Frequently Asked Questions
You May Submit Your Questions to:
ToySchnauzerClubofAmerica@Gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Toy Schnauzer Club of America formed?
Shawn Kent Hayashi founded the Toy Schnauzer Club of America in 2023, to honor all of the Toy Schnauzer breeders who came before her. Once the legal structure was established, Toy Schnauzer owners, breeders, and trainers were invited to join the club.
What is the best dog for me? What is the best dog for kids?
If you are asking this question, we’d be happy to help you understand the significant benefits of the schnauzer breed. Hypoallergenic, non-shedding, easy to train, 10-year genetic health guarantee, and well bred are just a few of the benefits of our toy schnauzers. If you are looking at small dog breeds or mid size dog breeds, schnauzers need to be on your list to consider when choosing a dog.
Why are schnauzers one of the best dogs for allergies?
Schnauzers have hair not fur - they don’t shed! As a result many people who have allergies to dogs do not have any reaction to schnauzers. We’ve had many families get puppies from us for their children who are allergic to dogs - and they have had no problems with the schnauzer breed!
How do I know I am choosing the right dog breeder?
Ask questions such as: Do you have a 10 year health guarantee on your puppies? Was this puppy born in your home? Do you do ENS (early neurological stimulation) for puppies starting at 2 days old? Do you provide a variety of experiences, textures, sounds, tastes, and opportunities for socialization for puppies? Can I meet the mother and father or talk to their guardian parents? Do you offer life time support for my dog? An elite dog breeder will happily answer your questions - and the answers to these questions will all be “yes!” We answer “YES!” to these questions and more! Watch this video to see the questions to ask a breeder if they don’t answer this for you.
How do I know I am ready to add a puppy to my family?
In this video, toy schnauzer breeder, Shawn Kent Hayashi, shares the questions to ask yourself and your family before adding a new puppy to your family.
What do I need to know about grooming a toy schnauzer?
Toy schnauzers have hair - they do not shed!! That is the great news! Like any breed of dog that is hypoallergenic and does not shed, the dog will need daily combing and monthly grooming.
Regardless, if you have your toy schnauzer groomed in the traditional cut or you want them fluffy like a teddy bear, you will need to comb your dog from the root (or base of the skin) to the end of the hair daily. With my schnauzers it takes about 2- 3 minutes ensuring that the comb is getting under the arm pits and all around the legs.
Regular grooming is important even when you want your dog to be fluffy and will include nail clipping, ear cleaning, a bath, and a trim around their face, paws, and potty areas. Amy Leigh the Go Groomer has a great YouTube channel including this video where she shows what to do with a puppy to prepare it for regular grooming. In this additional video she is grooming Toy Schnauzer “Grace” in the traditional schnauzer cut and she shows you how to do it too!
If you prefer to work with a professional groomer, find a groomer who understands the type of look you like on your dog (traditional schnauzer or teddy bear or fusion style) and ask for specific steps about what to do between grooming appointments to make it easier for the dog and the groomer when they are together. Start this when your toy schnauzer first comes to your home from your breeder so that your puppy gets comfortable with your groomer.
Starting at 4 weeks old, weekly, it is great for your breeder to bathe them, blow them completely dry, run clippers over their body (even though they are not cutting hair) and trim their toenails. We do this to help the puppy to be comfortable being groomed when they go to their new homes. Please continue this routine when you get your new puppy, so you don’t have issues with your dog’s coat or a dog that is afraid of being groomed.
Before you pick your puppy up from your breeder, find a groomer you like who will work with you. Most breeders are happy to recommend groomers that are familiar with grooming their dogs in their local area. Please learn what is involved in taking care of a toy schnauzer. Get the right tools – you can see how to groom a Toy Schnauzer here
Matted dogs often experience unnecessary skin problems. And we want to prevent upset owners from having a groomer shave a toy schnauzer that was matted. Please comb your dog from the base of the skin to the end of the hair every day and you will solve lots of problems for your beloved fur baby and the groomer you want to have as your partner!
How would you describe a toy schnauzer puppy?
A toy schnauzer puppy is a cute, cuddly, energetic, and playful little dog. They typically have a distinctive appearance, with a square-shaped head, long eyebrows and beard, and soft hair that come in many colors including the most common: Salt and Pepper or Black and the rarer colors including: Red, Chocolate, Cream, and Gold. They have a sturdy, athletic build, and strong legs.
Toy Schnauzer puppies are known for their playfulness. They can be lively and boisterous at times and at other times want to sit in your lap and cuddle. They are very intelligent and trainable, and can be quick learners when it comes to learning basic commands and tricks.
Despite their small size, toy Schnauzer puppies can have a big personality and can be confident. They are affectionate and loyal, and form strong bonds with their families. With proper training and socialization, they make wonderful family pets and are well-suited for both city and country living.
Overall, both the Mini and Toy Schnauzer puppy is a fun and charming little dog that is sure to bring a lot of joy and laughter to your life.
What are the most common health concerns for the schnauzer breed?
Schnauzers, like all dog breeds, can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Some of the most common health concerns associated with Schnauzers include:
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause digestive problems, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. (For this reason schnauzers need a low fat diet.)
Liver shunts: A congenital condition in which the liver does not function properly, leading to liver disease and other health problems. (For this reason you want to ensure you are getting a schnauzer from a breeder to does genetic DNA tests and does not breed dogs who pass this condition onto puppies.)
Bladder stones: Formation of stones in the bladder, which can cause discomfort and other symptoms.
Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition in which the hip joints do not develop properly, leading to arthritis and other issues.
Allergies and skin sensitivities: Schnauzers can be prone to allergies, which can cause itching, skin irritation, and other symptoms. (For this reason I do not include chicken as a primary food group in my dogs - when I switched to chicken free and began to use NuVet Plus and FortiFlora any skin issues my schnauzers had went away.)
Recently, various studies and updates have been conducted to better understand the genetic factors that contribute to these health conditions in Schnauzers. For example, genetic testing can now be used to identify carriers of liver shunts, which helps breeders make informed decisions about which dogs to breed. In addition, ongoing research is being conducted to better understand the genetics of hip dysplasia and other conditions, with the goal of improving the overall health of the schnauzer breed.
Work with a reputable schnauzer breeder who screens their dogs for these conditions and takes steps to reduce the risk of passing them on to future generations.
What is the best way to train my toy schnauzer puppy?
We have a list of trainers who are familiar with training toy size dogs. If you want to train your puppy yourself, please see this Members Only page where we show you step-by-step how to train a toy schnauzer.
Do toy schnauzers shed a lot?
Toy Schnauzer have hair not fur, so they do not shed and they are also hypoallergenic which means most people who have allergies are not allergic to toy schnauzers!
What is the average life span of a Toy Schnauzer?
The average lifespan of a Mini or Toy Schnauzer is 12 to 14 years - some 16 years.
The lifespan of a Toy Schnauzer is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Ensuring your breeder uses Embark DNA data to choose breeding parents wisely, and then providing proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise and stimulation, will help your Schnauzer live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Regular preventive care and prompt treatment of any health issues that arise also helps to extend the lifespan of a toy schnauzer, so it's important to stay up to date on their health needs. Work with your breeder and veterinarian and following their recommendations - this will help ensure that your Schnauzer has a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Thank you for your interest in toy schnauzers!