The Miniature Schnauzer is hailed as the 16th most popular breed in the United States. An in-demand pup, this darling canine is exceedingly adaptive to its environment.
This tiny pooch originated from Germany and the name ‘Schnauzer’ is, in fact, the German word for snout— making reference to the pup’s unique facial hair and square snout. It is a cross between a standard schnauzer with the poodle and Affenpinscher.
This dog was initially bred as ratter farm dog which is why it has such unique set of a mustache. Interestingly, the facial mane acted as an armor to protect its face while ratting.
Contents
Upfront Cash Outs to Owning A Miniature Schnauzer
A Miniature Schnauzer costs $500 for the cheapest and could go up to as much as $3,000, depending on the age, size, gender, and coat. In comparison, the Giant Schnauzer costs up to $2000.
It is advised to deal only with reputable and respected breeders or shelter when procuring this tiny dog. A shelter would normally charge a fee of around $50 for adoption.
Correspondingly, there are other costs involved such as:
- Shelter
As with any pet, it is vital that you ensure your new pup gets comfortable, fast. Providing a home inside the house would do the trick.
Find the proper bed or crate to support your dog’s transition. A typical crate goes for $14, while a bed cost around $11.
Moreover, food essentials such as a food bowl and water container must be on the priority list. A water container starts at $2 and a food bowl is at $5 each.
- Training
Learning the basics of dog training and housebreaking are some of the few things you can look at. For a long, amicable life together, it’s important that it learns obedience at an early age.
A Miniature Schnauzer is a notorious barker so it should be well trained to bark during emergency activities only. A standard private obedience training is around $200 for the initial lesson with a duration of 1.5 hours.
- License and Microchip
A dog license cost about $5, in general. Check with your local jurisdiction and get details on specific rules to own a pet. Most areas require a license and will issue a fine if caught without one.
Another sensible way to safeguard your pet is to get it microchipped. The rice grain-sized chip has a huge potential to help find your pet if it gets lost in the future. A microchip is around $10.
Miniature Schnauzer Freebies
When you get the new pet from the shelter or a reputable breeder, do not fail to secure the valuable documentation about your lovely new dog. Papers such as registration certificates and medical records of your dog and its parents are the staples.
Some shelters and rescue facilities would include spaying/neutering in the cost of adoption so if you see some that you find a bit expensive, you’ll know that you are spared of the cost of these, besides the convenience of not having to bring your dog somewhere for the service.
Pet stores, on the other hand, would typically include some freebies such as free food and some dog accessories like a leash, a collar, a food bowl, etc. in the Miniature Schnauzer price to lure you into buying a dog from them.
Miniature Schnauzer Maintenance Costs
- Food costs
A Miniature Schnauzer coat’s color and vitality fades as it grows older. To avoid that, it’s crucial that it gets the right nutrients. Find food that suits your robust and active pet and its sensitive digestion.
This pup is a fussy eater, hence, trying a dry or wet food only or a wet-dry variety might work. A 10-pound bag of dry dog food is about $39 and a 24 case of 3.5 ounces of wet food is around $17.
This tiny dog is prone to diabetes; thus, avoid overfeeding it to keep it away from possible diseases. Additionally, a low-fat diet is prescribed for this breed. Vets also recommend adding a low-fat dental chew, costs around $2 to its diet to guarantee a periodontal disease-free pup.
- Hygiene and Grooming Costs
In order to keep up a healthy coat, the miniature Schnauzer requires constant grooming. With a wiry top coat and a soft undercoat, it’s a double-coated breed. Several tools are necessary for this dog’s grooming ritual. Tools such as a slicker brush start at $3.50, a wide-tooth comb for $2.50, a flea comb at $4.50, electric clipper for about $22.50 each, and dog bath at around $1.50 per bottle.
Learning the proper grooming technique for your Miniature Schnauzer is the key since you cannot take it to a salon every single day. A professional salon charges about $38 to $65 from a simple bath to a full grooming service.
- Medical and Insurance Costs
Despite being considered as one of the healthiest breeds, this dog is still prone to some diseases and conditions like pancreatitis, periodontal disease, and diabetes. Look for the coverage that best suits your dog’s need when choosing your pet insurance. An average premium per month is $36 to $110, depending on the individual inclusions in the policy.
Taking your pup to a vet regularly is important to ensure optimal health. A standard consultation fee is about $35 and may go over $100 for emergency care. For that reason, the vet should be your first stop right after getting your pup.
- Toys and Exercise
Daily walks of at least 30 minutes with this playful and intelligent pet are indispensable in retaining a healthy life. To keep this pup’s boredom at bay, you may want to create a space for it to play nonstop. A playpen or a fenced area in the backyard is ideal.
The toys for your intelligent little Miniature Schnauzer should be washable. Look out for sharp edges or small parts as those can harm your pet. Top toy choices can be an interactive ball treat, which goes for about $2 each or a plush dog toy roughly $5.
Overall Consideration When Buying A Miniature Schnauzer
Shelter adoption fee typically includes a leash and microchip with national registration. Vet exams, spay/neuter, and pet care counseling are also covered. The normal fee for adoption from respectable agencies like Humane Society would be cheaper (around $50 to $150) depending on the age, size, and gender of the pup.
On the contrary, expect to shell out a more significant amount when dealing with reputable breeders but this would be reflected in the quality of pets they offer.
To make sure you are getting a purebred pup, you can check out the AKC Marketplace or The American Miniature Schnauzer Club and get a list of certified breeders in your area.
Sweep your home for things that can hurt your new pup and keep it out of the way.
All things considered, this popular dog with its delightful personality will surely be a fantastic addition to your home!
