If a miniature schnauzer puppy has appeared in your house, then you can only envy. Good-natured dogs of this breed are wonderful loyal friends with a cheerful character. In addition, they can protect you in case of danger. After reading this article, you will learn how to care for these animals.
A small historical background
Miniature schnauzers are considered descendants of stable pinschers. German breeders were engaged in their breeding. Initially, these miniature dogs were intended for hunting small rodents that live in stables. Unfortunately, the specialists were not able to establish the exact time of the appearance of this breed, but the fact that among its ancestors there are Spitz, small poodles and affenpinchers is a fact. It is only known for certain that the first records of the miniature schnauzers are dated 1888.
Brief description of the breed
The growth of this serious dog, which cannot be classified as indoor, reaches 30-35 centimeters. Animals of this breed are distinguished by a harmonious physique. They have a compact square body and powerful long legs. The large head of the dog with a pronounced transition from forehead to nose is decorated with bushy bushy eyebrows and a beard.
The body of the animal is covered with a stiff long coat with a soft thick undercoat. The most common black, chocolate-tan and black with silver miniature schnauzer. Puppies whose color differs from generally accepted standards will not be able to participate in exhibitions, but this does not mean that they are somehow worse than their counterparts. Rare white dogs should have black eyes, claws, and a nose.
Recommendations for choosing an animal
As a rule, puppies are handed over to their new owners no sooner than they turn two months old. Experts recommend purchasing an animal in specialized nurseries or from experienced breeders. Before buying, it is advisable to determine the color and gender of the future pet. In addition, you need to clearly understand why you need a dog. After all, it is one thing if you decide to buy a pet, and quite another when it comes to choosing a show dog.
By two months of age, the weight of the miniature schnauzer puppy should be about two kilograms. The animal must be active and physically healthy. It is also important to pay attention to the conditions in which the puppies are kept. The room should be clean. Of course, the nature of the dog is a matter of personal preference, but experienced dog breeders recommend choosing a moving and moderately active puppy that does not show signs of aggression.
It is desirable that he had a not too narrow muzzle and a square, compact body. The front and hind limbs of the animal should be parallel to each other. This is especially noticeable during movement. You should also check the puppy's bite and make sure all teeth are in place.
Features of care and maintenance
From a very young age, the miniature schnauzer puppy needs special grooming. To get rid of dead hair and street dust, the dog should be combed daily. During molting, additional trimming is necessary.
Periodically, the animal needs to be cut and bathed using special shampoos and conditioners. After the miniature schnauzer puppy has appeared in your house, you need to accustom him to the procedure of cleansing a long beard, which often gets dirty during walks and feeding. Starting from the age of seven months, the animal needs to brush its teeth regularly. This can be done using crushed writing chalk, unflavored tooth powder, or a slice of sour apple. The claws of a dog require no less attention. As they grow, they need to be trimmed with a special tool.
Miniature Schnauzer: feeding puppies
The principle of feeding these animals is practically no different from the rules established for all dogs of medium-sized breeds. Bowls with food and water should be installed on a special, height-adjustable stand. This is necessary so as not to spoil your pet's posture.
From the first days of the appearance of your miniature schnauzer puppy in your apartment, you must clearly understand what he will have to eat exclusively from his bowl. It is important that the feed is not always available. After 15-20 minutes, you need to remove the container with the remnants of half-eaten food.
In the diet of the puppy must be present products of plant and animal origin. It is advisable to feed the dog with natural food. But if necessary, it can be transferred to dry food or canned food. The dog can be given foods such as:
- boiled or raw beef;
- vegetables and fruits;
- various cereals;
- dairy products;
- boiled sea fish.
The puppy should not be given legumes, semolina and pearl barley. All of them are very poorly absorbed by the canine organism. Once or twice a week, it is recommended to add raw or boiled eggs to the animal’s diet. During the change of teeth, it is advisable to exclude from the menu any solid products.
To finally figure out how to feed a miniature schnauzer puppy , you need to familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited foods, which includes smoked, salted and spicy foods. All this is considered a real poison for the canine organism. Experts recommend excluding even cheeses from the animal’s diet. They can be given as a reward, not more than once a week.
How to raise and train an animal?
The miniature schnauzer belongs to the service breeds. Therefore, animals must necessarily undergo appropriate training.
Those who are just planning on acquiring such a puppy should understand that they are cunning and stubborn. Therefore, only an experienced dog breeder can cope with them. The complex nature of these animals makes it difficult to interact with the host.
Naughty and very temperamental tsvergs often run away from home and spoil property. To stop this behavior, it is necessary from the first days to show the pet who is in charge. Moreover, to confirm one’s authority it is not necessary to apply physical force to the animal. This can be done with the help of intelligence and perseverance.