The Miniature Schnauzer’s huge personality has endeared him to owners all around the world, making him the most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds. These clever dogs know just which buttons to push to make people fall in love with them! Curious, brave and ever-alert, these little terriers are protective of their owners and often show no fear. This is not a timid breed, they are extroverts through and through! In fact, they are so devoted that they will often go to the ends of the earth to show their affection for their owners.
The breed can live happily in both an apartment or a house and they tend to adapt their energy level to their surroundings. If they live on a farm, for example, they will probably find much to do and will spend a lot of time racing around. If living in the city, however, they can become easygoing companions indoors (as long as they are given moderate exercise). They only ask to be near “their people” often! Mini Schnauzers do not do well in kennel environments – either a backyard kennel, a boarding kennel or animal shelter. They rely on being close to familiar people who they know and love – wanting to be as close as possible and for as much of the day as possible!
Mini Schnauzers can be obedient as they are very willing to please. Quite intelligent, the breed also tends to learn new commands quickly. Being a terrier, however… they do have a stubborn streak. Nonetheless, training is a must for this breed – without it, they can become super mischievous and frustrating to live with. Many will find the “chinks in your armor” and try to take advantage of whatever they can! This is why solid rules and obedience training is so important for this breed. When trained, they do great at obedience, agility, earthdog and trick training… among many other things. The difference between living with a trained Mini vs. an un-trained one is huge.
Some Mini Schnauzers do have high prey drives and will try to catch small scampering animals. For this reason, a fence is highly recommended for the yard, lest they chase their prey right out into the street! For the same reason, they should be walked on-leash when out in public if they have not had a formal education in off-leash training. When it comes to other animals – namely, other dogs – this breed tends to get themselves into trouble. Despite their small size, they sometimes pick fights and therefore need to be supervised until it is certain the two dogs are ok around each other. Well-socialized Minis can get along with (and live with) other dogs as long as everyone is easygoing. 
The Miniature Schnauzer is very hardy and not easily hurt. This, combined with their playful nature and clown-like sense of humor makes them great companions for children. As long as there is amusement going on, they want to be in the center of it all! It is highly recommended, however, that the dog is raised with kids from the time they are a young puppy, and supervision is absolutely necessary whenever with a young child.
Miniature Schnauzers can be vocal and therefore make great watchdogs. For those who prefer their dogs to be always silent… this is probably not the breed for you, especially considering that most Minis have very piercing barks! Suspicious of strangers, these terriers will need the ok from their owners before they trust someone entering their house. While they can’t do too much damage to a potential threat… they are nonetheless very protective and will make an intruder think twice before breaking in.
Mini Schnauzers don’t shed, and therefore can work out great as pets for allergic people (provided the people are allergic to dog dander and not dog saliva). Their wiry double coat protects them in all climates and environments, but must be given regular grooming. This is a breed that requires a fair amount of care in order for the dog to look and feel his best. Because he doesn’t shed… he is counting on you to get the dead hair out of his coat! The coat needs to be brushed a couple of times a week, especially the beard and hair on the legs. The dog also will need regular trimming or stripping in order to have the signature “Miniature Schnauzer look”. Most owners choose to have their dog professionally groomed every 6 weeks. Show dogs will need even more work.
As with most terrier breeds, the Mini Schnauzer loves to dig almost as much as he loves catching and killing rodents! Killing vermin on the farm was this breed’s primary occupation. As such, finding dead mice on the porch is one possible downfall to owning a Schnauzer, as well as finding craters (large and small) in the garden. Owners of pocket pets such as hamsters or birds may also find it difficult to own this breed, as the dog will have no problem devouring it!