All about black miniature schnauzers
There are a great many service dogs in the world - from bloodhounds to rescue divers. Today we will talk about the smallest representatives of this group of dogs - miniature schnauzers.
A bit of history
Miniature Schnauzers are a dwarf species of schnauzers. It is not known for certain how and when this breed was bred. There are only weighty assumptions that the ancestors of miniature schnauzers were mittel schnauzers - larger representatives of schnauzers. Their exterior is the same, the only difference is in size.
The official date of the presentation of this breed to the general public is 1888, the birthplace is the Swabian region.
Description
The growth of an adult does not exceed 35 cm, weight - in the range from 4 to 8 kg. Females are slightly smaller than males.
- Ears close to the head, with a crease. They are often docked to improve appearance and hearing.
- The muzzle is wedge-shaped, with a rectangular beard. Thick eyebrows hanging over the eyes - requires careful and regular care.
- The physique is muscular and strong. The croup is round, the belly is tucked up.
- Paws are small in size with toes pressed together.If there are extra toes on the hind legs, they are surgically removed at an early age (within 1-2 weeks after birth).
- The tail can be short from birth (1 vertebra) or long, but in this case, the puppy's tail is docked, leaving a segment of 2-3 vertebrae.
- Wool is tough, many people compare it to wire. This structure of the coat is embedded in the genes of the dog.
The color of the coat can be different, but only four main colors are spelled out in the standard:
- pure black color (both coat and undercoat);
- charcoal black with silver;
- "Pepper and salt";
- pure white.
The color of the coat does not affect the character or other qualities of the dog, so if you have a puppy of a different color (for example, chocolate), nothing will prevent you from raising a wonderful friend and protector from him. It's just that such dogs are not used for breeding.
Character
The Miniature Schnauzer is a rather peaceful pet, flexible and cheerful. Likes active pastime, outdoor games. They are not recommended for people with disabilities and families with small children - although the level of aggression in this breed of service dogs is low, it requires respect for itself and its personal space.
Among the advantages of miniature schnauzers, it should be noted:
- good learning ability (subject to the timely start of training);
- non-conflict - without any problems gets along with other pets - cats, dogs and others, does not break off in pursuit of animals on the street;
- he is wary of strangers and strangers, but does not show aggression for no reason.
Among the disadvantages are such features as:
- excessive curiosity - can lead to trouble;
- empty barking (for any little or no reason at all);
- digging holes and holes - if the puppy is not supervised, it can ruin the parquet, carpet or dig up the yard / garden.
Conditions for keeping
Before adopting a puppy, think about how to provide him with normal conditions.
- First of all, take care of buying the necessary equipment - dishes, leash, collar.
- For water and food, bowls should be separate, preferably metal (stainless steel) - they are much more durable and practical than plastic dishes.
- Prepare a place for your puppy to sleep. Do not pamper him, do not take him to bed or on the sofa. Lay something soft and warm for him, protect the sleeping place from drafts.
- The dog must be taught to leash and collar from an early age. Of course, babies need a collar made of soft leather, and the leash is not too long so that the pet does not run far or get tangled in its paws. As you grow older, the halter can be lengthened, and the collar can be replaced with metal or hard leather.
- Check with your veterinarian about what medications you need to have on hand at all times and have them ready.
- Adjust your daily routine so that you can walk and play with your pet. The dog needs an active pastime and the attention of the owner.
- Get your pet toys that he can sharpen his teeth on, otherwise he will spoil furniture and other things.
What to feed?
It is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding puppy nutrition. Of course, a lot depends on your financial capabilities, but there are several subtleties that you should know.
- When choosing a diet (prepared food or organic foods), stick to it. Do not jump from one food to another or mix rations.
- If you are an adherent of natural nutrition, remember that in this case the dog may not receive the minerals and biologically active substances it needs, so be sure to add vitamin preparations to the food. In ready-made feed mixtures, they are already included in the composition.
- The natural diet should include meat and meat offal, vegetables, cereals, and cottage cheese (a source of calcium).
- If funds allow, choose ready-made holistic-class feeds - they are made only from high-quality natural products and do not contain any synthetic additives (preservatives or flavors) that can negatively affect the health of your pet.
How to care?
Before purchasing a pet, check with the breeder for what kind of care he needs. The peculiarities of the coat dictate the need for some procedures that may not be necessary for another dog.
The list of these additional manipulations includes the following.
- Grooming. Complex measures for the care of the pet's coat, teeth, claws, ears and eyes.
- Trimming. The so-called forced shedding of dead wool. Especially relevant for breeds with coarse coats. It is desirable to carry out at least 2 times a year. Even if you regularly trim your dog, mini schnauzers need trimming.
- Trim your pet's bushy eyebrows and beard as needed. Too thick and long eyebrows reach into the eyes and cause irritation.
- Rinse your dog's paws, beard, and head every week. A full wash is not often required, but a partial wash is necessary, as these areas of the body are often stuck with food pieces, dirt and debris.
- For bathing, select mild conditioner shampoo.
- Monitor the condition of the claws, trim them gently with nail clippers as needed.
- 2 times a year with a veterinarian go cleansing of the paraanal glands.
- Cropped ears do not require as much attention as uncropped ears. however, check them regularly and wipe them down with a cotton pad soaked in lotion.
- Also, do not forget about vaccinations and examinations at the veterinarian.... Find out in advance the schedule of necessary vaccinations and do not miss them without good reason. For any health problems, contact a specialist in order to prevent complications.
And most importantly, love your pet, and, believe me, he will reciprocate you.
You can look at the beauty of the black puppy further.