In our article, we want to talk to such a breed of dog as a schnauzer. If you are thinking about getting a dog, be sure to consider this breed.
Advantages of the breed
The breed schnauzer, the description of which we give below, has its advantages. Since the animal has rare sports qualities, watchdog skills, and the ability to protect the owner, it undoubtedly suits men. At the same time, elegance and beauty, tenderness and dignity make the dog a favorite of women. And patience, kindness and reliability attract children. So we can conclude that the middling schnauzer (photo we provide in the article) is a wonderful animal for all family members. This cute dog will be able to make friends with everyone.
Mittelschnauzer breed history
It is still not known exactly when the Mittelschnauzer breed appeared (a description of this fact was not preserved in any sources). Scientists disagree. But it is reliably known that the history of the breed goes back in time to peat dogs that lived in the third century BC. But the breed gained fame and popularity in 1895 after the Pincher-Schnauzer club was established.
In fairness, it should be noted that the dog mittelschnauzer is the ancestor of absolutely all breeds of schnauzers. She appeared the very first. It is believed to be a mixture of Spitz, poodle and wire-haired terrier.
The first mittelschnauzer specimens hunted rats and various pests, guarding the estates and farms of Germany. Time passed, farms grew. Farmers needed not only to protect their products, but also to export them to the markets. Therefore, it occurred to increase the size of the existing breed. So there were Giant Schnauzers.
In the Middle Ages, middle schnauzers were used as cattle drovers in rural areas. Dogs of this breed are captured on tapestries of English and Dutch masters.
At the end of the last century, schnauzers were divided, depending on size, into three groups. Since then, the animal has become an object of dog breeding and has changed quite a lot over the years. Even the color has become completely different. Initially, it was gray-brown and gray-yellow, and black, later it came to a completely different shade - “pepper and salt” and black.
Scopes of use of schnauzers
Gradually, the scope of use of the breed expanded, they began to travel with merchants, guarding the wagons and goods. And later, during the First World War, the schnauzers even helped Red Cross workers. The Germans in the army used dogs of this breed as couriers. In the USA, the schnauzer became an official breed in 1945. Although at the same time, dog-breeding English clubs attributed the dog to a decorative look. This amazing fact only confirms the universality of the breed. And dwarf schnauzers have also mastered the customs specialty. Dogs have a very special scent that helps them recognize explosives and drugs in their luggage. In the Czech Republic, such service dogs are actively used.
Mittelschnauzer breed: description
Dogs of this breed live from 13 to 16 years. Adult males can weigh from fourteen to twenty kilograms, while their growth reaches 51 centimeters. Females are slightly inferior in size: weighing 18 kilograms they reach a height of 50 centimeters. The Mittelschnauzer (photo in the article) has a strong elongated head with well-defined eyebrows. A round convex shape is characteristic of the nose. The eyes are usually dark oval. The Mittelschnauzer, whose ears are bent forward, looks like a smart dog. And this is so in fact.
The individuals of this breed have a fairly stiff coat. They are well-built, but rather have a stocky and muscular structure. Outwardly, the dog is partly similar to a terrier.
Due to some structural features, dogs of this breed are very easy and free to move. Dog breeders are certainly interested in the color of the animal. What color can a middling schnauzer be? Black type or black with a silver tan - these are two options for the color of the breed.
Dog character
Breed mittelschnauzer, the description of which will certainly be reduced to the traits of her character, is distinguished by playfulness and activity. Dogs seem either cute or serious, which makes them fun. Whatever the circumstances, but the middle schnauzers always want to please their master, so they are easily trained, unlike other breeds.
But with all the soft nature, sometimes dogs are stubborn, this can be a problem for an inexperienced person. Therefore, it is better for the owner to have at least some minimal training experience. In addition, making such a friend, you need to consider that you will need a lot of time, which will have to devote to the pet, giving him not only physical activity, but also mental. Otherwise, the dog just gets bored. The animal must be handled gently, but with some exactingness. The dog does not tolerate cruelty, then a negative reaction occurs in it.
Pet habits
With strangers, the middling schnauzer can behave proudly, restrained, even suspiciously. He will never let in a man whose appearance the owner does not approve of. It is very important to start training a dog from childhood.
