With his robust, squared-away body and the stern expression of that bushy-browed ancestor who scowled down at you from the wall of your grandmother’s parlor, the Miniature Schnauzer is a walking contradiction. Beneath that baronial bearing, beats the heart of a silly little clown in a spiffy uniform with a devotion to his family that knows no bounds. As dedicated devotees will attest, owning one of these droll canine characters usually means being hooked for life on this delightful breed.
Before succumbing to the charms of this spunky companion, you should be aware that the Miniature Schnauzer is not a wash-and-wear pet. To stay so handsome, this breed needs a thorough brushing at least twice a week and professional grooming every four to eight weeks, depending on how well you maintain him between salon visits. Although some really eager owners master the skills of grooming their own schnauzer, a professional groomer, who knows and loves the breed, is a smart owner’s best bet in maintaining the peerless image of this highly-polished gem of the canine family.
To be properly groomed and maintained, your Miniature Schnauzer will need to have a cooperative attitude. In turn, you will need to be relaxed and loving as you let your pup know who the top dog is in your family as you assume your new role of surrogate parent.
Because most owners acquire their puppy at 8 to 12 weeks of age, instruction in grooming manners is every bit as important as house training your pup. It is imperative to get your schnauzer used to handling from an early age before he starts throwing a tantrum every time he sees the brush. Behaviorists call this period in a puppy’s development the “fear imprint stage” because experiences that frighten the youngster during this time may continue to affect him for the rest of his life. Getting used to your touch helps prevent a fear response to people and a reluctance to the grooming process as well.
Schnauzer at a Glance
To look his best, the Mini Schnauzer’s coat should be either hand stripped (a process in which loose hair is removed by hand or with a special tool) or clippered. His furnishings, from his distinctive eyebrows to the flowing fullness of his cylindrical legs, should be trimmed to perfection. Balance is the groomer’s goal in enhancing his sharp image.
When a Miniature Schnauzer’s outer coat is hand stripped or plucked, the breed’s double coat is maintained. Minis shown in conformation are always hand stripped, never clipped, except for the head and private areas. Hand stripping, however, is very time‑ intensive and requires knowing which areas grow at a fast or slow rate.
It is not just a matter of randomly pulling hairs but rather a strategic grooming process designed to shape and show the coat to its best advantage. Those who show Schnauzers usually strip their coats over three or four months, beginning with the area they want to be the longest when the dog is shown.
Keep in mind that whatever the season, it’s always easy for a Schnauzer’s coat to get matted. A summer swim, a roll in autumn leaves, a romp in the snow or a springtime tussle with his canine buddies can turn him into a bramble bush in short order.