As any dog owner could tell you there are ups and downs when it comes to living with any breed of dog, including all the types of schnauzers. Basically some of the pros and cons of having miniature schnauzers in your home would be the same as living with any other type of dog.
Dogs can be a bundle of fun and love, or at times they can misbehave. Schnauzers, as vermin hunters, can also surprise you when you least expect it by presenting you with a dead rat, mouse, squirrel, bird, or lizard on your living room floor (if you have a doggie door). They are bred to hunt little things outdoors that move fast and erratically. What they are proud of accomplishing in terms of the hunt may not always thrill you so much. But, at least you have to smile at their earnest attempts to do their thing well.
Yet schnauzer owners often find that they have a smart dog who can learn fast – and can put things over on you unless you are careful. The good general health and behavior of schnauzers make them popular with owners and their families.
Now anybody that is completely obsessed with having a spotless house with not a single thing out of place should never consider owning any kind of dog. Schnauzers in particular are active. They need something to do. Even without a successful hunt in your backyard, you will likely find dog toys all over the place. This is good. Throw a ball, play tug, give them a safe type of chew toy like a Nylabone to enjoy instead of your expensive leather shoes.
Schnauzers are dogs that certainly have a really high cuteness factor and it is not surprising that many dog lovers delight in their appearance and antics. Extra doses of cuteness can mean getting away with the downs, as the ups can make amends for anything bad that they might have done. The giant schnauzers may sneak food and other items right off a high table or counter, given their height. Still, miniatures, standards, and giants are usually active but can be well behaved dogs.
Any dogs, especially as puppies, are full of energy, and be quite destructive if you do not move things out of their way, and start to train them. Make sure they know acceptable and unacceptable behaviors by using positive training rather than punishment. Pet stores and qualified dog trainers can help you find good ways to channel excess energy into productive play times. For adult dogs, getting them into agility training can also help provide a positive outlet for their energy and give you and the dog a fun way to bond.
Miniature schnauzers can be excitable if they are not properly trained. They will guard the house and their people from threats – perceived or real. Thus, they will bark to tell you when someone has approached the house, even if the stranger is many yards off the property.
They will also bark to tell you they are happy that you seem to have a leash at the ready for a walk, or a toy to throw for them to fetch and chew. Learning different types of barks can alert you to when your schnauzer is a happy camper, worried, or frightened.
Your house will be quiet when they are resting or cuddling with you, but not when they are stimulated by things going on around them. What many people love about miniature and standard schnauzers is that you have an active, lively pal during the day, but a good cuddling companion to curl up with and watch TV or sleep at night. In between they are real characters.
Of course, individual schnauzers can have all sorts of behaviors. Some will want to sleep in. Others will want to drop a ball on your chest as you sleep at 5 am. They can be playful, quiet, or full of beans in differing measures, at different times. Yet as a breed, schnauzers are also loyal and full of fun, and good family pets, once they get to know you. They are bright dogs, and are quick to pick up the training that their humans give them.
If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and attentive pet, then any of the three sizes of schnauzers would fit the bill perfectly. Any size schnauzer will give you a lot more ups than downs if you spend time to love, care for, play with, and train them.
