The Miniature Schnauzer, who resembles his cousins the Giant and Standard Schnauzers in everything but size, originates from Germany. This breed was developed in the 1890's by crossing smaller specimens of the Standard Schnauzer with the Miniature Pinscher or the Affenpinscher. The Miniature Schnauzer’s main function was originally barnyard ratter; however most are now cherished family pets.

Appearance
Miniature Schnauzers are quite distinctive in appearance. They should be compact, muscular, and be "square" in build (the height at the withers should be the same as the length of the body). They have long beards, eyebrows, and feathering on the legs. In the USA, ears are sometimes cropped to stand upright and the tail is often docked short. British schnauzers have uncropped ears, as ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom. From the 6th of April 2007 docking is also banned in the UK.

The coats of the Miniature Schnauzers are wiry (when hand-stripped,) and do not shed, which adds to their appeal as house pets. Miniature Schnauzers that are shown at dog shows needs to be hand-stripped to achieve the wiry texture that the breed standard calls for. Miniature Schnauzers that are not shown, can be clippered. This will however turn the coat soft and make the Miniature Schnauzer lose color.

Character
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their lively personality and mischievous sense of humor. They are also highly loyal to their owner and can be very energetic, but if not given proper exercise or a balanced diet, they will gain weight very quickly. Miniature Schnauzers are extremely vocal dogs, and are known for their barking. This is because they are excellent protectors of their home and will alert their owners to anyone that may be coming. However some Miniature Schnauzers of the breed will bark at even the slightest noises. This amount of unnecessary barking can usually be controlled by training if the owner has patience with the dog. The Miniature Schnauzer is often guarded of strangers until the owners of the home welcome the guest, upon which they are typically very friendly to them. The Miniature Schnauzer is very good with children recognizing that they need gentle play. Even though the Miniature Schnauzer can physically survive living outdoors in warm to temperate climates, it emotionally needs to share its life with its family inside the home.
 

Temperament
The Miniature Schnauzer is an inquisitive, playful and affectionate breed. It is less dog-aggressive than most other terriers. Easy to train, this dog breed makes a good companion and family pet. Because a Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, it can take commands and learn quickly, making them easy to train. However, Miniature Schnauzers require a great deal of attention and affection from their owner, regardless if they are to be used as show dogs or home pets. If not given affection on a regular basis the Miniature Schnauzer can literally become depressed, which can decrease their mental and physical health.

The Miniature Schnauzer can be very independent and have been known to have a naughty streak in them. They are practical jokers, but it is all in fun. The Miniature Schnauzers are highly playful dogs, and if not given the outlet required for their energy they can become a somewhat difficult breed.

Exercise/Training
The energetic Miniature Schnauzer can have its exercise requirements met with a moderate walk on leash or a good game in the yard. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Miniature Schnauzer will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The AKC, CKC and the KC (UK) recognizes only three colors for the Miniature Schnauzer: black, salt and pepper, and black and silver. The FCI, however, also recognizes white Miniature Schnauzers. Some breeders cross-breed Miniature Schnauzers with other breeds to try and introduce new colors, a practice that is discouraged by all major Schnauzer breed clubs.

Grooming
The wire coat of the Miniature Schnauzer needs combing once or twice weekly plus scissoring and shaping (clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs) every couple of months. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Miniature Schnauzer as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Miniature Schnauzer should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.