefits may not support their use.

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/ ... 019_en.pdf
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/
sunnyskyez
Posts: 4
Joined: 25 Feb 2021, 20:59
First Name: sunny

Re: Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by sunnyskyez »

Oscar 12345 wrote: 13 Mar 2021, 11:02 Genetics are important so find the best breeder you can who has carefully considered the bloodline and bred out any unhealthy traits. Then in my opinion, a fresh raw balanced diet is the best way of reducing the risk of gastric issues like pancreatitis. If you are going to neuter then letting the schnauzer mature (at leat 2 years old) will reduce ligament/joint issues but also the risk of many cancers in relation to males and also the risk of thyroid issues. I strongly believe that epilepsy in schnauzers is caused by over vaccinating and also chemical flea/tick/worming treatments. So after puppy vacs for me that means titer testing and only natural flea/tick treatments and worm counting to check for worms. All these things along with good exercise and mental stimulation imo (although nothing in life is guaranteed of course) gives you the very best chance of having a long and happy life with a schnauzer.
Thanks so much for your reply. Funny you should mention the flea meds. I had used the topical flea meds on Henry for 12 years, but It didnt repel ticks, so I switched to the chewable flea-tick meds and approx a year later he had his first seizure. I thought that might have been the problem. I researched the problems with flea-tick meds and read where some folks had problems with them and their dogs had died from using certain products, one of them was what I gave Henry. I felt I hurt Henry which really upset me, because I feel I take better care of my dog than myself.

I will need to look up 'titter testing' it sounds interesting. You've given me more to look at which I will. If I go with the mini, I will surely take your advice.

Thank you very much for your time. Have a great day.
sunnyskyez
Posts: 4
Joined: 25 Feb 2021, 20:59
First Name: sunny

Re: Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by sunnyskyez »

zeta1454 wrote: 13 Mar 2021, 11:46 Hello Sunny and welcome to the Forum :)

Firstly I would mention that miniature schnauzers are generally a non-shedding breed (they don’t drop hair all over the place as some breeds of dog do) but the term ‘hypoallergenic’ is not quite right as they, along with most dog breeds, can trigger an allergic reaction in someone who has a serious allergy issue. Many years ago, we were contacted by a family looking for a dog that would not trigger a reaction in one of their two children who suffered badly with allergies to most dogs. They spent a short amount of time playing with one of our miniature schnauzers and, although the child was fine at the time, she later did experience a reaction which convinced them a miniature schnauzer was not for them sadly. It may depend on your situation as to how vital the hypoallergenic issue is.

Miniature schnauzers are wonderful companion dogs, thrive on company and enjoy all activities with their family. If the allergy issue is not serious, they are an ideal family pet. As with all breeds there are potential health issues but the risk of a dog developing many of these should be reduced if not eliminated by finding the best breeder you can who breeds for good health and temperament and has a history of breeding healthy long lived dogs. In the U.K. the breed clubs and the Kennel Club recommend that parent dogs are eye screened (annually) by a veterinary ophthalmologist for Hereditary Cataracts, Congenital Hereditary Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, that any litter of miniature schnauzer puppies are eye screened at 6-7 weeks of age also, and that parent dogs should have a clear DNA test for Mycobacterium Avium Complex. These health tests are to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of these serious illnesses affecting the puppies and also helping prevent the continuance of these conditions in the breed. A good breeder should be carrying out these and be able to provide certification of the results.

The diseases you list may be present in the breed but are less likely to affect puppies from a good breeder. We have had six miniature schnauzers over the last 24 years (still do have three) and none have had any of the conditions you list.

Other than heredity, the main factors that can trigger or cause illness in dogs are diet and exposure to toxins in the environment or via pharmaceutical products some of which are definitely linked to seizures, digestive issues and skin problems.*

Our dogs are fed a raw diet (a balanced pre-prepared raw food from a company specialising in this kind of dog food); they only have the initial puppy vaccines against Distemper; Parvovirus and Canine Adenovirus and no others after that; they are not given any chemical flea or worm treatments and we use only natural herbal /plant based products when needed. I know some things may be different depending on the mandatory requirements in different countries or the environment/ climate but the more you can reduce your dog’s exposure to regular pharmaceuticals the better for their health.

We have fed raw to our dogs for over 13 years now and wean pups on to this and, having previously used a quality kibble with our first dogs, I do think their health is better for eating primarily raw food. It is minimally processed, no heat treatment or artificial additives unlike kibble where the vitamins have to be added into the food afterwards as they are destroyed in the manufacturing process.

So, if you think a miniature schnauzer is a good option for your family, don’t be scared of potential health issues but search for a responsible, reputable breeder and talk to them, meet them and their dogs, join a breed club if you have one near to where you live. If you have the means to check out the health history of the breeder’s dogs online do see what you can find out. Make sure the breeder is carrying out all relevant health tests on their dogs and pups they breed. After that, diet and pharmaceuticals are the issues of most significance. If you have a browse in our health section on the Forum you should find many topics on these there.

* This link to the European Veterinary Pharmacovigilance report for 2019 shows on page 4 (Section 3) a list of products for which significant concern has been raised over the number of adverse reactions including seizures and a range of other issues. While some products may be vitally necessary to treat a potentially fatal illness, many of these are sold to be used on a regular basis or for issues which are not in any way life-threatening and risks v benefits may not support their use.

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/ ... 019_en.pdf
Hi Zeta,
Thanks for your reply. Well I guess I will stop at the allergy part. My sister is allergic to cats which lead to her asthma. She is also allergic to dogs but its not bad. With the hypoallergenic breed which is what Henry was, they have more of a hair quality and grows really fast she never had a problem with Henry. So if the mini is not what I thought then I cant get one, I just cant take the chance. I get attached to animals very quickly. I will read all that you wrote for me and download the pdf file you sent me.

I really appreciate all of the time you took to write all of this down, and I will read it all.

Thanks very much for your time. Have a great weekend.
User avatar
zeta1454
Moderator
Posts: 5136
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:

Re: Mini Schnauzer Health Issues?

Post by zeta1454 »

Hi Sunny - maybe see if your sister can meet some miniature schnauzers - preferably more than one - and see how that works out for her as the term ‘hypoallergenic’ is a hazy one when applied to dogs and has been used to market dogs as a selling point rather than with any actual understanding of what causes reactions in susceptible individuals. Even with cross breeds supposedly ‘designed’ to be less of an issue to those who have an allergy to dogs, individual puppies in the same litter can have a differing effect as regards triggering problems. There is some more information in these articles:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-con ... q-20058425

https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/th ... enic-dogs/
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/
Post Reply