But the animal gets along well with the children just fine, though sometimes it can sometimes keep no one out to the place of its feeding. The middling schnauzers have a highly developed hunting instinct, and therefore they are hostile to street cats. Sometimes it may be difficult to live together. Do not forget that once mittelschnauzers ate rodents, so do not tempt fate and start a dog with small creatures in the same room. As for the representatives of his own breed, the animal treats them well and gets along wonderfully with them.
In addition, speaking about how well the mittelschnauzer is, his characterization would not be complete if we did not mention the famous watchdog properties of the dog. The animal is an excellent guardian of its family, it is able to protect the owners even from larger dogs. If a person uses the right approach to the dog, then the schnauzer will become a loving and faithful friend. But the animal needs to communicate with people, requiring attention to itself. The peculiarity of this breed is that its representatives are very fond of noisy and active games, trips and long walks.
Caretaker
If you want to get a dog, but you don’t have much space, then the middling schnauzer will be a great option for you, because these dogs are practically odorless. This breed belongs to the long-haired, but the animals practically do not fade, which is also important. And yet, any living creature requires attention and care. Therefore, if you do not have the time that you are ready to devote to the pet, then he will just be very bored.
As for wool, it is rather rough, dense and dense in this breed, and therefore requires additional care. It is recommended that every other day it is thoroughly combed with a metal brush to unravel the fallen shreds. It is recommended to comb in the direction of hair growth, so as not to injure the animal. As a rule, to simplify grooming, the owners cut their pet several times a year. Timely haircut of the schnauzer will avoid many problems.
Features of a healthy lifestyle
It must be remembered that in order to maintain health, the dog needs constant physical activity. This is the only way to keep your muscles toned. In addition, like any other dog, a middling schnauzer must walk outside every day. The appearance and health of your pet depends on your care and care.
With the right approach to education, the dog will calmly allow her to wipe her beard after eating or brush her teeth. It is very important to regularly examine all problem areas: ears, eyes, paw pads.
How to raise puppies?
Mittelschnauzer puppies need to be raised from a very young age. In fact, the process starts from the moment the baby gets into your house. First of all, you need to determine the rules by which the dog and all family members will live, since the appearance of the pet is reflected in the internal structure of the family. Observance of the simplest rules will help to establish contact between people and animals. How does a schnauzer behave? Reviews from experienced professionals suggest that this is the kindest and most beautiful dog. However, it should be remembered that from a young age she is a person with her own dignity and needs. Therefore, you need to respect your four-legged friend, but at the same time, do not indulge in unnecessary whims. Parenting should not be hard, but not too soft. It is necessary to find a middle ground. As a rule, there are never problems with representatives of this breed, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews. A reliable middling schnauzer will be both your friend and guard.
When purchasing a puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the baby and his parents. We must try to provide such living conditions as the puppy is used to. It is immediately necessary to purchase more toys for the animal so that the puppy does not get bored, and it will be much easier to train with them.
You can start a puppy at home from four months old. At eight months, you can safely go to the training site. The best results in education can be achieved using game methods.
Dog food
For any breed, nutrition is very important, especially for puppies. The number of feeds depends on age. Very small puppies that are less than two months old should be given food up to six times a day. The older the dog gets, the less feed she needs. At six months, 3-4 meals will be enough.
First, small puppies are fed meat broths, then meat soup is added. Seedless fish should be included in the diet. It can be ground in a meat grinder. But the puppy should eat fresh meat in the form of small pieces. Milk must be present in the diet throughout the dog's life. For puppies, you definitely need to buy cottage cheese, they need it for growth. It is very important to give the dog chicken eggs, adults need half daily. The animal receives carbohydrates from cereals: semolina, oatmeal, rice. Do not forget about vegetables and herbs. Be sure to give your pet a liver. In addition, you can use feed, but subject to all the rules for their use.
Instead of an afterword
The Mittelschnauzer is a wonderful breed that will become your friend and companion. A cheerful, mischievous dog is very intelligent and understanding, as a rule, when raising it there are no problems. A relatively small size allows you to keep such an animal in an apartment or in a house.