Human orientation
High score: devoted to the family, does not like loneliness. Behavior depends on socialization.
THE PAW CATALOG
Mittelschnauzer
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History of the Mittelschnauzer breed
Origin: Germany
An ancient German breed, which is depicted in the paintings of Durer and Rembrandt. It is believed to be descended from a wolf-gray spitz and a black German poodle crossed with a wire-haired pinscher. Dogs were first shown in Germany in 1879 as hard-haired pinschers, and the standard appeared in 1880. In the United States, they are classified as terriers for their ability to catch rats, and in Germany, they are a working dog that guarded farms and ponds. The breed gained wide popularity in the USA only after the First World War.
The Mittelschnauzer is a medium-sized German dog (about 46-48 cm, 16-20 kg) of compact, square build with a stiff wire coat, eyebrows and beard. Color "pepper with salt" or black. Dark, loyal, alert and brave. Requires activity, early socialization and regular trimming.
Sizeaverage
OriginGermany
Life is nearby
Suitable for a family ready for an active life. In an enclosure or alone in the backyard, he is unhappy: he needs people nearby.
Walks
Need more than 30 minutes of activity every day; without it, the dog can rummage around the house and spoil things.
Training
Shy and easy to learn, but he is stubborn and cleverly circumvents commands. Early socialization and consistent upbringing are necessary.
Care
Wire hair needs trimming, cutting or visits to the groomer. They comb and bathe regularly. Beards are wiped after meals, ears are examined, claws are trimmed.
Children
Family-oriented, usually gets along well with children. Lack of exercise can lead to the dog chasing the baby, so activity is a must.
Other animals
The hunting and rat instinct is preserved, therefore small animals are prey for it. Socialization helps to get along with dogs.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
High score: understanding, although sometimes stubborn.
Zooaggression
Average score: rat instinct needs control.
Health and reproductive risks
In the British cohort, the median lifespan of the breed was 13.0 years. Among the described breed risks: hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, eye diseases; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
Average score: wire wool needs trimming or cutting.
Health
Hip dysplasia
Dysplasia of the hip joints: the results of examinations of both parents are requested. Excess weight increases the load on the joints, so the puppy should not be overfed. Lameness is shown to the veterinarian.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. New fatigue, coughing, or shortness of breath require a veterinary examination.
Eye diseases
Eye diseases: it is worth planning regular visits to an ophthalmologist. Redness, cloudiness or excessive tearing are not ignored.
Photo of the breed
