Training: Miniature Schnauzers have a higher-than-average working intelligence, and are capable of excelling at any kind of training. Miniature Schnauzers are so great at training, they often train their owners! They are known for being a bit headstrong like other terriers, but once a Miniature Schnauzer is taught to listen, it can perform a high level of obedience, agility, and other tricks.
Training for a Miniature Schnauzers isn’t just about fun and games, and obedience awards, though. It’s important for this plucky little dog to get plenty of practice socializing with other dogs, and people, to keep their territorial and guarding instincts on the leash.
Barking: Miniature Schnauzers regularly communicate through barking. If a Miniature Schnauzer is happy, sad, bored, excited, hears something, sees something outside, or thinks it maybe saw something, he or she will want you to know. They employ their abrupt piercing barks to relate all the daily news, but also have a rough, scratchy ‘yap’, and are known to howl when together with other Miniature Schnauzers. The best ways to mitigate their barking tendencies are training, setting house rules, and consistently enforcing those rules. Additionally, make sure your Miniature Schnauzer is provided with ample exercise, and has enough going on inside the house to keep it engaged. A bored Miniature Schnauzer will become frustrated, and a frustrated dog is likely to do more barking.
Personality: The Miniature Schnauzer is generally spunky, companionable, intelligent, and aloof, though disposition tends to vary considerably between individuals.
Temperament & Behavior: In general, Miniature Schnauzers are considered spunky, though moderately aloof, and always with alert, guarding instincts. However, there are some noted variations in temperament between individuals. These differences in temperament are attributed to the mix between working terriers and relaxed companion dogs in the bloodline. Some Miniature Schnauzers are ruled by their terrier ancestry, making them plucky little generals, confident in themselves and feisty with other dogs and animals. Miniature Schnauzers with stronger terrier tendencies are more likely to get into things that are none of their business!
Other Miniature Schnauzers may take more after their companion breed heritage. These can be naturally polite and reserved, mild and easygoing around other dogs and animals. Despite these different temperament traits, all Miniature Schnauzers crave affection and inclusion. They are intelligent and can be exceptionally obedient with the right combination of temperament and training.
Behavior with Kids: Miniature Schnauzers usually make great family dogs and get along well with kids and children. Like other terriers and small dogs, boundaries need to be set on both sides.
Protection: Miniature Schnauzers will raise a ruckus at the drop of a hat, which makes them great alarm dogs. In the end, though, most are agreeable and polite to strangers.
