Choosing A Miniature Dog Breed For Your New Pet

Miniature Dog breeds are very popular because their small size means they are better suited to apartments or houses with small backyards. Additionally, they are easier to control than very large Dogs, and are generally cheaper to keep. They need less food and medication, though vet consultations are a standard price. Even with longer haired miniature dogs, it is easier to keep them brushed and groomed compared to their larger cousins.

Just because a dog is small, however, does not mean that they all share the same temperament or activity levels. Some of these dogs come from a background where they were used for hunting, like the miniature dachshund, and others, like the Tibetan spaniel, bark a lot. The latter would thus not be ideal for apartment living, unless you have very accommodating neighbors, or a sound proof apartment.

Small breeds that need a lot of exercise include the dachshund, the Italian greyhound, and the Australian Terrier. Breeds like the maltese, pugs, and chihuahuas will all do well exercising in a small backyard. If you do have a dog in an apartment, it is suggested that he be taken for a walk once or twice a day outside. This basically goes for all miniature dog breeds.

As far as which miniature dog breed to buy, there are many to choose from. As an owner you need to decide which will best suit your needs. Look into things such as temperament, size, and any features that will make your buying decision easier, such as coat length and care, and barking tendencies.

Here are four miniature dog breeds that you may want to check out before you make a purchasing decision.

1. The miniature bull terrier is a very playful dog that loves its' family. It does like strangers as well though, so is not a good choice for a guard dog. They like plenty of activity, and love toys, although they have pretty strong jaws and teeth so they tend to destroy them quite quickly. Miniature bull terriers tend to want to please their masters more than their larger brothers.

2. Another dog to consider is the Lhasa apso. Lhasa's have a distinctively beautiful long coat, and although they are lap dog size, they don't have the need to be cuddled all the time like some other lap dogs. Like cats, they are independent and will come for attention when they want it, though they are very affectionate by nature. Lhasa's are very loyal dogs, with a capacity for stubbornness which means they are better suited to those more experienced with handling dogs.

3. The miniature poodle is always popular. It is one of the most well behaved miniature dog breeds, and one that every dog lover should look into. Miniature poodles can grow up to 20 pounds, and stand about 15 inches in height. This breed is very intelligent and great with small children.

4. The miniature schnauzer weighs in at around 15 pounds. This miniature dog breed is affectionate, and is always up for a bit of fun. In addition, they are great for both country and city environments.

Miniature dog breeds have had quite a surge in popularity the last few years, no doubt influenced by the celebrity trend to carry them around in large handbags everywhere. Like all dogs, these too need their exercise, so a diamante studded collar and leash would no doubt be preferred than the gilded cage of a Louis vitton.

Bichon frise [http://www.thedogsbone.com/articles/10/1/Bichon-Frise-Dogs---The-Allergy-Solution/Bichon-Frise-Dogs---The-Allergy-Solution.html] and miniature pinschers [http://www.thedogsbone.com/articles/13/1/Miniature-Pinschers---Sleek-and-Loyal-But-Are-They-A-Family-Pet/Miniature-Pinschers---Sleek-and-Loyal-But-Are-They-A-Family-Pet.html] are two more miniature dog breeds worth considering. Learn more here.

Miniature German Schnauzers - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a Dog can change your life. If you get a Dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all Dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a Dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Miniature German Schnauzer. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, the miniature German Schnauzer is reportedly a cross between the standard schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the poodle. It was named after the German word "schnauze," which means muzzle. It was primarily used for droving, stock tending, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children and serving as watchdog, and excelled at killing rats. It was brought to America in 1925 and classified under terrier. It is currently the 10th most popular breed in America. Talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Physical Characteristics: The miniature German Schnauzer is small and squarely proportioned, with a bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The tail is usually docked. It has oval dark-colored eyes. The ears are V-shaped and fold forward or are cropped to stand erect. The double coat is harsh, hard and wiry with a short undercoat. Coat colors include salt and pepper, white, black or harsh black and silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. Height is 12-14 inches, and weight is 10-15 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: Mini Schnauzers are happy, affectionate, loyal and very friendly. They are intelligent, obedient and very adaptable. They are perky, bright eyed, energetic, active and playful and are good with children. This breed likes companionship and attention of its owners and is devoted to home and family. They make good companions and family pets, as well as good watchdogs and mouse catchers. They also travel well. Mini Schnauzers can be reserved with strangers but most of them love everyone.

They may develop behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, willfulness, nervousness, guarding, boldness and sometimes be temperamental if the owners do not display pack leadership. Charming and attractive, this breed has clean habits and generally does not have a doggy odor. They should not be trusted around smaller animals because of their hunting background. They are fairly easy to housebreak if trained properly.

Possible Health Conditions: Miniature German Schnauzers are usually healthy but may be prone to kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, cysts or hereditary eye problems. This breed tends to gain weight easily and should not be overfed. The mini Schnauzer shows no signs of age until quite late in life. Life expectancy is about 15 years.

Exercise/Grooming: Mini Schnauzers need daily, long, brisk walks. They love to play off leash. Grooming is fairly easy but the coat will become matted unless combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, and the knots should be clipped out. The whiskers should be cleaned after meals, and the eyes and ears should be trimmed around with blunt-nose scissors. The coat should be clipped all over twice a year, spring and fall, to an even length. This breed of dog sheds little to no hair and is a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Living Conditions: This breed is good for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and does okay without a yard.

Summary: Miniature German Schnauzers are small dogs that make good family companions, are usually fairly healthy, require little exercise and shed very little but, as with all breeds of dogs, require strong pack leadership to prevent behavioral problems and require regular grooming. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Miniature German Schnauzer the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.