Are Schnauzers Good Apartment Dogs? (What You Need To Know)

The Schnauzer is a wonderful breed of dog, and for those that are looking for a puppy that will grow in the small to medium size range, this might be a great option for you.

However, how are they living at home? Do they require a lot of maintenance, and how much exercise do they need?

Let’s take a deep dive into the Schnauzer and learn whether they would be the right fit for you!

What Is A Schnauzer?

The Schnauzer is an old German breed, and it has been around since the 15th century.

They were bred as hunting dogs, but their temperament was such that they became popular as pets.

Today, there are many different types of Schnauzer breeds, including:

  • Schnauzer Terrier – This type of Schnauzer is known for its terrier-like traits. It is also one of the smallest Schnauzer breeds.
  • Miniature Schnauzer – This is another smaller version of the Schnauzer. It is similar to the Schnauzer Terrier in appearance, but it is slightly larger than the other two varieties.
  • Standard Schnauzer – This variety of Schnauzer is the largest of the three. It is often referred to as “the standard” because it is the most common type of Schnauzer.

How Large Are Schnauzers?

The average height of a Schnauzer varies depending on which type of Schnauzer you’re talking about.

For example, the Miniature Schnauzer can reach up to 12 inches tall, while the Standard Schnauzer can reach anywhere from 13 inches to 16 inches.

However, these heights are not set in stone.

Some Schnauzers have shorter legs than others, so some may be shorter than what we’ve listed here.

Can A Schnauzer Be Left Alone?

Yes, if your Schnauzer is well-trained. However, it’s important to remember that Schnauzers are still active dogs who love to play.

If left alone all day long, they could get bored or restless, and this can lead them to become destructive.

If you want to keep your Schnauzer safe when you aren’t home, you should consider getting them a doggy door.

These doors allow your dog to come and go as he pleases without having to worry about being locked out.

What Does A Schnauzer Eat?

A Schnauzer’s diet depends on which type of Schnauzer you own. For instance, the Miniature Schnauzer needs more food than the Standard Schnauzer does.

In general, however, Schnauzers eat a diet that includes:

  • Meat – Your Schnauzer should be fed meat every single day. Meat helps provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to your dog.
  • Fruits & Vegetables – Your Schnauzer must also be given fruits and vegetables each day. These foods help provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes to your Schnauzer.
  • Bone Meal – Bone meal is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also provides calcium and phosphorus to your Schnauzer’s body.
  • Treats – Treats are also a part of your Schnauzer’s daily diet. They give your Schnauzer something fun to chew on while he waits for his next meal.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Feed My Schnauzer?

Schnauzers are generally good eating dogs. That said, there are certain things you should avoid feeding your Schnauzer.

These include:

  • Dairy Products – Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter contain lactose, which can cause diarrhea in your Schnauzer. In addition, dairy products can be high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain.
  • Raw Meat – Raw meat contains bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can make your Schnauzer sick.
  • Grain Products – Grain products like bread, pasta, rice, cereal, and oats can cause digestive problems in your Schnauzer and lead to flatulence.
  • Other Foods – Certain foods can upset your Schnauzer’s stomach. These include chocolate (in fact, don’t feed any dog chocolate), caffeine, onions, garlic, mint, and citrus fruit.

How Much Food Do Schnauzers Require?

Your Schnauzer will require approximately 1/3 cup of dry food per pound of their body weight.

So, if your Schnauzer weighs 10 pounds, they’ll need around 3 cups of food per day.

The amount of food your Schnauzer eats will vary based on how much exercise they get.

If your Schnauzer has lots of energy, they might eat more than if they’re just sitting at home.

Do Schnauzers Bark A Lot?

No, Schnauzers don’t bark a lot. In fact, they tend to be very quiet dogs.

They will howl at night, though, if they feel threatened or scared, so make sure you bear this in mind.

Are Schnauzers High Maintenance?

Your Schnauzer shouldn’t need much maintenance. They just require a little bit of grooming and exercise.

Grooming is especially easy with a Schnauzer.

Just brush them once per week, and they’ll look great! Exercise is also pretty simple, and shouldn’t take too long to understand.

More on exercise in just a second.

Are Schnauzers Indoor Dogs?

Yes, Schnauzers are indoor dogs. This means that they should live indoors all the time.

As outdoor dogs, they would likely become stressed out by the weather and other animals.

If you want to keep your Schnauzer outside, it’s best to do so only during the winter months. During summer, your Schnauzer needs to stay inside because it gets too hot.

Are Schnauzers Easy To Train?

Yes, training your Schnauzer is fairly easy. The trickiest thing about training a Schnauzer is getting them used to being trained.

Once they’ve been properly trained, though, they’re usually quite obedient.

Training your Schnauzer involves teaching them commands like sit, down, come when called, and wait.

It’s important to start training early, as young puppies often have trouble learning these commands.

You can train your Schnauzer using positive reinforcement. For example, when your Schnauzer does something right, give them a treat.

When they do something wrong, ignore them for a few minutes. Eventually, your Schnauzer will learn what’s expected of them.

What Exercises Should My Schnauzer Do?

A good way to help your Schnauzer build muscle and burn calories is through physical activity.

Your Schnauzer can play fetch, run around the yard, swim, jump rope, or even participate in agility classes.

Some people recommend walking your Schnauzer every day. If this works well for you, go ahead and try it.

However, remember that your Schnauzer may not enjoy daily walks.

As a general rule, miniature Schnauzers need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Some owners prefer to walk their Schnauzers twice a day, while others prefer one-hour walks.

Why Do Schnauzers Stink?

Schnauzers stink because they produce high levels of ammonia.

Ammonia is a natural substance found in urine. It smells bad, but it doesn’t harm your Schnauzer.

Ammonia is produced by bacteria living in your Schnauzer’s digestive tract.

These bacteria break down protein into ammonia, which then passes through your Schnauzer’s system.

Ammonia can accumulate in your Schnauzer’s fur, causing it to smell. If this happens, wash your Schnauzer thoroughly with soap and water.

Flatulence is also common in Schnauzers, but it isn’t caused by the same process. Flatulence is caused by gas passing through the intestines.

Gas accumulates in the intestine and eventually comes out through the anus.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, speak to your vet who can assess their diet and ask you more in-depth questions about their lifestyle.

Can You Have A Miniature Schnauzer In An Apartment?

Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds.

Because of their size, miniature Schnauzers are often considered less maintenance and cost less than other Schnauzer breeds.

However, if you choose to get one, make sure that you can provide enough space for your miniature Schnauzer.

They need room to move around and stretch out.

How Long Does It Take For My Schnauzer To Grow?

It takes about 6-8 months for your Schnauzer puppy to reach full adult height. During this time, your dog should be growing between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch per month.

At first, your Schnauzer puppy will grow quickly, reaching adulthood within 3-6 months.

After this growth spurt, your Schnauzer’s growth slows down until he reaches his final adult size.

Schnauzer Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for a miniature Schnauzer is 12-15 years. This number is based on the fact that most Schnauzers live past 15 years old.

This means that most Schnauzers die before they reach 16 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Dog Crate?

A dog crate is an essential piece of equipment when owning a dog.

Whether you have a large dog or a smaller breed, having a crate will help keep your dog safe and secure.

Crates come in various sizes and styles. The best choice depends on what type of dog you own.

Smaller dogs may not require a crate, while larger dogs may benefit from a larger crate.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a companion animal for yourself or as a gift for someone else, there are many different types of dogs available today.

But we love the Schnauzer, and we feel it would make a great option for those that aren’t looking for dogs that require a lot of work and maintenance.