Terrier Small size 5-9 kg

Miniature Schnauzer

A smart, sociable small terrier that trains well and suits many homes, as long as you commit to regular clipping and a careful diet.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
5-9 kg · 30-36 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
Active and enjoys games and walks
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with moderate alone time
Easy
Trainability
Eager and quick to learn
High
Coat care
Wiry coat needs clipping every few months
Good
Fit with kids
Good, playful family dog
Moderate
Other pets
Usually fine, though may chase small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Pancreatitis, bladder stones, skin, eyes

The Miniature Schnauzer typically weighs 5-9 kg, stands 30-36 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, clever dog that enjoys training and games,
you like a low-shedding coat and don't mind paying a groomer,
you want a sociable companion that suits apartment or house,
you can keep its diet lean to protect against pancreatitis.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a calm lapdog with little exercise or mental need,
you would rather not deal with regular clipping costs,
you keep small pets it might chase and can't separate them,
you dislike a vocal dog that alerts to every sound.

A typical day with a Miniature Schnauzer

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Brisk walk, 30-40 minutes, with some sniffing time
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest or a chew after the morning outing
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or a game of fetch in the yard
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training, 10-15 minutes of tricks or obedience
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Family play and a second walk
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles calmly once its day has had enough activity

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Drive to work Moderate
Sensitivity Moderate
Independence Moderate
Alertness Very high
Prey drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Skipping regular clipping until the coat is matted and uncomfortable · Feeding fatty scraps, which the breed's pancreas tolerates poorly · Letting alert barking go unmanaged until it becomes a habit

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and sturdy for its size; supervise with very young kids.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with early socialization.
Cats Conditional
Fine with cats it grows up with; terrier prey drive can flare.
Apartment Suitable
Adapts well if exercised; may need work on alert barking.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard to patrol, but still needs walks and company.
City Suitable
Handles city life well with daily activity.
Countryside Suitable
Happy with space, though it may hunt small animals.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia Genetic high blood fat; keep the diet lean to protect the pancreas
Bladder stones Prone to calcium oxalate stones; watch for urinary signs
Allergies and skin issues Atopic dermatitis; environmental and food triggers are common
Cataracts Clouding of the lens; treatable with surgery

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Larger version of the same temperament
Standard Schnauzer
A smart, spirited all-round working dog with a low-shed wiry coat - trainable and family-friendly, but it needs a job and firm guidance.
View profile →
Similar small, spirited terrier
Cairn Terrier
A hardy, spirited little earthdog that stays busy and vocal - great for active owners who can handle a strong terrier prey drive.
View profile →
Comparable small terrier companion
West Highland White Terrier
A confident, portable terrier that suits many homes - skin allergies are the standout health concern to budget for.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Miniature Schnauzer cost?
Expect roughly $1,000-$2,500 from a reputable US breeder, with well-bred lines priced higher. The purchase is just the beginning: this coat needs professional clipping every few months, and the breed's pancreas, urinary, skin, and eye issues can add real vet bills over a life that often reaches 13-15 years. Plan for grooming and a vet fund or insurance when you budget for the breed.
What is a Miniature Schnauzer's temperament like?
Bright, lively, and people-oriented, the Miniature Schnauzer is a confident small terrier that loves being involved in family life. It trains readily, enjoys games, and tends to be alert and vocal, so it makes a good little watchdog. Early training helps channel that alertness so barking stays under control.
Can a Miniature Schnauzer be left alone during the day?
An adult copes with moderate alone time, roughly half a workday, once it is used to it. The breed is sociable and can grow bored or noisy if left for long full days every day. A midday walk, a food puzzle, or company for part of the day keeps it settled.
Is a Miniature Schnauzer good with kids?
Yes, it is generally a good, playful family dog. It is sturdier than many toy breeds and enjoys games with children, though very young kids should be supervised so play stays gentle. Teaching kids to respect the dog's space keeps the relationship easy.