Sunday, May 19, 2013

Those Searching For The Perfect Pet Should Consider Miniature Schnauzers

By Kathryn Neal


The original Schnauzer is a very large dog. Such canines are friendly and active, and due to their pleasant characteristics, many people desired a smaller version of such dogs that could live comfortably on a small property or indoors. The answer to this demand was fulfilled when miniature schnauzers were bred.

A person who is planning to purchase a dog for the first time will find the miniature Schnauzer breed is ideal. This type of dog enjoys playing on a regular basis and appreciates an owner who will shower it with attention. Such dogs live very long lives, often well into their teens.

Such dogs appear to have block shaped bodies, and they are very muscular. They are solidly built and most of them boast wide chests and rather floppy ears. Their shaggy appearance is due to their eyebrows and beards, which are accentuated by their wiry, thick coats. Most dogs of this type have thin, long tails.

Black is the most common color for this type of dog. However, gray and black is not an unusual color for a miniature Schnauzer. White and silver coats are less commonly seen with this breed of dog, and pure white coats are very rare.

Originally bred in Germany and dating back to the seventeenth century is the beloved giant Schnauzer. It is thought that this type of dog was crossed with poodles or affenpinschers in order to create the miniature version of the breed. They gradually spread throughout various European countries and eventually made their way to America in the early nineteen hundreds.

Even though the giant version of this dog can weigh as much as 80 pounds, their miniature counterparts only average about twelve. Giant Schnauzers can grow as high as 28 inches, but the small version of this dog breed measures in at approximately 1 foot tall. Both breeds are born with hunting and guarding instincts, and typically demonstrate loyalty to their owners.

Such dogs are often used as service dogs or in patient therapy. Others are trained to do tricks in show business and other industries. Most are highly skilled at discovering and cornering common household pests such as rats and mice.

Some people acquire dogs of this kind for the purpose of placing them in shows or competitions. Guests of such events may notice that Schnauzer dogs that are bred for competition have pointy ears and very short tales. However, these physical characteristics are unnatural, as they are the result of specific cosmetic surgeries referred to as ear cropping and tail docking.

Those who acquire miniature Schnauzers should be aware of the fact that this dog breed is prone to certain skin disorders. An example of this would be comedo syndrome, which is kind of skin condition that resembles the blackheads that sometimes appear on the skin of humans. Although this is not a life-threatening disorder, any unusual bump on the skin of such a dog should be evaluated by a vet to rule out the presence of an infected blackhead. This breed of dog will likely remain a favorite among canine enthusiasts for many years in the future. This is because such dogs have a loving disposition, are highly intelligent, and have energetic personalities. Therefore, those who are considering adding a dog to their household should think about choosing a Schnauzer.




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