Q&A About White Mini Schnauzers

What is a White Mini Schnauzer? 

Schnauzers were first bred in Germany. To create a smaller version of the popular Standard Schnauzer, breeders gave themselves a mission to create the Miniature Schnauzer. They wanted a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer for the purpose of ridding their property of vermin. These breeders wanted the same appearance, temperament, markings, and colors of the Standard Schnauzer – which were salt & pepper and black colored.

To reach their goal of a smaller version of the Schnauzer, breeders crossed their smallest Schnauzers with smaller Poodles and Affenpinschers. When they did new colors resulted: black & silver (Phantoms) and white (known as little “ee” or “recessive red” for those of you who are into DNA).

When they are born, black & silver Miniature Schnauzers look so much like the salt and pepper color; they were thought to be a salt & pepper variety and therefore accepted immediately. Later, with the understanding that DNA tests provide, it became clear that black & silver Schnauzers are a separate color. At that point, the newer black & silver color was already widely accepted so no further consideration or controversy arose around the color differences.

Unfortunately, the German breeders at that time did not understand DNA the way we do today. It was assumed by these early breeders that white Miniature Schnauzers were defective. Many of them were killed immediately after birth solely because of their color.

Today, the white Schnauzer is one of four color varieties of the Miniature Schnauzer currently recognized by the World Canine Organization. They can be registered and shown in obedience and agility. However, at this time, white Schnauzers are not accepted for confirmation showing by two well-known breed clubs: the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).  

All 4 Miniature Schnauzer colors — salt & pepper, black, black & silver, and white (recessive red “ee”) — can be registered with all the major registries. Not all registries, including the AKC and the CKC, allow these white dogs to be shown in their beauty pageant (confirmation show rings). This causes controversy, conflict, and confusion for white Schnauzer lovers. White Miniature Schnauzers can be shown in events such as Agility, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Obedience, or Earthdog trials, just not in confirmation competitions.

When people create a breed of dog, they create a written standard outlining what the breed will include. For many years the Miniature Schnauzer, was only to be the original colors: salt & pepper and black. Once you understand how the DNA works in this breed it becomes very clear that the white Schnauzer “ee” is a recessive red color and is not a genetic fault! It is time to recognize the white Miniature Schnauzer and stop being color blind! As a result we created our own standard that focuses on the health and well being of the dog over the color of the hair.

What is the Mini Schnauzer temperament?

Miniature Schnauzers are very intelligent. They love to learn so they are obedient dogs for owners who know how to train them. Schnauzers are extremely loyal and loving to their family including people and other pets. When they are well socialized at a young age they will get along with all people.

When it comes to children, the breed does well with children, teenagers and adults. No breed including the Miniature Schnauzer usually does well with very young children pulling and jumping on them so supervision will be needed with young children and any dog.  Miniature Schnauzers who were raised as puppies with small children from the beginning, do well with children.

Do schnauzers get along with other pets?

Yes! Schnauzers get along very well with dogs and cats. Keep in mind they were bred to retrieve and kill rats and other small rodents. So if you have hamsters or rabbits, your Schnauzer should not be left alone with them.

What are the grooming needs of the Miniature Schnauzer?

Because they have hair not fur, they will need to be combed or brushed regularly. They will need a bath every 3 weeks with shampoo and conditioner. You can go to a professional dog groomer or watch Amy Leigh, the Go Groomer, on YouTube and learn to groom your Mini Schnauzer yourself. In this video she grooms our schnauzer, Grace.

Is the Miniature Schnauzer good with apartment living?

Yes! With the right training as a puppy, the Miniature Schnauzers does well living in an apartment. The toy size do especially well in apartments and living arrangements where they use potty pads instead of going outside.

How much exercise do Miniature Schnauzers need?

That will depend on their size. The toy variety does not need long walks. The larger the size the higher the need for exercise outside. A six pound toy schnauzer will be able to play with toys inside and be very happy. A twenty pound schnauzer will need walks or opportunities to run outside daily.

What health challenges do Schnauzers have and how can these be avoided?

We use Embark DNA tests on all our breeding dogs so we understand and know what to expect from our puppies. Miniature Schnauzers are very healthy dogs, it is important to keep them on a low fat diet as high fat diets can cause diabetes, pancreatitis, bladder stones, schnauzer bumps and weight gain.  None of our dogs have had any of these issues that is why we can confidently offer a 10 (ten) year genetic health guarantee on our dogs.

I heard Mini Schnauzers bark too much – is that a problem?

At SVCC Toys LLC, our mini schnauzers do not bark too much because they have been taught to bark to alert us — and then to stop! We make it clear we can handle whatever is happening. This can be taught. Our schnauzers will be great alert dogs and if you behave as the pack leader, they will also be calm and easy going.

Do I need AKC papers to ensure I have a Mini Schnauzer?

AKC registration papers are a record that breeders use to show who was bred to whom.

A more accurate way to know you have a 100% pure bred mini schnauzer is to use the Embark DNA test, which is what we do with our dogs, so you know you are getting a healthy well-bred dog using science.

What do your customers say about your Mini Schnauzers and working with you?

Please visit our Facebook page to read reviews from our “fur baby family.”

Looking for a well-bred, DNA-tested, white mini or toy schnauzer? Visit us in the Lehigh Valley, PA and at www.SVCCToys.com!