Miniature schnauzer

The Schnauzer Collective ranks this adorable bearded dog, which is the smallest of the three schnauzer types, 12th among the smartest dog breeds. According to Steffen, "These quick learners like a challenge and frequently excel in intellectually demanding sports, such competitive obedience and agility".

A medium-sized dog breed of the Schnauzer type, the Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany in the middle to late 19th century. As farmers created a small dog that was effective at ratting, miniature schnauzers may have been derived from the Standard Schnauzer's tiniest specimens or hybrids between the standard and one or more smaller breeds such the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Poodles. They are classified as "spunky" but distant canines with good guarding tendencies but not the tendency to bite that some guard dogs have. Four colors are used to identify miniature Schnauzers around the world: solid black, black and silver, salt and pepper, and white.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a medium-sized Schnauzer breed that originated in Germany in the middle to end of the 19th century. Miniature schnauzers may have originated from the Standard Schnauzer's tiniest specimens or through crossbreeds between the standard and one or lesser breeds like the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Poodles as farmers developed a little dog that was effective at ratting. They are categorized as "spunky" but far-off canines with good defending instincts but lacking some guard dogs' biting propensities. Miniature Schnauzers are distinguished by four colors: solid black, black and silver, salt and pepper, and white.

Height: 11 to 14 inches
Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years