Miniature Schnauzer – a small but incredibly charismatic dog that combines fearlessness, intelligence, and a charming appearance. Its expressive eyebrows, long beard, and coarse coat make this breed recognizable worldwide. However, behind the cute exterior lies a true fighter – resilient, smart, and loyal, always ready to protect its owners.
This breed is a miniature version of the Standard Schnauzer, developed in Germany in the late 19th century. Initially, it was used for hunting rodents in stables, guarding farms, and even as courier dogs. Thanks to their coarse coat, Miniature Schnauzers were not afraid of bad weather, and their keen sense of smell helped them in hunting.
The breed was officially registered in 1899, and since then, the Miniature Schnauzer has also become a beloved family pet. Today, this breed is popular worldwide, perfectly combining working qualities with an attractive appearance.
According to global kennel club standards, Miniature Schnauzers come in four officially recognized coat colors:
Miniature Schnauzers have a coarse coat that does not shed but requires regular hand-stripping to maintain its texture and healthy appearance. Their expressive beard easily gets dirty while eating, so it needs frequent washing and brushing. The fur on their paws and between their pads should be trimmed to prevent dirt buildup. Their eyes and ears also require careful cleaning to prevent infections and discomfort.
Proper nutrition is essential since this breed is prone to allergies, so it’s best to choose food without unnecessary grains and artificial additives. Active and intelligent Miniature Schnauzers need daily physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and well-balanced. Regular grooming helps maintain their beautiful appearance and improves their well-being, making them happier.
Miniature Schnauzer puppies are bursting with energy and curiosity! They learn quickly, love to explore, and form strong bonds with their owners. These puppies are highly intelligent, so early socialization and command training will help raise the perfect companion.
A unique feature of Miniature Schnauzer puppies is their coarse fur, which starts developing after their first hand-stripping, as well as their characteristic “mustache and beard,” which appear with age. They require a lot of attention and interaction because a Miniature Schnauzer is a lifelong friend.
✅ Hand-stripping for Miniature Schnauzers:
This procedure is essential for maintaining the coarse texture of the coat. The outer coat is removed manually or with special stripping knives, which helps it renew without damaging the follicles. Thanks to this, the fur remains healthy, well-groomed, and free from matting, while the color stays rich. The process can take from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the coat's condition and density.
✅ Miniature Schnauzer haircut:
The Schnauzer cut has precise lines and distinctive elements: a beard, thick eyebrows, and a short-trimmed body. Our groomers follow breed standards or customize the haircut to the owner's preferences. Special attention is given to shaping the fur on the head, legs, and body to maintain the dog's natural elegance.
✅ Hygienic trimming:
Fur in the groin, belly, and under the tail is trimmed to maintain hygiene. This prevents dirt buildup, improves air circulation, and makes pet care easier. Special scissors or clippers with attachments are used for precise and safe trimming.
✅ Paw trimming:
To keep the fur on the paws neat, it is shaped to prevent dirt accumulation and matting. Removing excess hair between the pads is especially important to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces and moisture buildup.
✅ Eye cleaning:
Tear stains can leave dark marks on the fur, so the area around the eyes is regularly cleaned with special products. Safe lotions and sterile wipes are used to prevent irritation and keep the face fresh.
✅ Ear cleaning:
Due to dense fur in the ear canals, Miniature Schnauzers are prone to earwax and dirt buildup, which can lead to infections. Removing excess fur and applying special treatments helps maintain ear health and prevent inflammation.
✅ Anal gland cleaning:
Blocked anal glands can cause discomfort and pain in dogs. This hygienic procedure helps prevent infections, eliminate unpleasant odors, and maintain skin health.
✅ Nail trimming:
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, hinder normal walking, and even lead to paw deformation. To prevent this, nails are regularly trimmed to a safe length using professional clippers. The procedure is done carefully to avoid touching sensitive tissue.
✅ Brushing and detangling – a perfect coat structure without mats:
Although Miniature Schnauzers do not shed, their fur can tangle, especially on the paws and beard. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and keeps the coat smooth and well-groomed. Special combs and brushes are used to prevent hair damage and distribute natural oils evenly.
✅ Beard care – flawless cleanliness and a tidy look:
The beard is one of the Miniature Schnauzer’s most distinctive features, but it gets dirty quickly after meals or walks. To keep it clean, a special shampoo is used to remove dirt and odors. Additionally, the beard is carefully brushed to keep it smooth and neat.
Hand-stripping is the manual removal of dead coat, preserving the texture and natural color. Clipping with scissors or a machine makes the coat softer but is not suitable for show dogs.
Ideally, every 3-4 months. If the dog is not a show dog, hand-stripping can be done more frequently to maintain a neat appearance and prevent matting.
It is possible, but it will change the coat’s texture – it will become soft, fluffy, and may lose its rich color. Additionally, over time, the coat will be more prone to matting, making grooming more difficult.
It’s best to brush them daily to prevent matting and dirt buildup. Additionally, the beard should be washed regularly after meals, and the tips trimmed for a neat appearance.
Yes, it is a necessary procedure. If the fur between the paw pads remains long, it can mat, collect dirt, and cause discomfort for the dog.
Yes, but no later than 2-3 days before the procedure. Clean fur is harder to pluck, so bathing right before hand-stripping is not recommended. It’s best to use a shampoo for coarse coats that doesn’t soften the hair.
The cost of a grooming package for a Miniature Schnauzer depends on the selected services or package. At V.O.G DOG SALON in Kyiv, the price for grooming a Miniature Schnauzer starts from 1100 UAH for a hygiene package (bathing, drying, brushing, shape correction) and from 1300 UAH for a full package, including hand-stripping, haircut, and hygienic procedures.
There are 11 professional salons in Kyiv where you can get a high-quality Miniature Schnauzer hand-stripping. The V.O.G DOG SALON network offers grooming services, including hand-stripping, in various districts of the city.
Kiev, Pechersk district, M. Mikhnovsky Boulevard (Friendship of Nations), 27
Kiev, Pechersk district, Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard, 14
Kiev, Solomyanka district, V. Lobanovsky Avenue, 6a
Kiev, Desniansky district, Red Kalina (Mayakovsky) Avenue, 68a
Kiev, Shevchenko district, Sholudenka Street, 14
Kiev, Darnytsky district, Knyazhy Zaton Street, 2/30
Kiev, Darnytsky district, I. Kotlyarevsky (Work) Boulevard, 7
Kiev, Holosiivskyi district, 4 Seasons Residential Complex, Maksymovycha Street, 3d
Kiev, Podil district, S. Danchenko Street, 32
Kiev, Shevchenkivskyi district, Shchusev Street, 4
European Street, 2a (Eurocity Residential Complex, near Vyshneve town)