Appearance of the Schnu
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| The Schnu has an almost Foxy appearance, with large, pointed ears, a large head in proportion to the body, a muscular neck and broad shoulders. Some have Schnauzer beards and bushy eyebrows, others do not. This is an elegant breed with a slender, well-proportioned body and long legs that enable it to move quickly. Their thick double coat gives them a teddy-bear look, and many have bushy tails that curl over their backs. But it's their lively, alert expression that makes these dogs hard to ignore. Their faces are full of character, and their large, round, expressive eyes reflect their affectionate nature. Their noses are shiny black, their muzzles are long and pointed, or perhaps a little square like the Miniature Schnauzer's, and their teeth come together in a scissor bite. Small and compact, these dogs move effortlessly and are available in a range of colors from black to black and tan, russet, brown and everything in between. Delicately rounded, well-padded paws offer instant acceleration for a dog with boundless energy and flair. |
Temperament of the Schnu
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| The Schnu is highly intelligent, but don't assume that this free-spirited little dog will obey your every command. He can be stubborn and refuse to do what you want, and will remain firmly convinced of this no matter what. As exasperating as this trait can be, it's part of their bold and endearing personality. One way to overcome this trait is to move on, then later try to approach the problem from a different angle and combine it with praise and attention galore. The Schnu loves attention and will do almost anything for you, if you're sneaky enough to offer it in a way he'll accept. Apart from that, these little dogs are happy, fun-loving dogs and make ideal companion dogs. Life will never be dull with a Schnu at home. These dogs have a strong prey drive, and can be aggressive towards other dogs, so keep them on a leash to avoid quarrels. Be aware that they'll chase small, fast-moving animals like cats, squirrels or birds, not to mention other dogs. Bold and cheeky, this dog has twice the courage a dog its size should have. The Schnu adapts well to family life and gets on well with children. He won't take kindly to being mistreated or to children interfering with his toys or food, so make sure you teach your children to respect their little furry companion. They can spend hours playing together, this dog has tons of energy and will probably outdo your child in any game. As a companion dog, the Schnu loves to be part of the family team; he'll expect to join in the games, cuddles and weekend exploration trips. Loyal and devoted, he'll lose interest if left alone for too long. If you don't have much free time at home, this may not be the dog for you. The Schnu wants to be with you - period. If you have the time, you'll find this little dog a perfect companion, a true friend and a devoted family dog. |
Needs and activities of the Schnu
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| The Schnu is an active little dog, always on the move, who loves to play, explore and conquer the world. Happy to be so, this little dog needs a daily walk to expend his energy. He'll love a long walk around the neighborhood or a playtime at the local dog park. He can be a little aggressive with some dogs, so keep a close eye on your dog to make sure he's behaving himself. This is a good opportunity to socialize your dog and get him used to other animals and people. It's best to start this practice as soon as you receive your feisty puppy. At first, keep him on a leash until he gets used to a crowd of animals. Soon he'll be joining in all the fun and doing his best to keep up. At home, the Schnu will play happily for hours with your children. He's like a wind-up toy that never unwinds. He can be a little possessive of his toys, so warn your children not to taunt him by taking his special toys, or they may get bitten in return. With enough exercise, plenty of socialization and a family that understands the nature of this little chef, the Schnu is a charming addition to any family. |
Maintenance of the Schnu
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| The Schnu has an attractive coat that may favor the Miniature Schnauzer or the Shiba parent, or be a mixture of both. The thick double coat consists of a coarse outer layer and a soft, deep inner layer of hair and should be brushed two to three times a week to keep it looking its best. Be sure to check his armpits, where hair can tangle quite easily. If your Schnauzer has a Dwarf Schnauzer beard, it may need trimming around this area and around the eyes. Often, the coat is so thick that your dog looks more like a teddy bear. Bathing is only necessary if necessary, if he's really muddy or smelly. Wash them gently with a dog shampoo and dry them thoroughly afterwards. Trim his nails at least once a month and brush his teeth three times a week to ensure good oral hygiene and pleasant breath. Dog ears are an ideal breeding ground for infections, so check your dog's ears as part of the grooming process. Never push anything into the inner ear, but wipe it gently with a soft damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. Grooming is also an opportunity to check your dog for wounds and sores, and to treat him if necessary. Your Schnu will love all this attention and will be quick to call you back if you've forgotten his special grooming time. |
English (United Kingdom)