The Teacup Schnauzer: A Great Family Breed
Are you playing around with the idea of getting a teacup schnauzer? Caring for a dog can be a big responsibility and a great deal of thought should go into which breed you should get. The best way to determine whether a schnauzer is suitable for you is to learn what to expect from a schnauzer in terms of personality, physical characteristics, and maintenance.
Physical Characteristics
Contrary to popular belief, the teacup schnauzer is not a stand-alone breed. By this I mean that it cannot be classed as a separate breed from the standard schnauzer. Instead, it is merely a small variety of schnauzer which occurs as the result of breeding the smallest pups from each litter over several generations. Eventually one will end up with a puppy so small that it can literally fit into a teacup! Bear in mind that no schnauzer dog will remain small enough to fit into a teacup throughout its life—this is impossible. “Teacup” merely refers to the size of the dog as a very young puppy which will grow to be classed as a miniature schnauzer.
As a young pup, the teacup schnauzer may only be a pound or two but as it grows, it will conform to the basic characteristics of a miniature schnauzer. The miniature schnauzer can be expected to grow to be about a foot tall and weigh anywhere from seven to twenty pounds when it reaches adulthood. The schnauzer’s fur comes in all black or a mixture of black, grey, and white. Its fur can grow to become quite long and does require regular grooming. The schnauzer’s back is often cropped quite short while the fur at the belly, arms, and “beard” are trimmed to be a bit longer. The miniature schnauzer’s coat sheds very little and considered to be hypoallergenic because it does not produce very much dander. This is a great trait for households with members who have an allergy to dog dander.
Personality
The schnauzer’s personality can be a little difficult to pin point because this breed varies so greatly. Many people report that this breed is quite loyal, almost to a fault. If a schnauzer is not well socialized with other dogs at a young age, it can grow to be suspicious and distrusting of newcomers. They are a very intelligent breed that is reported to do well other family pets if they are introduced to them early on. The schnauzer is also reported to be a protective breed and is particularly “motherly” towards children. Provided the schnauzer has not been ill bred, it should be equipped with this breed’s natural instinct that makes them predisposed to being a good watchdog.
Some schnauzers are very energetic, cheerful, and good natured, while others who are not socialized properly can appear introverted and more of a “loner”. If you want your schnauzer to be of good spirits and high energy, then you should prepare to instill these characteristics at a young age by encouraging play time and offering regular cuddles. This can be a very stubborn breed and it is important that a prospective owner is prepared to become a firm yet fair “leader of the pack.” This will ensure that the dog grows to use proper manners and respects family members without imposing its will on others.
Where to Find Miniature Schnauzers
Many breeders post ads in the local newspaper as well as on advertisement boards in shops and the post office. Try searching these outlets first so that you can easily meet with the breeder, view the parents if they are on site, and interact with the litter. This will ensure that you get a good “feel” for the temperament and overall health for the pups. Alternatively, you can also search online at websites such as petfinder.com and craigslist.com.
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